Jose He is a ‘petpreneur’ – a former high flyer who jumped ship and joined the tech startup community in the pet industry!
What’s your story?
A former high flyer from his previous sales industry for 16 years, Jose He, Founder of Cuzzey is also the ex-chairman of the speakers and trainers association. He decided to jump right into the pet industry and joined the tech startup community as a petpreneur.
Having no experience at all in this booming industry, at the age of 35, most would think it was either a daring or foolish move. Jose stayed resilient and determined, refusing to quit. It all paid off. On August 18th 2017, Cuzzey celebrated its first anniversary. Cuzzey will be closing its seed round in September and planning to secure its Pre-Series A in Sept 2018. To date, Cuzzey has more than 20 young people in the team and it is still growing.
What excites you most about your industry?
To able to build something to specifically and effectively tackle and solve the pain points of consumers. In the end, it’s not about the money we earn. Rather, it is to improve and innovate the livelihood of the people we are serving in the community.
What’s your connection to Asia?
When Cuzzey first started out, the goal and vision has been to reach out to all domestic pets in Asia. Using Cuzzey to allow pet-owners to enjoy the best of a fast and seamless shopping experience and pet-related business owners to strive and flourish in all of Asia.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore!! It’s a tech hub in southeast Asia to bridge us into the rest of Asia! Recent years we have seen a plethora of startups and entrepreneurs benefiting from local government support. The support and grants have been nothing but exceptional.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
You can never learn anything from success. Failures are our best teachers.
Who inspires you?
Jack Ma.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
Money and funding from investors may do us more harm than good. In fact, there are lesser mistakes to make when you have no money.
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
I would have started my entrepreneurial journey much earlier. But I wasn’t ready. Eyes are born at the front of the human face so hence look forward to our future. We should however, learn from our past and history.
How do you unwind?
Gym, sleep and watch a Liverpool match.
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
I haven’t thought of that yet. I have been more of a workaholic than a holiday guy so far. I do know my honeymoon will be at Santorini.
Everyone in business should read this book:
‘Think and grow rich’
Shameless plug for your business:
One stop social pets community for supplies and services. “Pet-owners deserve more.”
How can people connect with you?
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hedewei / https://www.facebook.com/josethecuzzey/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jose-he-%E4%BD%95%E4%BC%9F-a778b634/
Email: [email protected]
Whatsapp/Telegram: +6592200890
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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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