Edtech's Real Buyers, Startup Law Traps and Why Founders Need Better Equity Deals - E593

Edtech's Real Buyers, Startup Law Traps and Why Founders Need Better Equity Deals - E593

Author: Jeremy Au June 27, 2025 Duration: 13:43

Jeremy Au breaks down the hidden risks in Southeast Asia’s edtech sector and early-stage startup law. He explains why edtech often fails to scale, how founder disputes emerge without early agreements, and why choosing the right jurisdiction like Singapore matters for survival. From investor alignment to taxation nightmares, this episode guides founders through the hard truths of building legally sound and scalable ventures.

01:00 Misaligned Edtech Incentives: “Kids use it. Parents, schools, or governments buy it.” Jeremy explains how edtech startups suffer from a split between the user and the payer, complicating both growth and retention.

03:49 Passion Subsidy and Investor Challenges: The sector attracts too many well-intentioned builders, creating a surplus of talent and capital but fewer underpriced investment opportunities.

10:57 Founder Agreements and Equity Clarity: Jeremy outlines how early documentation, even in a simple Google Doc, can prevent future equity disputes, especially when teams evolve before incorporation.

12:37 Tax Burden in the Philippines: He warns that taxing startups on gross revenue instead of profit creates startup-hostile environments and pushes founders to incorporate in more favorable places like Singapore.

Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/edtech-roadblocks

Get transcripts, startup resources & community discussions at www.bravesea.com


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There’s a unique energy building across Southeast Asia, a sense of possibility that’s palpable from Singapore’s skyscrapers to the bustling streets of Jakarta, Ho Chi Minh City, Manila, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech captures that momentum by going beyond the headlines and funding announcements. Host Jeremy Au, a venture capitalist and serial founder with a background from Harvard and Berkeley, steers these conversations with a distinct perspective-one that balances the hard metrics of growth with the very human elements of leadership and personal development. Each episode feels like a candid, in-depth dialogue, whether he’s speaking with a first-time founder navigating early traction or a seasoned investor mapping regional trends. You’ll hear genuine stories about building companies, the tough lessons learned from failures, and the often-overlooked journey of staying grounded while scaling rapidly. This isn’t about presenting a polished facade of success; it’s about the real work of creating something meaningful. With over eighty thousand regular listeners, this podcast has become a key resource for anyone invested in the region’s tech ecosystem. Jeremy brings his own experiences as a sci-fi enthusiast and a father into the mix, often exploring how broader perspectives on the future and empathy shape better leaders. Tune in for practical insights on venture capital, entrepreneurship, and management, all framed within the vibrant and complex tapestry of Southeast Asia. New conversations arrive every Monday, offering a thoughtful pause to reflect on how we build what’s next.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

BRAVE Southeast Asia Tech: Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand & Malaysia Startups, Founders & Venture Capital VC (English)
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