AppWorks 基金為何投資:謝瑞庭,點點全球創辦人 (AppWorks #10)

撰文:AppWorks 東南亞團隊負責人 Sophie Chiu

AppWorks 與點點全球的創辦人謝瑞庭結識已久,平日更多稱呼他為 Ting。Ting 於 2014 年加入 AppWorks #10,彼時是帶著他的第三個創業題目愛物聯來參加。我們與 Ting 一起走過了 10 個年頭,今年有幸能參與並領投 Ting 目前經營的點點全球。本文將介紹這個投資決策的整體思量,包含對創辦人 Ting 的多年認識、餐飲科技的發展、與點點全球試圖打的硬仗。

連續創業者 Ting 的第三個篇章

身為一個連續創業者,Ting 的起點始於大學時期,1998 年加入當年非常有名的 pAsia 資迅人,參與開發全球第一個中文介面即時通訊軟體 CICQ 與拍賣網站酷必得,憑此資訊人獲得英特爾投資,在當年是台灣軟體創業史的傳奇之一,但也在網際網路泡沫時於 2000-2001 年劃下句點 (編按:資訊人創辦團隊 1999 年登上雜誌封面的意氣風發形象,就是當年激勵 AppWorks 創辦人 Jamie,與大學同學創辦碩網資訊的其中一個原因)。

資訊人的這段歷程啟蒙了 Ting 的創業之路,於是在碩士畢業前夕,Ting 又透過當時的交大校園網路策進會 CCCA 的友人得到一個商業機會,為聯電打造聯網大街,即員工福利金購物平台,成為了 Ting 在 2000 年的第二個創業題目達科數位,當時聯網大街平台消費金額 (GMV) 高達兩億台幣,並於兩年內出售。這便是 Ting 創業歷程的第一個篇章。

畢業後,Ting 由於股市失利 (經當事人同意揭露),因此暫緩了創業的計畫,加入了廣達成為 IC 設計工程師,一共是 11 年的時光。這段 IC 與硬體設計的歷程給予 Ting 豐富的養分,從產品設計、客戶開發、到帶領團隊 (以及賺回當年失利的錢),最後由於 Ting 與廣達在商業策略上的路線分歧,使得 Ting 決意離開優渥待遇並開啟了創業的第二個篇章。

帶著軟硬整合的技術能力,Ting 於 2014 年以自有資金創辦了愛物聯並加入 AppWorks 創業加速器第 10 屆,愛物聯主要為零售餐飲商家提供路由器與網路服務,由於技術的優異因而與台灣大哥大共同贏得台灣彩券合約;於 2016 又創立路遊數位並開發出旅遊移動專用的 WiFi 網路分享器。兩個生意都在 2-3 年內達到一定的市占率,跟 2000 年做聯網大街一樣,Ting 一直以來都很善於在 0-1 的創業方式中取得成績,把公司打造成獲利優異的小企業。

但 Ting 並不滿足於此。從許多愛物聯的客戶,Ting 發現中小餐飲面臨的需求與痛點尚未被滿足,而餐飲科技市場本身具有龐大的市場空間去讓 Ting 做更大的挑戰。2019 年 Ting 成立快一點 (後整體公司更名為點點全球),專門服務中小型餐飲店家,引領台灣 QR 點餐的風潮。。而 2024 年更進一步推出 DotDot Pay 點點支付,點點全球成為台灣第一家非銀行機構推出軟體收款技術的支付公司,正式跨入了支付市場。

現在就是 Ting 創業的第三個篇章,從過往創立數個業績千萬台幣且有獲利的公司,現在要挑戰十分競爭的支付市場,來打造一個數億甚至數十億收入規模的公司。這不是一件容易的事,尤其 Ting 必須要不斷自我提升,他善於打游擊戰術並且在小領域獲得大成功,但支付市場無比競爭又有許多大型巨頭,需要的不只是升級的戰術,還有更大的決心。不過,與他相識十年的 AppWorks 同仁們都對他充滿信心,因為 Ting 一直以來都不輕言放棄,再難或複雜的案子他都能帶領團隊一一攻克,這背後也源自於 Ting 對餐飲客戶的深切暸解,為此 Ting 甚至開了一家早餐店,親自 (有時是太座,但後期就聘用專業人員) 站在煎台理解客戶所面臨到的所有營運痛點 (編按:目前早餐店持續經營中),甚至曾拍攝影片教學餐廳如何有效殺蟑。

快一點的初期成功奠基於對餐飲商家痛點的深切了解

深切理解餐飲客戶其實是一個無比重要的關鍵,如此才能夠訂出最合適的產品與定價策略,尤其餐飲科技市場注定受限於當地的經濟水平,台灣甚或是東南亞市場,其客戶的願付能力遠低於先進國家,因此再多再好的軟硬體功能,可能都難以拉高產品售價。從 POS 產品單價來比較,在美國市場大約一個月的訂閱價格落在 US$60-250,在台灣這個區間是 US$35-65,東南亞 (不含新加坡) 則是 US$10-40。雖然工程師人力價格會在各地不同,但畢竟還是都需要相當人力來打造產品,這個單位經濟意味著大東南亞的創業者勢必要更加地錙銖必較。

這也是快一點最初在 2019 剛切進餐飲科技的第一個策略:比起高規格打造的科技產品全餐,客戶可能更需要的是一個簡單的模組直接解決它眼下最大的痛點。因此他們率先推出的是一台簡易的出單機,搭配使用 LINE 進行掃碼點餐。硬體背景導致他們的出單機自帶台廠最低成本 DNA,價格最親民;硬體整合的背景也使得這台出單機使用上完全無痛,插電即接單。快一點最初藉此橫掃中小型餐飲,如今擁有 1 萬 5 千多家客戶的支持與極低的退訂率。

快一點在中小餐飲界的成功,也顯示一個永恆的命題:對餐飲公司來說,科技產品永遠是一個成本開支項,只想要更便宜。隨著台灣面臨人口短缺、高通膨的影響,餐廳追求增加坪效、降低人力,是否整個連 POS 機台的設計、操作、與使用流程都應該重新被設計考慮,甚至不需要存在?我非常享受跟 Ting 經常做這樣的腦力激盪與討論。他的策略是為五大類型的餐飲客戶提供不同層級的產品選擇,讓所有的東西都可以模組化搭配:線上點餐、出單機、POS 結帳系統、中央系統管理分店體系、客戶 CRM 管理、無人點餐機…等等。每種店家都可以得到最適合自己的產品與訂價,而不用面臨單一的選擇,這也是 Ting 在產品設計初衷與戰略上與多數業者最大的不同。

從快一點到點點全球:點點支付這場硬仗

前述提到餐飲科技受限於當地市場的經濟水平與量體,以至於台灣的餐飲科技可能規模有限,基於這樣的考量,加入金融科技應當是在所難免。這也是美國的 Square 與 Toast 從 2009-11 年以來展現出來的成功模式,如今兩者市值都高達百億美金。

在快一點出現以前,台灣的餐飲科技業者並沒有完全仿照美國的商業模式,主因可能來自於台灣銀行體系透過刷卡機或現行的軟體支付系統已取得前 30% 大餐飲的非現金支付,且 LINE Pay 於 2015 年登台、Apple Pay 於 2017 落地台灣後,餐飲支付已有多元選擇,本身並不是一個明顯待被解決的痛點。

對客戶來說不是最大的痛點,但卻是對餐飲科技新創來說重要的商業發展選擇。快一點自成立初期就投入研發在 SoftPOS 技術,即透過軟體讓各種手機與平板設備都可以成為收款終端機。耗時數年與近百萬美元方取得國際卡組織認證,並於 2023 年在台灣取得第三方支付牌照。透過點點支付,快一點不再只餐飲 SaaS 公司,進化成為點點全球,試圖挑戰複製 Toast 與 Square 的成功模式,成為餐飲金融科技。

但這肯定是硬仗一場。LINE Pay 於今年一月掛牌締造興櫃紀錄,單日上漲 195%,背後是由 LINE Pay 在台灣的高滲透率與高達 6 千億台幣的年度交易金額所支持。在餐飲界,LINE Pay 約有 50-60% 的支付滲透率,多數是中小型餐飲,而 LINE Pay 的成功基本上證明了中小餐飲消費也有巨大的非現金支付需求。對點點支付來說,上 (高端餐飲) 有銀行刷卡機的高滲透率,下 (中小餐飲) 有 LINE Pay 挾帶巨大會員優勢,旁有線上支付業者如 TapPay、綠界也摩拳擦掌準備加入戰局。貌似紅海的競爭環境,也許解釋了為何多數餐飲科技業者並不打算加入。

點點支付現有的優勢是自身 1 萬 5 千個商戶作為第一批導入基礎,但 Ting 認爲最後這個競爭還是回到餐飲科技的本身,就算金融科技業者可以對餐飲商家提出產品或回饋誘因,點點全球還是能夠以完整多模組的產品線最好地服務餐飲商家。

這是一場不確定性很高的局勢,但唯一可以確定的是,我們認識 Ting 很久了,我們知道他總是能找到槓桿點、突破困境,攻下更大的山頭。於此同時,我們盤點 AppWorks 過去 15 年來在台灣與東南亞建立的新創社群,其中屬於餐飲科技有近 20 間,可以互通有無、一起前行。我們經常舉辦專業領域的創業者圓桌會議,最近一場便是 8 月份在吉隆坡的餐飲科技聚會,其中邀請點點全球與東南亞數個餐飲科技新創聚會討論,透過合作出海也許是另一條蹊徑,而 AppWorks 的社群是創業者最好的助力。 

對今年喜得龍女的 Ting 來說,取某前生仔後好事不只一樁,作為老朋友的我們,很開心可以分享他的喜悅,同時支持他在創業路上全新且更大的篇章。

Why We Invested: Anggia Meisesari, Founder & CEO of TransTRACK (AW#28)

Co-founders of TransTRACK: Anggia Meisesari, CEO (right); Aris Pujud Kumiawan, CTO (left)

From tech lover to tech builder

At the age of 13, Anggia dived into the realm of programming, inspired by her father’s deep love for electronics. Her fascination with computers sparked a keen curiosity, leading her to explore math and programming with enthusiasm. What began as a hobby soon evolved into a passionate pursuit, driving her to study at Bandung Institute of Technology.” Her distinguished academic record earned her lecturer positions at several universities.

Encouraged by an alumnus to apply her research and academic knowledge to real-world problems, Anggia transitioned into the business world. She first served as IT Manager for Champ Resto Group and later co-founded Business Software Solutions (BSS), aiming to digitize Indonesia’s food and beverage sector. Despite BSS’ initial success, the business faced internal challenges and ceased to operate after bootstrapping for nearly a decade.

Devastated but resolute in her quest to make a significant impact through technology, Anggia joined a global fleet management and telematics company as Indonesia Country Manager. Within less than a year, she achieved a remarkable 200% increase in the company’s monthly revenue in Indonesia. Her exceptional leadership garnered the attention of senior management, leading to her relocation to the headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa to drive even greater impact.

Though determined to foster substantial innovation, Anggia encountered one of the most significant challenges in fleet management and telematics: technology rigidity. Her company, like many conventional providers, offered hardware and software in a bundled package, limiting user choice and cost optimization. Different fleet operators have varying software needs and budget constraints for hardware, which creates obstacles for tailored solutions. Despite her efforts to overcome these technological barriers, Anggia was impeded by the company’s outdated software development models and conservative corporate practices.

Disrupting technology rigidity

To address the pain point, Anggia founded TransTRACK with a view to revolutionizing fleet management and telematics in Indonesia. She led her team to develop a hardware-agnostic software-as-a-service (SaaS) solution through a modularized approach. At the user’s choice, the platform offers real-time location tracking, driver condition monitoring, maintenance alerts, fuel theft detection, and numerous other features that can be paired with the users’ preferred hardware. Additionally, it integrates supply chain management functions including logistics, warehouse management, and insurance. 

Anggia’s vision swiftly came to fruition, securing contracts with leading organizations across sectors of logistics, public transportation, plantation and forestry, port and marine, as well as leasing. The TransTRACK team’s agile technology development and rapid execution have enabled effective customization and brought about broader market acceptance. To date, TransTRACK has established a presence in over 130 cities in Indonesia, over 30 cities in Malaysia, and Singapore. Additionally, the minimal churn rate of the SaaS platform highlights its strong product-market fit. Thanks to the flexibility of TransTRACK’s technology, Anggia has finally given birth to a solution that meets the wide array of demand of various fleet operators.

Hunger for greater success and impact

With increased import and export cargo volume, tightened safety regulations, and heightened awareness of carbon emissions, the need for modernized fleets is more urgent than ever before. With a vision that extends far beyond Indonesia’s borders, Anggia is driven to prove that Indonesia can produce a globally competitive technology leader. AppWorks firmly believes that Anggia will continue to lead TransTRACK to capitalize on the booming demand and drive further growth. 

AppWorks Demo Day #28 Showcases Startups Startups Transforming Enterprise through AI

Dramatic shifts in consumer behavior and social awareness have created demand for new categories of startups to address emerging consumer demands around social commerce, sustainability, and privacy.

TAIPEI, TAIWAN—June 12, 2024—AppWorks Accelerator, Greater Southeast Asia’s largest startup community, today held its 28th demo day (AW#28), unveiling 17 startups embracing AI to transform enterprise and commerce for a new era. The batch featured companies connecting social commerce with offline channel logistics, innovative payment solutions, and new applications for blockchain and AI—building tools and infrastructure for a more socially-connected, privacy-concerned, and digitally-conscious generation of businesses and consumers.

AppWorks Accelerator #28 (AW#28) demo day featured a total 16 teams on stage. As a batch, AW#28 hosted 38 innovative companies, with founders hailing from 17 different countries and regions, including Greater Southeast Asia, the United Arab Emirates, South Korea, the United States, France, Finland, and beyond. The batch featured several serial founders and 20% of participating startups were founded by female founders. The diverse geographic background of AW#28 illustrates the increasing globalization of tech entrepreneurship, as founders are building both global and hyperlocal solutions with AI to solve enterprise and commerce challenges around the world.

AW#28’s demo day featured the following companies:

  1. ADPList: A global mentorship platform to access knowledge from experts (Singapore)
  2. XO: AI-powered and blockchain-verified conversational platform for Gen Z (Taiwan)
  3. Borong: B2B bulk e-commerce platform (Malaysia)
  4. EQUO: A one-stop-shop omnichannel platform of curated, high-performance, quality products for the conscientious consumer (Vietnam)
  5. Orderfaz: Shopify for social commerce sellers (Indonesia)
  6. Event Horizon: DAO meta-governance layer (United States)
  7. Return Helper: End-to-end solution for cross border e-commerce returns (Hong Kong)
  8. ShipAny: Smart logistics gateway for e-commerce (Hong Kong)
  9. ABConvert: Specialized A/B testing tool for e-commerce (Taiwan)
  10. Ajourney: One-stop HR & payroll platform for businesses in Southeast Asia (Singapore)
  11. Quantlytica: AI-powered crypto asset management infrastructure (Finland)
  12. Olli: AI-powered operating system for toy manufacturers to turn toys into children’s personalized companion (United States)
  13. Qiro Finance: On-chain private credit protocol (Singapore)
  14. Exchequer Finance: Allows projects to self-insure token risk, incentivizing users with time premiums instead of tokens  (Singapore)
  15. Jomud: Digitized career consultation using AI for university (Hong Kong)
  16. Cheko: Bridging students with subject experts for homework assistance (Philippines)

Many startups today were formed during the disruptive years of the pandemic, building solutions to address a world emerging from disruption and permanent changes in consumer behavior.

ADPList was born out of the COVID era, founded by Felix Lee. Initially launched to provide support to people who lost their jobs during the pandemic by connecting job seekers with recruiters, ADPList accumulated 300,000 active members and 25,000 mentors from major companies like Netflix, Airbnb, Google, and others with over 60% retention rate, receiving backing from Peak XV Partners. Differing from existing options like LinkedIn, ADPList attracts users looking for life and career guidance and building meaningful connections with professional peers and mentors.

Another startup launched to address the loneliness prevalent during the pandemic is XO—an anonymous dating software that uses blockchain technology to protect privacy and improve account credibility, utilizing AI to facilitate greater interaction around topics of interest and build empathy. With strong traction, XO has received investment from Rakuten and has gained international traction among Gen Z users.

AW#28 featured many companies that are building solutions for social commerce and logistics in Southeast Asia, tapping into a large youthful demographic base and steady economic growth in the ~5% range for the foreseeable future.

Founded by Aizat Rahim, Malaysia-based Borong is leading the integration of B2B e-commerce channels in Southeast Asia, with a gross transaction volume of nearly US$1 billion in 2023. With backing from Y Combinator, Borong has achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 162% and repeat purchase rate of over 75%, as the company seeks to create an omnichannel logistics ecosystem penetrating throughout Southeast Asia and beyond.

Indonesia-based Orderfaz is creating a Shopify-style experience for social commerce merchants, integrating and managing orders on major platforms like TikTok Shop, Shopee, and Lazada. Launched in 2023 to help merchants improve conversion rates and manage product inventory, Orderfaz is now generating over US$1 million in monthly revenue, with plans to expand to Malaysia. Founded by serial entrepreneur Reynaldi Gandawidjaja, Orderfaz has received backing from 1982 Ventures.

As more people become concerned with our impact on the environment, startups are creating solutions to promote sustainability and minimize carbon footprints. Vietnam’s EQUO develops 100% plastic-free straws, tableware, plates and drinkware, made of degradable and environmentally-friendly materials such as sugar cane, coconut, coffee and rice. Launched in 2020 by Marina Tran-Vu, EQUO has achieved an annual recurring revenue (ARR) of US$1.6 million and provides products to over 18 countries around the world.

“Over the past 14 years, from our humble roots in Taiwan, AppWorks has developed into a large regional startup network. With the addition of AW#28, we have now nurtured 563 active startups in 14 years. Among them, 30% have successfully raised Series A funding or beyond, and nearly 100 can be considered large enterprises with revenue exceeding US$6 million or have successfully completed IPOs/IEOs. Additionally, there are nearly 100 hidden champions that have achieved sustained profitability through bootstrapping,” said Jamie Lin, Chairman & Partner, AppWorks. “These diverse startups form a complete ecosystem, with large enterprises providing platforms and business opportunities, and hidden champions offering unique solutions. This allows the AW#28 cohort to quickly establish countless synergistic collaborations.”

Wistron Demo Day Continues to Showcase Startups Building for a Connected World

In partnership with AppWorks, Wistron Accelerator has been running since 2021 and has featured 24 teams so far, focusing on companies in AI, cloud, healthcare, information security, IoT, and other cutting-edge sectors. Wistron Accelerator allows startups to conduct Proof of Concepts within real-world scenarios in Wistron Group and together explore avenues of growth over the next decade.

Wistron Demo Day #6 Featured:

  1. Etiq AI: A predictive model software to identify data & model issues, and provide optimization recommendations (United Kingdom)

With the rollout of AI in enterprises around the world, many stakeholders remain skeptical on the accuracy and accountability of AI systems. Founded by experienced business and data science professionals, Etiq AI develops APIs designed to optimize AI decision-making models. By testing data quality and model performance, Etiq AI can detect errors flexibly and quickly, allowing data scientists to fully understand the data they deploy in their AI ​​models and reduce errors, helping business decision-makers gain a clearer understanding of the AI decision-making process to improve transparency, compliance, and accountability.

AppWorks: An Ever-Growing Startup Ecosystem

With the addition of AW#28, there are now a total of 563 active startups and 1,746 founders in the AppWorks Ecosystem. These companies collectively generate US$17.4 billion in revenue, employ 23,625 individuals, and have raised US$6 billion in funding with an aggregate valuation reaching US$33 billion.

AppWorks #29 and Wistron Accelerator #7 are currently recruiting for their cohorts, with applications closing on July 25, 2024, and will launch in September 2024, with startups building solutions for AIoT, smart manufacturing, and cloud-based services are encouraged to apply. AW#29 will offer founders the opportunity to participate in intensive exchange and learning activities in Taiwan and Southeast Asia to learn from entrepreneurs throughout the region. These include exchanges with fellow founders, office hours with mentors and AppWorks partners and Wistron senior leadership, demo days with investors from Taiwan and Southeast Asia, and customized market exploration itineraries. The batch will help entrepreneurs connect with AppWorks’ founder and alumni network to support and learn from each other.

About AppWorks

Founded in 2009, AppWorks is a leading startup community and venture capital firm built by founders, for founders. We are committed to backing the next generation of entrepreneurs in Greater Southeast Asia (ASEAN+Taiwan) and helping them facilitate the region’s transition into the digital age. Just as how mobile and the internet completely transformed the status quo, we believe the current era of technology is currently being defined by major three paradigm shifts: AI, Blockchain, and Southeast Asia (ABS).

As such, whether it’s mentorship, investment, or talent, AppWorks has established a one-stop-shop for ambitious founders willing to bet against the consensus and drive a change they want to see in the world. We help startups build disruptive businesses from even an inkling of an idea into world-class enterprises through our three primary lines of service: Accelerator, Funds, and School.
More information: appworks.tw

AppWorks Accelerator

AppWorks Accelerator is a launchpad for bold and ambitious entrepreneurs targeting Greater Southeast Asia (GSEA). Every six months, we take in startups with strong potential, equipping founders spanning all walks of life with the necessary resources, mentorship, and guidance to get their ventures off the ground.

There are now a total of 563 active startups and 1,746 founders in the AppWorks ecosystem. Collectively, all companies in the ecosystem generate annual revenue totaling US$17.4 billion, and have created 23,625 jobs (+0.4% YoY). Altogether, the ecosystem raised a total of US$6 billion (+4.7% YoY), with an aggregate valuation reaching US$33 billion (+4% YoY). The AppWorks web3 ecosystem now has 133 startups and 324 founders. AppWorks web3 companies generated revenue totaling US$519 million, and raised US$1.1 billion (11.2% YoY), with an aggregate valuation of US$14 billion (+6.9% YoY).
More information: appworks.tw/accelerator

AppWorks Funds

AppWorks manages four venture capital funds totaling US$350 million, collaborating with investors who share our vision, including leading enterprises in sectors spanning technology manufacturing, finance, and media and telecom. We invest in startups ranging from Seed Round to Series C and fund around 20 to 30 deals a year, now with 100 names in our portfolio, including leading startups in several verticals such as Lalamove, Dapper Labs/Flow, Animoca Brands, 91APP, Figment, Carousell, ShopBack, 17LIVE, and KKday, while having produced six IPOs (Uber, GameSparcs, Kuobrothers, Pcone, 91APP, 17LIVE), four IEOs, one hectocorn, two decacorns, and five unicorns.
More information: appworks.tw/investments

AppWorks School

Established in 2016, AppWorks School has strived to cultivate a pipeline of skilled digital talent to help our community meet the technical demands of tomorrow. Quality talent has always served as the bedrock of innovation, yet shortages still remain the foremost challenge that tech companies in GSEA face today.

AppWorks School has trained over 1000 aspiring graduates, serving over 100 prominent companies such as Taiwan Mobile, momo, 91APP, KKBOX, WeMo Scooter, and KKday to meet their digital talent needs. AppWorks School currently provides Coding Bootcamp, Upskill Program and Corporate Training Program with different courses.
More information: school.appworks.tw

Wistron Accelerator

Launched in partnership with AppWorks in 2021, Wistron Accelerator is Taiwan’s leading AI/IoT accelerator program, with the goal of promoting the growth and development of innovative startups through business cooperation and strategic investments. The biannual program hosts up to seven startups each year, working with startups to foster innovation and promote sustainability in strategic industries. In recent years, Wistron has invested over NT$10 billion (>US$300 million) into the digital economy across more than 60 innovative startups.
More information: appworks.tw/wistron

For Inquiries about AppWorks Accelerator, please contact:
Angie Jeng
+886-982-005-566
[email protected]

區塊鏈+AI模型優化 破除社交孤獨 無痛轉譯數據決策 大東南亞新創助企業AI轉型 撬開比台灣大28倍市場

AppWorks之初加速器主辦的AppWorks Demo Day #28與協辦的Wistron Demo Day #6今日在台北連袂登場,公開共 17 組新創團隊,分享他們如何協助大東南亞的企業實現「AI 轉型」,銜接社群銷售與線下通路物流,從中更孕育出亮眼的環保永續的品牌,區塊鏈與AI的新創,則是以新技術優化AI模型,讓Z世代社交軟體更能兼具隱私保護與真人互動率

敲開孤獨的資訊繭房:媒合Life Coach,用AI開話題提升互動又保護隱私

在電影「雲端情人」已被實現的2024年,「AI人性化互動」被廣泛應用的同時,現實生活中的人們,在網路互動還追求些什麼?即便有AI的協助,總是要有真實的人生體驗與故事,才有機會碰撞出新的火花。在新冠疫情期間誕生的人脈聯繫平台ADPList,創辦人Felix Lee(李政德)最初只是為那些在疫情期間失業的人提供公益服務,創建了谷歌表單讓求職人們填寫信息,再由Felix幫助將信息分享給招聘人員,這服務迅速累積超過2,000份個人資料與熱烈反響,並累積超過166萬小時的療程諮詢。不同於LinkedIn以展示履歷求職的目的,許多人們透過ADPList建立了直接聯繫,除了職涯以外,也貢獻彼此的生活建議和人生經驗指導。ADPList已累積超過30萬活躍會員以及來自Netflix, Airbnb, Google等公司的2.5萬名顧問導師,用戶留存率超過60%,並獲得紅杉創投的投資。

自2020年以來的多項調查顯示,79%的Z世代在生活中感到孤獨和情感孤立,雖然有曾出不窮的社交媒體來展現完美的自己,然而人際關係的困難、職業挫折、對外貌缺乏自信等話題,在現實生活中不一定能與朋友和家人分享求助,為許多人造成了巨大的焦慮和社交壓力。以區塊鏈技術保障隱私並提高帳號可信度的匿名交友軟體XO,是一款結合Tinder + Instagram功能的Web3 DApp,則更進一步洞見Z世代的社交困境,讓使用者可以保持匿名抒發的同時,透過AI創造更有互動話題性的生成式對話,引導社交阿宅們與他人溝通,促進情感聯繫和建立同理心。XO的下載量已破150萬,每月的活躍用戶超越10萬人,每月成功配對已超過100萬次,每日鏈上紀錄超過80萬次,平台的ARPPU(Average Revenue Per Paying User)是社交軟體巨頭Bumble的1.6倍。XO已獲日本樂天投資,並與日本知名的公有鏈Astar Chain、美國Cyber鏈策略合作進軍日本市場及國際市場。

台灣市場的28倍! 通路社群銷售成東南亞顯學 越南誕生出色的永續品牌

社群數位行銷、實體通路與物流配送大整合的主題,10年前曾在台灣颳起旋風,如今這股風潮蔓延至大東南亞,6.5億人口的市場中遍地開花,而當中誕生的潛在新創獨角獸,正看準這塊比台灣大28倍的市場,佈局社群銷售、實體通路與物流的科技服務,讓東南亞市場在這兩年動盪不安的全球局勢下,GDP仍有4.5-5%的成長

其中,來自馬來西亞的Borong(馬來語:量販批發),在B2B電商通路整合表現亮眼,創業至今7年,2023年的總交易額(GTV)已高達9.39億美元。創辦人Aizat Rahim年僅34歲,前2次創業項目獲得青睞且被併購,Borong 是他最新的創業項目。他自小仰慕美國NBA球員Kobe Bryant,「每一次都是全力以赴」的運動家精神,也一直體現在他的創業態度中,更因此獲得Y combinator、活水資本的賞識與投資,近期Borong更獲得馬來西亞政府的認證與支持,突顯公司的穩健性。目前Borong複合成長率(CAGR)來到162%,每月仍維持超過20%的增長,零售商重複購買率維持在75%的高水準, Aizat希望帶領Borong持續壯大,成為東南亞的Amazon,實現B2B的數位化連接,讓商業價值數位化,建立健康的全通路生態系。

此外,來自印尼的Orderfaz也同樣推出付費訂閱制的電商購物架站SaaS服務,幫助商家創建帶有結帳表單的登陸頁面,更協助商家整合管理來自社群媒體TikTok Shop與Tokopedia、Shopee、Lazada等巨頭電商平台的訂單,找出消費者「未清空」的購物車資料並發送通知,提高轉化率,並協助商家管理廣告投放與商品庫存資料。Orderfaz至今已滿1歲,每月營收逼近100萬美元,近期正準備拓展至馬來西亞。創辦人Reynaldi Gandawidjaja也是連續創業者,前1個創業題目受到知名企業青睞收購,Orderfaz是他的第二個創業題目,並獲知名創投1982 Ventures領投的種子前輪融資。 

正當多數新創在東南亞全通路電子商務沃土上大展拳腳時,越南也同時也綻放出以永續發展、環境友善為主題的品牌EQUO。EQUO以D2C和B2B兩種通路,提供100%無塑料吸管、餐具、餐盤和飲具,這些產品由甘蔗、椰子、咖啡和米等可降解的環保材料打造而成,以降低一次性塑料的污染問題。EQUO的創辦人Marina Tran-Vu是在加拿大長大的越南裔女性,在新冠疫情期間無意被一根植物吸管啟發,進而在2020年正式創立EQUO,目前每年營收已高達160萬美元,分銷至歐盟、加拿大、美國、越南、香港、新加坡在包括歐盟在內的18個以上的國家。Marina過往職涯經歷包含聯合利華、百加得、LG電子等跨國公司,並曾以EQUO創辦人身份,在美國實境秀「創業鯊魚幫(Shark Tank Vietnam)」中出鏡,她的創業努力不僅獲得印尼知名創投East Ventures以及美國知名加速器Techstars的青睞,並被SustainabilityX Magazine期刊評選入列為永續發展領域的全球50名女性之一,今年更成為卡地亞(Cartier)全球女性倡議計劃的獲獎者,是該計劃17年歷史上首位來自越南的得主。

之初加速器近50%團隊已實現上市櫃或完成A輪融資  殷實佈局大東南亞 

AppWorks董事長暨合夥人林之晨表示:「隨著第28屆團隊的加入,之初加速器14年來已經孕育了563家活躍創業團隊,其中3成為已成功募得A輪以上,也有近百家是營收超過兩億台幣、或成功IPO/IEO的大型科技企業,此外更包含近百家不募資、靠自有資金達到持續獲利的隱形冠軍組。這些多元新創組成完整的生態系,有大型企業提供場域、商機,由隱形冠軍提供獨特的解決方案,讓AW#28學弟妹,可以快速建立許多雙贏的合作機會。」

綜觀之初加速器第28屆,共有38個新創團隊,85位創業者來自東南亞、阿聯酋、芬蘭、韓國等17個不同國度,約8%的團隊在台灣設立辦公室,女性創業者佔比接近20%。AppWorks生態系讓台灣與東南亞的地緣經濟更緊密融合,把台灣成熟的電商通路整合策略經驗和專業人才,帶入東南亞各國,帶動這塊比台灣大28倍的市場版圖邁向下一個數位化里程碑,並為更多跨境商業合作奠定了堅實的基礎。AppWorks生態系至今已培育出1,746位創業者,創造了2.3萬個就業名額。新創團全體的總融資金額已達60億美元(4.7%YoY),總估值達330億美元(4%YoY),全體的總營業額成長至174億美元(17.9%YoY),相較去年表現邁出亮眼的一大步。

先別檢討人類了!直接優化AI模型  讓監管機構秒懂技術數據 才是真王道

由AppWorks協助營運的緯創加速器(Wistron Accelerator)今年邁入第6屆,今年最受注目的焦點的則是AI模型的優化工具Etiq AI,兩位創辦人皆為女性,一位曾是對沖基金公司的會計稅務顧問,另一位則擁有超過10年的數據科學領域實作經驗。

近期頻繁發生的AI謬誤,讓大眾逐漸感知到,AI的預測表面上看似中立,但其訓練資料和模型卻存在諸多問題,有瑕疵的AI可能會產生不正確的預測,甚至是荒謬的回應。而Etiq AI的功能,即是提供API來優化AI決策模型,透過測試資料品質和模型效能,更靈活快速的偵測錯誤,讓企業內部的數據科學家們全方位掌握自己在AI模型中部署的指令。此外,Etiq AI視覺化的管理面板,也能有效幫助法務部門和業務團隊更清楚AI的決策過程,並從而做出讓監管機構更容易理解的說明文件,真正實現跨領域的透明化溝通。

緯創與之初合作10週年 孵化團隊展獲Viva Tech國際大獎 業務拓展至中東

緯創加速器目前累積孵化34個團隊,各別在9個不同國家地區設立總部(西班牙、英國、美國、南韓、日本、印度、香港與台灣)。緯創與AppWorks合作至今邁入第10年,共同見證台灣軟硬體整合跨入新世代,並為ICT產業生態系成長持續挹注新資源。雙方共同推動的緯創加速器已進入第3年,不少校友的近期發展也都繳出亮眼成績。

緯創加速器在在醫療與通訊資科技方面斬獲成就的校友中,有為5G/6G基地台晶片與衛星設計通訊晶片的Ranictek(繁晶科技)今年已可為客戶提供FPGA服務(Field Programmable Gate Array,現場可程式化邏輯閘陣列),今年更在法國最大新創展Viva Tech從眾多國際團隊中脫穎而出,榮獲IC設計挑戰賽之優秀評審獎。而校友LongGood(龍骨王)則是開發了台灣第一個復健領域的軟體產品,運用體感動作與步態分析技術為復健產業數位轉型,目前在台灣已導入超過30家醫院以及破百間長照機構,並持續在日本、新加坡、泰國、與馬來西亞推廣。

在AI應用與區塊鏈技術方面,有台灣起家的AiPoint(臥龍智慧環境),以AI技術幫助水資源回收及增能的管理方案,已獲台灣自來水股份有限公司青睞使用,臺北市政府自來水事業處也正與其研議導入系統,近期更有望將技術推進至沙烏地阿拉伯。而iCHASE(智逐科技)則是以AI技術管理家禽健康的管理平台,幫助提供家禽飼養場的效率和品質,近期已更進一步將業務拓展至東南亞、歐洲與北美。此外,區塊鏈技術結合供應鏈金融的BSOS(灣谷科技),則是中國信託商業銀行合作結合SAP ERP系統,協助企業管理供應鏈營運資金,今年初更榮獲首屆台灣SAP新創加速器年度最佳解決方案獎。

之初加速器#29(AppWorks Accelerator)以及緯創加速器#7(Wistron Accelerator) 現正招募中,向AI、物聯網、雲端、資安、教育與醫療相關新創招手,入選新創由緯創集團高階主管親自輔導並提供新創PoC實驗場景、商模成長等集團資源,幫助新創大幅降低試錯成本。

No. 團隊名稱 簡介 總部
1 ADPList 人脈聯繫平台,媒合來自全球各地的人生導師或職涯顧問 

A global mentorship platform to access knowledge from experts

新加坡

SG

2 XO 為Z世代打造的區塊鏈匿名交友軟體XO,以AI生成式對話促進社交互動率 

AI-powered and blockchain-verified conversational platform for GenZ

台灣

TW

3 Borong 為量販批發商品而生的全通路行銷平台

B2B bulk e-commerce platform

馬來西亞

MY

4 EQUO 永續發展、環境友善品牌

Sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics and paper

越南

VN

5 Orderfaz 為電商提供全方位整合行銷的平台

Shopify for social commerce sellers

印尼

ID

6 Event Horizon 去中心化 (DAO) 元治理鏈

DAO meta-governance layer

美國

US

7 Return Helper 電商逆物流管理軟體

Software solution for e-commerce returns

香港

HK

8 ShipAny 電商物流管理平台

Smart logistics gateway for e-commerce

香港

HK

9 ABConvert 為電商生成的A/B testing工具

Specialized A/B testing tool for e-commerce

台灣

TW

10 Ajourney 為東南亞地區打造的一站式人力資源和薪酬管理平台

One-stop HR & payroll platform for businesses in SEA

新加坡

SG

11 Quantlytica 管理加密貨幣投資報酬和風險的AI平台

AI-driven investment solution for yield and risk management in crypto

芬蘭

FI

12 Olli 可和小孩對話的AI玩具

AI-powered operating system to bring toys to life

美國

US

13 Qiro Finance 鏈上私有信貸協議

On-chain private credit protocol

新加坡

SG

14 Exchequer Finance 激勵 DeFi 流動性的去中心化結構性商品

Permissionless tools for creating structured incentives

新加坡

SG

15 Jomud 為大專院校管理學生國外留學申請的輔導平台

Career data management solution for tertiary institutes

香港

HK

16 Cheko 幫學生找專家完成家庭作業的媒合平台

Bridging students with subject experts for homework assistance

菲律賓

PH

 

Wistron #6 TW Demo Day Startup List
17 Etiq AI 協助優化AI決策模型的軟體工具

A predictive model software to identify data & model issues, and provide optimization recommendations

英國

UK

 

關於 AppWorks 之初加速器集團

2009 年成立,由「創業者」為「創業者」設立的加速器,以及基於加速器發展的新創社群與創投機構,致力在大東南亞地區協助下世代的創業者,抓住數位革命的成長機會。正如同 Mobile Internet 帶來了巨變,我們相信 ABS – AI、Blockchain 與 Southeast Asia 是今日的三大典範轉移。我們認為,創造一個偉大事業的過程中,團隊是主角,而投資人則是配角,我們專注扮演配角,從種子時期開始支持有想法的團隊,一路陪著他們打造區域級、世界級的偉大企業。AppWorks 目前共提供 Accelerator、Funds 與 School 等三項主要服務。

更多資訊:appworks.tw

 

關於 AppWorks Accelerator 之初加速器

2010 年成立,每半年嚴選本區域最具潛力的新創團隊進駐。輔導新創團隊尋找 Product-Market Fit、幫助成長期團隊建立 Sustainable / Scalable Business Models。成立以來,從 AppWorks Accelerator 畢業的活躍新創已達 563 家、1,746 位創業者。AppWorks 生態系所有新創加總營業額達 174 億美元;提供就業數 23,625 位,年增 0.4%;累積募資金額 60 億美元,年增 4.7%;總市值 330 億美元,年增 4%。其中,AppWorks 生態系已有 133 家活躍新創、324 位創業者來自 Web3 領域,整體營業額達 5.2 億美元;累積募資金額 11 億美元,年增11.2%;總市值 140 億美元,年增 6.9%。

更多資訊:appworks.tw/accelerator 

 

關於 AppWorks Funds 之初創投基金

AppWorks 管理四支創投基金總共募集 3.5 億美元,我們與認同 AppWorks 理念的投資人合作,其中包括在科技製造、金融、媒體、電信等領域領先的企業。我們通常投資種子輪至 C 輪的新創,每年進行 20-30 個投資案,目前為止已投資超過 100 家新創,其中許多在其所處產業或領域中居於領先地位,如:Lalamove、Dapper Labs / Flow、Animoca Brands、91APP、Figment、Carousell、ShopBack、17LIVE、KKday 等。此外,AppWorks Funds 至今已有 6 個 IPO 案 (Uber、隆中網絡、創業家兄弟、松果購物、91APP、17 Live)、4 個 IEO 案,以及 1 隻百角獸 (Hectocorn)、2 隻十角獸 (Decacorn) 與 5 隻獨角獸 (Unicorn) 。

更多資訊:appworks.tw/investments

 

關於 AppWorks School 之初學校

AppWorks School 成立於 2016 年,致力協助渴望投身數位、網路與電商產業的人才,提供高度銜接業界,實作導向、高效的紮實培訓計畫。成立至今,已培訓超過 1000 位學員,協助多間企業包含台灣大哥大、momo、91APP、KKBOX、Line TV、WeMo Scooter、Line Taxi、Hahow、VoiceTube 與 Gogoro 等知名新創與科技公司培訓數位人才。現提供軟體培訓營、校園培訓計畫、在職進修、企業代訓等服務。

更多資訊:school.appworks.tw

 

關於 Wistron Accelerator 緯創加速器

2020 年,緯創成立企業投資辦公室 (CVC)。2021 年,與亞洲最大新創加速器 AppWorks 合作,啟動了 Wistron Accelerator 緯創垂直加速器。這個平台透過業務合作、策略投資與結盟,旨在促進新創企業的成長和發展。每年舉辦兩屆加速器活動,限額招募 7 家新創企業參與。緯創邁向永續的關鍵作法之一,就是採取積極的前瞻性投資,引進策略技術夥伴,投資並攜手新創團隊。緯創近幾年已投入超過新台幣 100 億元,超過 60 家投資甚或長期經營的案例。

更多資訊:appworks.tw/wistron

 

For general inquiries 

Email: [email protected]

AppWorks 活動聯絡人(含發稿後媒體聯繫): Angie Jeng | +886-982-005-566 | mailto:[email protected]

Telkomsel Ventures and AppWorks Unveil Seven Innovative Indonesian Startups for TINC Batch #9

Through the six month program, startups will work directly with Telkomsel Business Units to adapt and integrate their products and solutions into the Telkomsel ecosystem

JAKARTA, INDONESIA, June 04, 2024—Telkomsel Ventures, Telkomsel’s digital ecosystem enabler, in collaboration with AppWorks, Greater Southeast Asia’s leading startup community, unveiled seven startups selected to participate in the TINC Batch #9 accelerator program. The six month program will showcase Indonesian startups creating innovative solutions for healthcare, fintech, climate, marketing, and smart homes.

Built around the theme of B2B Solutions & Emerging Technologies, the seven startups selected to join TINC Batch #9 demonstrated significant synergies with major Telkomsel initiatives to promote the development of Indonesia’s digital economy as well as drive forward inclusive and sustainability initiatives through a highly competitive pitching process, and were selected from over 100 qualified applicants. 

The seven startups featured in TINC Batch #9 include:

  • PrimaKu: Founded in 2021 by Didit Indraputra, PrimaKu is Indonesia’s pioneering pediatric health platform that provides tailored, intuitive monitoring of child development, endorsed by the Indonesian Pediatric Society (IDAI).
  • Finfra: Established by Markus Prommik in 2022, Finfra revolutionizes business by providing the infrastructure to seamlessly integrate financial services, empowering companies across Southeast Asia to become fintech pioneers.
  • Rey: Launched by Evan Tanotogono in 2021, Rey is an end-to-end healthcare and insurTech company in Indonesia. By offering subscription-based services that integrate insurance, wellness, and medical record data to provide personalized care and services to each client.
  • Skorlife: Co-founded in 2022 by Ongki Kurniawan and Karan Khetan, SkorLife leads Indonesia’s credit technology sector with a free application that helps users actively manage their credit scores and financial health. 
  • CarbonEthics: Initiated by Agung Bimo Listyanu in 2019, CarbonEthics is an Impact Enterprise dedicated to climate restoration through pioneering blue carbon rehabilitation and comprehensive natural climate solutions.
  • Peacom: Founded by Han Truong in 2022, Peacom delivers a multichannel conversational marketing and sales automation platform in Indonesia, enhancing business communications across diverse messaging channels.
  • myECO: Started by Maulana Derifato Achmad in 2020, myECO innovates in smart home technology by offering IoT-based solutions for electricity conservation, aiding households in reducing energy consumption effectively.

Through the six month program, startups will closely partner with Telkomsel Business Units to explore ways for their products and services to be integrated into the Telkomsel Ecosystem. Participating startups will attend a series of activities and events designed to improve company competencies, expand their networks, and build synergies with Telkomsel, including: mentorship sessions, office hours, topic deep dives, subject sharing, and community events, among others.

TINC Batch #9 Demo Day is scheduled for October in Jakarta as well as regional sessions in December in Taiwan, where participating startups will pitch their companies to a select group of investors and potential business partners.

“We’re incredibly excited to launch TINC Batch #9 with these seven dynamic startups. Their innovative B2B solutions and emerging technologies represent the future of Indonesia’s digital ecosystem. We look forward to working alongside them and Telkomsel to accelerate their growth and deliver meaningful impact to our customers and partners,” said Mia Melinda, CEO, Telkomsel Ventures.

“We are proud to unveil these seven carefully selected startups for TINC Batch #9. Leveraging AppWorks’ expertise and extensive network throughout Greater Southeast Asia and together with Telkomsel, we will accelerate their growth and help Telkomsel to create a greater impact on Indonesia’s booming digital economy,” said Jamie Lin, Chairman & Partner, AppWorks.

About Telkomsel Ventures

Telkomsel Ventures, established in 2019, is the investment arm of Telkomsel. As a strategic investor, Telkomsel Ventures invests and collaborates with promising startups to accelerate Telkomsel’s digital transformation and create innovative services. With a current portfolio of 17 startups, Telkomsel Ventures is committed to empowering startups through strategic investments, leveraging Telkomsel’s expansive ecosystem and capabilities. The goal is to actively contribute to Indonesia’s technology landscape while supporting Telkomsel’s strategic objectives.

More information: telkomsel.vc

About AppWorks

Founded in 2009, AppWorks is a leading startup community and venture capital firm built by founders, for founders. We are committed to backing the next generation of entrepreneurs in Greater Southeast Asia (ASEAN+Taiwan) and helping them facilitate the region’s transition into the digital age. Just as how mobile and the internet completely transformed the status quo, we believe the current era of technology is currently being defined by major three paradigm shifts: AI, Blockchain, and Southeast Asia (ABS). 

As such, whether it’s mentorship, investment, or talent, AppWorks has established a one-stop-shop for ambitious founders willing to bet against the consensus and drive a change they want to see in the world. We help startups build disruptive businesses from even an inkling of an idea into world-class enterprises through our three primary lines of service: Accelerator, Funds, and School.

More information: appworks.tw