AccelerAsia's Joeri Gianotten shares insights at SBR's Hottest Startups Panel Briefing 2019

Whilst most VCs merely act as advisors or consultants, the company does deals on behalf of its clients.

In an environment where deals can happen or go bust overnight, AccelerAsia conducts one-week roadshows to provide clients with a preview of the Asia Pacific markets and the opportunities that exist—without prior commitments. After this one-off engagement, the client can decide whether to continue working with AccelerAsia’s established team and network.

Which markets and verticals to focus on is then decided, and the first regional deals take place. Once the regional business is off to a good start, AccelerAsia assists clients in building a sustainable organisation, either by setting up a local entity, providing a team on the ground, or generating publicity in the region.

Joeri Gianotten, co-founder of AccelerAsia, is no stranger to corporates or startups. He has closed deals with global brands such as Aviva, Coca Cola and Diageo. He also launched conferences in Korea and China and worked on business development projects related to mobile and media, as well as new marketing technologies in Singapore, the Philippines and Malaysia.

Singapore Business Review had a quick chat with Joeri, as he shared insights on how startup and tech companies can ready themselves to meet the demands of a highly dynamic and diverse Asian market.

Can you describe to us your previous work or personal experience?

I am one of the founders of AccelerAsia, a business development company that drives the expansion of fast-growing tech companies into Asia-Pacific and Australia. I've always had an interest in technology, with a background within global tech companies in San Francisco, Paris, Seoul and Beijing, so this was a natural progression for me. I am particularly focused within the areas of mobile, advertising and marketing technologies.

What are your key business philosophies?

I believe that it is the people who help build and drive businesses for success, as well as the tech that we see and use today. As such, I also do coaching and leadership development for managers to create new and sustainable results in different areas of their lives.

Tell us something about your startup. What would be the company's significant milestones?

As mentioned, we help with the expansion of fast-growing tech companies into Asia-Pacific and Australia. From our inception in 2010, we've grown from just 5 people into a team of 30 people with offices across Asia, including Singapore, Indonesia, Philippines and Australia. We've just landed another two client accounts and our ventures arm, AccelerAsia Ventures, has also added two new investments under our portfolio. We're excited to celebrate our 10th anniversary next year in 2020!

Can you give us a glimpse of what you will talk about at the 20 Hottest Startups Panel Briefing 2019?

I am excited to participate in Session 5: Startup Failures; I normally speak on the topic of what to look for when expanding into Asia. This has given me quite a bit of experience in handling companies that weren't quite ready for the Asian market and its diversity, and I would love to share insights on this with the audience.

Singapore Business Review’s Hottest Startups Panel Briefing 2019 is happening on 24 October at Four Points by Sheraton Singapore. To learn more about the event, click here. To register, click here. For inquiries, you may contact Kim at kim@charltonmediamail.com or at +65 3158 1386 ext 224