Rising Giants - N.8 Rithy Thul, Co-Founder of SmallWorld Ventures and KOOMPI
In this episode we interview Rithy Thul, a true tech pioneer considered the "Steve Jobs" of Cambodia, acting as a role model for the new generation of tech entrepreneurs in the country 👨💻
Welcome to the Rising Giant's Podcast Newsletter by Max Thornton and Dominic Kalousek.
Talking with entrepreneurs and investors in the world’s most rapidly evolving frontier markets to understand what it takes to have bold ideas and build the business disruptors of tomorrow. Join Max and Dominic as they explore the different backgrounds and playbooks of innovators in the region, bringing to light how they are impacting these growing markets and forging the path for more to come.
In this episode, we interview we interview Rithy Thul, a true tech pioneer in Cambodia, acting as a role model for the new generation of tech entrepreneurs in the country. He founded SmallWorld Venture (VC firm) in 2011, Codingate in 2013 (tech development), Selendra (blockchain) in 2016, VitaminAir (ecoliving) in 2017 and KOOMPI (computer hardware and software) in 2018.
What we get into:
- Rithy's early journey into tech in Cambodia, leaving university and self-educating himself whilst living out of a pagoda in Phnom Penh 🛣️
- His passion for blockchain technology, having been an early adopter of Bitcoin, Ethereum and smart contracts since 2010 💻
- Vision for SmallWorld Venture; catalyzing small ticket size investments in Cambodia, backing the new breed of tech entrepreneurs in the country 📈
📚 Rithy’s Favorite Book: Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki
📱 Follow Rithy’s Telegram Channel to learn more about his projects and interpersonal insights
🎧 Find us on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Google Play, and Anchor!
📰 In the news:
Venture Capital investment funds in Cambodia expect a shift of capital to come into the country, according to Deal Street Asia
Spotify music has released a statement that it is expanding its services into 80 new locations, including Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos
ESG investments surged in the Asia-Pacific region in 2020 in response to Covid-19
An update on the current situation happening in Myanmar with the military coup and how protesters are fighting for their lives.
📚 Venture Capital and Frontier Market Resources To Learn More:
Fundraising is hard - here are 9 tricks from a professional fundraiser on how to best prepare when you raise money. 🧠
The Do’s and Don’ts of VC pitching 🔍
In Deal News - Elenas, a Colombian social commerce startup, raised $6M in Series A funding from Leo Capital, FJ Labs, Alpha4 Ventures, and Messho 💸
If you’re looking to break into Venture Capital, the John Gannon Blog is a great source for job postings and other related resources. 👨💻
👨🏼💻 Frontier Market Job Opportunities:
Passion Investments is hiring for an Associate in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
Alphasearch is hiring for an Investment Analyst in Yangon, Myanmar.
Deloitte is hiring for an Consulting Analyst in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
UNDP is looking for International Interns at their Cambodia country office.
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🧐 About Rising Giants
The Rising Giants Podcast was created in November 2020 by Max Thornton and Dominic Kalousek after realizing that there were a limited number of resources available for insight into the local startup ecosystem in Southeast Asia.
Our mission is to talk to entrepreneurs and investors in the world’s most rapidly evolving frontier markets to help understand what it takes to have bold ideas and build the business disruptors of tomorrow. Through our personal exploration of these landscapes, we dive deep in our interviews with inspirational individuals learning about their career journeys, ideas, and insights into the markets of developing startup ecosystems, and expanding on why they see their business and the region as a "rising giant".