John D. Evans, CFA | SEIML Ventures, CN: Four decades of fraud, fundraising and the Founder Institute

Unsensible - The Asian Startup Podcast

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The funding environment is tough, but there is precedence. This episode’s guest, John D. Evans, CFA founder and general manager of SEIML Ventures, spent over 24 years as an investment banker, 12 years as a professor of practice, and 7 years in corporate finance. He's seen the highs and lows, booms and busts, of various economic cycles, making him a wealth of knowledge. With his unique insights, we explore the tough competitive nature of markets and the struggle startups face to generate revenue. Ever wondered how similar government-backed currency and private cryptocurrency markets are? We navigate that too!
Expanding our fiscal exploration, we peer into the darker side of finance, examining the history of financial fraud and its prevalence in boom and bust markets. You might be surprised by the similarities between Bernie Madoff and Bankman-Fried, and the distinct risks linked to neo banks and single-purpose fintechs. We also discuss the often-overlooked hurdle startups face: being able to commercialise. It's not all about the idea, it's about distribution and market demand.
If you're considering launching a fintech in Asia, you'll definitely want to hear about the FinTech ASEAN program, an all inclusive startup training program. Get ready to uncover the fascinating, complex, and often tumultuous world of finance and entrepreneurship.

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• (00:00) - Navigating Entrepreneurship and Financial Markets
• (06:45) - Financial Fraud and Fintech Expansion
• (21:51) - Startup Success and the ASEAN Program