Fast tracking on the corporate ladder. Jom Kampanat is making a real impact for start-ups in Asia.
What’s your story?
I am 27 years old and by chance got fast tracked to become a lead manager at one of the largest CVCs in Thailand, Ascend Capital, the corporate ventures arm of Ascend Group. We invest to make a real impact for start-ups and help add substantial value to them. The current AUM is at around USD 11m for our 3 invested start-ups.
What excites you most about your industry?
Connecting start-ups and watching KPIs be met. Sitting, talking and helping link start-ups to whatever experience you have on-hand.
What’s your connection to Asia?
Through our other business units under Ascend Group. They have a presence in 6 countries in Southeast Asia and will be adding 2 more countries. Our portfolio of companies, have a presence in Japan and Singapore.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Indonesia without a doubt. It’s a city with a lot of opportunities, a lot of inefficiencies and room for improvement, with technology to fill the gap.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
JA quote from Jack Ma, “Today is had, tomorrow is even worst, but the day after will be sunshine.”
Who inspires you
My King Rama 9 and Elon Musk
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
How inefficient Thailand is. There is a lot of room for technology to help their life be better.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I wouldn’t have wasted time thinking about the past. I would have moved forward straight away. Although, even if you do things differently, the result might be the same.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Korea – my girlfriend’s home town, the cold whether, good pork belly.
Everyone in business should read this book:
Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Shameless plug for your business:
https://ascendcapital.com/
How can people connect with you?
Tel / Whatsapp: +6690-904-0517
Email: [email protected]
Working email: [email protected]
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This interview was part of the Callum Connect’s column found on The Asian Entrepreneur:
Callum Laing invests and buys small businesses in a range of industries around Asia. He has previously started, built and sold half a dozen businesses and is the founder & owner of Fitness-Buffet a company delivering employee wellness solutions in 12 countries. He is a Director of, amongst others, Key Person of Influence. A 40 week training program for business owners and executives.
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