BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  Open For Business  >  Why HASAN.VC Thinks Silicon Valley’s VC Model Is Broken?

Why HASAN.VC Thinks Silicon Valley’s VC Model Is Broken?

Umar Munshi, Managing Partner, HASAN.VC

05-Jun-25 10:00

Why HASAN.VC Thinks Silicon Valley’s VC Model Is Broken?

What if venture capital wasn’t built to chase unicorns in Southeast Asia, but to build camels instead?

On Open For Business, Umar Munshi, Managing Partner of HASAN.VC, unpacks how his firm is rethinking venture capital for Southeast Asia and beyond, with a focus on ethical, halal-aligned startups grounded in resilience, not hype.

We explore the origins and philosophy behind HASAN.VC’s Camel Manifesto, which champions long-term sustainability over hypergrowth.

Umar shares lessons from his equity crowdfunding journey with Ethis Group, why traditional VC models fail in fragmented markets, and how HASAN is building a more founder-friendly ecosystem, including a hands-on accelerator and a new venture studio in Kota Bharu.

We also discuss:

  • Why the Silicon Valley VC model doesn’t fit Southeast Asia

  • Red flags founders should watch for in investors

  • Shariah-compliant alternatives to SAFE notes

  • How HASAN.VC is building an angel-powered VC fund

  • What ethical investing means in practice, and why it’s for everyone

Whether you're a founder, funder, or just curious about values-driven capital, this is a must-listen.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan, Kishan Sivaswamy

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


This and more than 60,000 other podcasts in your hand. Download the all new BFM mobile app.

Categories:  marketseconomyentrepreneursinvestmentsSMEtechnology

Tags:  founder-friendly ecosystemSAFE notesventure capitalethical investingislamic financehalal economyfintech





Play / Pause

Listen now : The Selector

Today’s Shows



6:00 AM

The 6AM Stretch

Thought-provoking discussions on ideas, people and events shaping our lives.

7:00 AM

World Market Watch

Brenda Vingiello of Sand Hill Global Advisors tells us where international markets are heading.

7:15 AM

Morning Brief

We recap global and local headlines from today's papers and portals.

7:30 AM

Morning Brief

Erin Cook, Journalist, Southeast Asian Affairs gives us an update on Indonesian politics.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

We speak to Aira Azhari, CEO of IDEAS, to get her perspective on the transparency of Malaysia’s current political appointment framework.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

Juliana Mohd Yahaya of JTI Malaysia discusses how regulatory changes are reshaping the business model of tobacco companies.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dato' Khairul Annuar of PDAM voices the association's concerns about how the rationalisation of RON95 fuel subsidies could impact petrol dealers’ profit margins.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) We dive into the local and international news that matters to you.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Brenda Vingiello of Sand Hill Global Advisors tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

We speak with Adam Mohamed Rahim of RHB Investment Bank to get his perspective on the performance of the construction sector.

9:35 AM

What's The Focus

We wrap up the week’s biggest conversations to keep you in the know.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

The Truly Loving Company is Malaysia’s first social enterprise to adopt a corporate profit model for goods. Founder and CEO, Julia Chong, joins us to break down their bigger mission, how the company plans to scale its social impact as well as the challenges to set up a social enterprise in Malaysia.

11:00 AM

Mattsplained

Matt Armitage, Founder, Kulturpop

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Dr Carmelo Ferlito, CEO, Center for Market Education

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

Juliana Mohd Yahaya of JTI Malaysia discusses how regulatory changes are reshaping the business model of tobacco companies.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

What does it really take to become a doctor, and are medical students truly prepared for the path that lies ahead?

3:05 PM

Front Row

Inspired by her grandmother’s quiet withdrawal, director Lai Wen Xin’s TaTaTa is a poignant dance theatre piece on ageing, memory, and connection. Featuring acclaimed actress Anne James, it asks: how do we hold space for those we can no longer fully reach?

3:20 PM

Front Row

Cantonese Opera: The Dance of Two Butterflies is a collaboration between BoBoKL and Kwai Chai Hong, featuring legendary Grand Master Kam Sin Kiew and a cast of celebrated performers. We find out what’s in store.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

How did medicine and healthcare evolve to its present state? The answers may lie in the UM Medical Museum’s collection of medical exhibits.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

6:00 PM

Popcorn Culture

Keluang Man and Mountainhead + Favourite Childhood Characters

7:00 PM

BBC World Service

The Forum

8:00 PM

Bar None

9:00 PM

The Selector