With over 100 clients which include Grab, Tiger Beer, Carousell and SPH, Jonathan is positive about expanding Partipost regionally.
What’s your story?
I came from an electrical engineering background, having studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. It was there I met Tony and Benyamin, we became fast friends and I am fortunate to be able to found Partipost with them! The best part of founding a company with friends is that we already knew each other well and it minimizes the risk of unstable dynamics.
Out of college, I headed a fund and invested in startups, which allowed me to better understand the challenges of growing a start-up. The insight I gained there has taught me invaluable lessons that allows Partipost to remain ahead of the curve and avoid common pitfalls.
What excites you most about your industry?
The ad-tech industry is rapidly evolving each week, and here at Partipost we are always innovating and growing the team. It is encouraging that clients are just as excited about our product, with over 100 clients which include Grab, Tiger Beer, Carousell and SPH. I am positive about the large amount of possibilities and the markets in which we can expand into regionally. Currently we have offices in Singapore, Taiwan and Indonesia.
What’s your connection to Asia?
My background is pretty blended culturally. I grew up in Singapore, however my father is Malaysian and my mother is Taiwanese. I fully embrace the uniqueness of each heritage, especially the food.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore, it is extremely logistically efficient and the city has a great tech infrastructure, which is always essential for tech startups. The ad-tech scene is also thriving and consumers here are sophisticated. Growing up here, I also tend to think of it as home.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
The best advice comes from an investor Steve Kek, who shared his wisdom on believing in people. He has ingrained the belief that empowering people is vital and that you are only as strong as your team.
Who inspires you?
Andrew Grove the CEO of intel. His management processes inspire me, I think leading a team with sound management processes enables everyone involved to be better and strive for more.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
”Obsess about the customer not the competition”, It’s one of the Amazon principles but I truly believe in it. Here at Partipost we tend to think, user first. Understanding what motivates them, how we can constantly improve the user experience and the kind of campaigns our users would enjoy.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I tend to look forwards and focus on the future.
How do you unwind?
To unwind, I like to play basketball and listen to music.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
My favourite destination is Tainan, because I love the food there.
Everyone in business should read this book:
High Output Management by Andrew Grove
Shameless plug for your business:
Partipost is an app that allows anyone to post on social media and earn. A dynamic marketing technology, which allows us to tap onto the social media. Following of an average person like never before. We have over 100 clients, and a growing user base of over 15,000 in Singapore alone. Anyone can download it. We partner with brands like Johnnie Walker, Nando’s, Singtel and Watsons.
Download our app here: https://partipost.app.link/asian-entrepreneur
Visit our website here: www.Partipost.com
How can people connect with you?
[email protected]
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This interview is part of the ‘Callum Connect’ 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 of The Marketing Group PLC. He is the author two best selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’ and ‘Agglomerate’.
Connect with Callum here:
twitter.com/laingcallum
linkedin.com/in/callumlaing
Download free copies of his books here: www.callumlaing.com
