Hey there! Ever felt that itch to break free from the corporate grind and dive into the unpredictable world of startups? Well, that's exactly what I did. Leaving behind the comforts of a high-flying career at the world's biggest beer company, AB InBev, I took a leap of faith into the vibrant startup scene of Asia. And let me tell you, it's been one heck of a ride!
The Urge to Venture: Following My Startup Dream
Embracing the Unknown
Picture this: a thriving corporate career on one side, and the tantalizing allure of creating something from scratch on the other. By 30, my resume sparkled with achievements, but my heart yearned for more. The idea of launching my venture kept tugging at me, refusing to be ignored.
Seizing the Opportunity
Flash forward to 2021, and I made the daring move to Singapore to kickstart my startup journey. Teaming up with my wife, we birthed Baskit, a game-changer in streamlining Southeast Asia's supply chains. The road was rocky—VC rejections, visa scares, financial struggles—but we braved through.
Thriving Amidst Uncertainty: Lessons from the Trenches
Adapting to the Unpredictable
Transitioning from the structured corporate realm to the chaotic startup universe wasn't a walk in the park. Yet, my corporate escapades armed me with invaluable skills. Navigating through uncertainties at Baskit became a dance of resilience and flexibility.
Growth through Challenges
Today, with over 50 team members and successful quarters, our journey speaks volumes. From pitching to troubleshooting, every day is a whirlwind of tasks. The contrast with my past life is stark, but the freedom to innovate is priceless.
Getting Hands-On: Immersing in the Market
Living the Experience
Embracing Jakarta's hustle, we dove headfirst into our customers' world. From traffic jams to payment delays, we absorbed it all. The hurdles were many, but so were the lessons. Jakarta became our classroom of growth and opportunities.
Rising to the Challenge
These past years have molded me into a versatile problem-solver. Overnight, I became a jack-of-all-trades, juggling tasks from finance to crisis management. The confidence gained through these trials is immeasurable.
A Partnership of Risks and Rewards
Navigating the Journey Together
Building Baskit alongside my wife has been a rollercoaster of emotions. We weathered storms, celebrated victories, and forged ahead hand in hand. Balancing work dynamics and personal life tested us, but our synergy and shared vision kept us going strong.
Strength in Unity
Collaboration is key. With roles clearly defined and teamwork at its peak, our trio thrives. While I focus on growth and sales, my wife handles operations, and our third musketeer steers strategy. The synergy we've built is the backbone of our success.
Remember, there's never a perfect time to chase your dreams. So, don't wait for the stars to align. Take that leap, tackle the challenges, and watch yourself soar. The journey might be daunting, but the destination is oh-so-rewarding. Cheers to embracing the unknown and crafting your path to success!
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By: insider@insider.com ( Sophie Steiner)
Title: Why I Traded Corporate Life for Startup Adventure in Asia: A Journey of Risks and Rewards
Sourced From: www.businessinsider.com/quit-job-ab-inbev-startup-asia-jakarta-indonesia-baskit-company-2025-9
Published Date: Mon, 22 Sep 2025 00:14:02 +0000
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