Venture Scaling Challenges & Reflections: Insights from the Frontlines - E:45

Low Level Barbarians (LLB)

Need help with market expansion, product market fit, growth, or fundraising? Reach out! https://forms.gle/PkKjvfqCUjq4MgGk6 Support the pod! https://buymeacoffee.com/lowlevelbarbarians Lets Connect! * https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexanderle/ * https://www.linkedin.com/in/jianggan/ * https://www.linkedin.com/in/cblakelarson/ This a cross collaboration with Momentum Works Recorded in Singapore! In this episode, you’ll gain rare, cross-regional insights into venture scaling across Southeast Asia, China, and the US. Blake, Alex, and Jianggan—key players during the golden age of ridesharing—share their experiences from scaling Easy Taxi in Southeast Asia and beyond. Jianggan has since become a global expert on connecting China with the rest of the world, especially Southeast Asia. Alex, one of the earliest employees of Rocket Internet during their global expansion, offers first-hand knowledge from those high-growth days. It’s rare to find expertise that spans multiple regions with such depth, offering unique perspectives on navigating diverse markets and scaling ventures across continents. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to understand the complexities of global expansion and entrepreneurship. 00:00 The Lonely Journey Of A Founder 01:00 Self Reflection In Venture Scaling 03:10 Challenges of Scaling and Personal Alignment 07:54 Reflections Of Cour Career Progressions 12:26 Entreprenerial Journey vs Corporate 13:47 Strategy of No Strategy - Rocket Internet 22:17 Positives of Rocket Internet 25:51 Comparing Nascent China Tech Scene vs Rocket Global Expansion 30:03 Insights from Scaling Lalamove 31:13 More Insights From Chinese Perpsective on SEA ecosystem 34:19 Challenges of Chinese International Expansion 37:36 Adapting Business Models for Different Markets 38:22 Strategic Global Expansion 43:24 Using VC Dollars to Change Consumer Behavior 45:31 Strapping Dumpsters to Rockets 47:28 Reflections on Leadership and Management Across Asia & US 54:35 Defining Values For Your Company 57:32 Scaling in America - Cultural Differences In Industries 01:00:55 Chinese Modern Business Culture 01:02:22 Building Culture In A Venture 01:09:01 Final Thoughts and Future Plans