Eric Is A Key Player In The Sharing And Rental Ecosystem
What’s your story?
When I started Sharent, in Singapore, many told me the business model would not work. Traction was slow in the beginning. We started with the idea of C2C and B2C rental to reduce overconsumption and waste. But we pivoted to B2B and became Singapore’s largest B2B mobile sharing hub, providing products, service and venue rental in the events industry. We are known as the platform from which you can rent anything or hire any specialised service.
Now, with the Pandemic and post pandemic situation, we see a great opportunity to expand into other areas, such as robotics and pandemic related rentals.
What excites you most about your industry?
The possibilities of various sharing models that are transforming the traditional mindset of ownership, such as, shared experiences, shared shipping, shared storage, and so on.
What’s your connection to Asia?
I was born in Singapore.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Vietnam. It is an up and coming city with lots of young talent, and there’s so much potential for business opportunities and growth.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
No one is the best, everyone gets better.
Who inspires you?
Chinese business magnate, Jack Ma.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
I learnt that there seems to be a pervasive apathy within some companies, despite the recent urgency during the pandemic.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t do anything differently because my past decisions have led me to where I am today and I have no regrets.
How do you unwind?
As a workaholic, it is difficult for me to truly unwind. I am always thinking of ways to improve my business.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
I don’t travel much for leisure so I do not have a favorite place for relaxation, but I love Thailand.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Never Split the Difference: Negotiating As If Your Life Depended On It,” by Chris Voss with Tahl Raz. This is one of my favorite business books because every aspect of my life is about negotiation.
Shameless plug for your business:
www.sharent.com.sg
How can people connect with you?
Email: [email protected]
Linkedin: Eric Tan
—
This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connects’ series of more than 500 interviews
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’ and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
Connect with Callum on Twitter and LinkedIn
Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
