BFM 89.9

HIGHLIGHTS 
Podcast  >  Enterprise  >  P&L  >  Why The Silicon Valley Startup Model Fails in SEA

Why The Silicon Valley Startup Model Fails in SEA

Kevin Brockland, Managing Partner, Indelible Ventures

14-Jul-25 11:00

Why The Silicon Valley Startup Model Fails in SEA

There's a familiar story in the startup world: a founder follows a "proven" playbook from Silicon Valley, only to see it fail in another market. But is the problem the market or "copy-pasting" the SV strategy itself?

Kevin Brockland, Managing Partner at Indelible Ventures, joins us to deconstruct this costly trap. He argues that blindly applying the "growth at all costs" model in Southeast Asia's fragmented market is a recipe for failure and that founders must build purpose-fit strategies based on realistic exit pathways, which, for this region, are M&A and trade sales, not IPOs.

We discuss:

  • Why the "copy-paste" Silicon Valley playbook often fails in SEA.

  • A critique of the "growth at all costs" model and network effects.

  • Why M&A, not IPO, is the most realistic exit for most SEA startups.

  • The challenges of market fragmentation in the region.

  • How to build a "purpose-fit" strategy that is capital efficient.

    For founders, VCs, and ecosystem builders in Southeast Asia, this is a reality check on building sustainable, valuable companies in our unique market.

Produced by: Roshan Kanesan, Carol Wong

Presented by: Roshan Kanesan


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

Categories:  investmentswellnessCorporatesSME

Tags:  venture capitalstartup ecosystemsoutheast asiabusiness strategymergers and acquisitions





Play / Pause

Listen now : BFM 89.9 -- The Business Station

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

Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management 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

Dr. Benjamin Loh, Course Director, Bachelor of Digital Media & Communication, Monash University, discusses JKOM's present and future role.

7:45 AM

Morning Brief

Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Adjunct Professor at Taylor's University and former Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry discusses global tariffs.

8:00 AM

The Breakfast Grille

H.E. Dr. Hennadii Nadolenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Malaysia, updates us on the war, political outlook, and the US role in talks with Russia.

8:30 AM

Morning Brief

Dr James Dorsey of the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies discusses the stakes as US-Iran nuclear talks resume amid military tensions.

8:45 AM

Morning Brief

(REPEAT) Professor Dr Ong Kian Ming, Adjunct Professor at Taylor's University and former Deputy Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry discusses global tariffs.

9:00 AM

Opening Bell

(REPEAT) Joe Quinlan, Chief Market Strategist, US Trust-BOA Private Wealth Management tells us where international markets are heading.

9:15 AM

Opening Bell

Imran Yusof, Head of Research, MBSB Research discusses the impact of new global tariffs on the Malaysian economy and equity market.

9:35 AM

People, Planet, Profit

We cover the latest news and views in the ESG space to help businesses thrive with impact.

10:05 AM

Open For Business

CK Chang, Founder, Oxwhite.

11:00 AM

Marketing Mojo

Nizwani Shahar, CEO, Havas Malaysia

12:00 PM

Enterprise Explores

Amin, SoyaCincau

1:00 PM

The Breakfast Grille Repeat

H.E. Dr. Hennadii Nadolenko, Ukraine’s Ambassador to Malaysia, updates us on the war, political outlook, and the US role in talks with Russia.

2:05 PM

Discovery Hour

An eclectic selection of BBC shows, curated with variety in mind.

3:05 PM

Beyond the Ballot Box

We often hear about neighbourhoods being evicted, houses being torn down and communities organising against the state government or private developers. In this episode, we discuss the politics of eviction in Malaysia.

4:05 PM

Health & Living

Is walking enough exercise? What about running? We delve into how walking and running improves your fitness and health.

5:00 PM

Top 5 at 5

A countdown of the 5 biggest stories of the day, to catch you up on all you need to know!

6:00 PM

Talkback Tuesday

What are your angpow expectations? How do you decide how much to give?