Inside the Boardroom: How VCs Actually Deal with Fraud & "Bad Faith" Founders - E690

Inside the Boardroom: How VCs Actually Deal with Fraud & "Bad Faith" Founders - E690

Author: Jeremy Au April 27, 2026 Duration: 39:05

How do you build a multi-billion dollar company while navigating the complex regulatory landscapes of Southeast Asia?

In this episode, Jeremy Au sits down with Jecky Pelaez, Legal and Investment Partner at Kickstart Ventures, to pull back the curtain on the "unsexy" but critical side of venture capital: Governance and Compliance.

Jecky reveals the stark differences between incorporating in Singapore vs. the Philippines, explaining why taxation on revenue (rather than profit) can be a "startup killer." They dive deep into the recent wave of startup fraud in Southeast Asia, the rise of down rounds, and the technical reality of managing a cap table when the "frothy" years of 2021 are long gone.

Whether you are a founder trying to stay motivated during a bridge round or an investor looking to de-risk your portfolio, this masterclass in startup law provides the tactical blueprint for building a sustainable tech empire in Manila, Singapore, and beyond.


00:00 – The Critical Role of Governance in Growth

01:09 – Philippines vs. Singapore: The Incorporation Race

02:40 – From Banking to Law: Jecky Pelaez’s Journey to Kickstart Ventures

08:13 – A Day in the Life: "Making Sure No One Goes to Jail"

12:10 – Addressing Startup Fraud and Scrutiny in SE Asia

19:00 – The Reality of Bridge Rounds & Down Rounds in 2026

24:35 – Bad Faith Founders & The "Stuck" Capital Problem

30:35 – "Founder Friendly" vs. "Investor Protected" Clauses

35:00 – How the Philippines Can Improve Its Startup Ecosystem

38:15 – A Personal Story: Bravery, Grief, and Moving Forward


Watch, listen or read the full insight at https://www.bravesea.com/blog/jecky-pelaez-kickstart-ventures

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

WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VakR55X6BIElUEvkN02e

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jeremyau

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jeremyauz

Twitter X : https://x.com/jeremyau

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bravesea

English: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Bahasa Indonesia: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

Chinese: Spotify | YouTube | Apple Podcasts

#Philippines #VentureCapital #Startup #Podcast #southeastasia #techpodcast


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: 50

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