The Silicon Valley way? Not the only way

More: Aramco’s AI investment plans. [Read from your browser]( Daily Newsletter Welcome to Tech in Asia's free Daily Newsletter! Get full access to our subscribers-only Daily Newsletter and other insightful analysis on the big and messy topics of Asia’s tech and startup community by [registering here](.  --------------------------------------------------------------- IN FOCUS In today's newsletter, we spotlight: - The reasons why the Silicon Valley model [is not what Southeast Asia needs]( (and what it should do instead) - A Canadian maritime robotics startup making its foray into SEA - The most active investors in SEA’s startups - Other newsy highlights such as Aramco’s AI investment plans --------------------------------------------------------------- Hello {NAME} Our Tech in Asia Conference took place in Jakarta last week, and we had an amazing time. The energy was incredible, and I enjoyed meeting and hearing from startups trying to solve challenges and figuring out new ways of doing things. Just because something has been done in a certain way for a long time doesn’t mean it’s the only way, after all. This rings especially true with how we conceive of our startup ecosystems. For many, the Silicon Valley model is the gold standard of the tech and startup scene. But while this model has been successful, it’s important to remember that it is a product of a particular time and space. There are definitely other approaches to fostering startup growth and fueling innovation, and we’ll dive deeper into one of them in today’s premium story. -- Stefanie  ---------------------------------------------------------------  THE BIG STORY [SEA needs to see the Silicon Valley model for what it is: flawed]( Southeast Asia's tech scene may find more success by following Japan and Korea's lead. --------------------------------------------------------------- TRENDING NEWS [Canada maritime robotics firm secures $2m for SEA plans]( Open Ocean Robotics (OOR) has secured around US$2 million in a funding round co-led by Antares Ventures. OOR specializes in producing uncrewed surface vehicles for ocean monitoring. The investment will go toward fueling OOR’s expansion in Southeast Asia, with Singapore as its base. [Aramco’s VC arm commits $100m to AI startups]( Wa’ed Ventures, Saudi Aramco’s VC arm, has allocated US$100 million for investments in AI startups. This is part of the firm’s efforts to elevate the role of Saudi Arabia in the global AI sector. ---------------------------------------------------------------  VISUAL STORY OF THE DAY [These are the most active investors in Southeast Asia’s startups]( Which investors are writing the most checks to Southeast Asian startups? --------------------------------------------------------------- THE NEXT GENERATION OF UNICORNS DOESN’T JUST DREAM They pitch their way to the top The future of innovation is unfolding, and you have a front-row seat to witness it. We’re co-hosting an exclusive pitch competition with Airwallex to gather the brightest startups and top VCs under one roof. Build meaningful connections, be inspired, and be impressed by the ideas set to disrupt the market. Limited seats are available. [Apply for an invite now!]( ---------------------------------------------------------------  EVENTS HAPPENING You can also check out a curated list of trending tech events [over here]( and Tech in Asia’s signature events [here](.  [Tech in Asia’s Founders Meetup: Philippines on November 12]( Don't just dream it - do it. Connect with Southeast Asia’s tech visionaries at Founders Meetup Philippines on November 12 and turn your startup aspirations into reality. This is your chance to unlock growth opportunities, master investment strategies, and spark game-changing connections. [Get tickets now - what are you waiting for?]( [DNA Leadership Summit on November 14-15 | Jakarta]( Struggling with the tough decisions and constant pressure that come with leadership? You're not alone. The DNA Leadership Summit is designed to address these challenges. Hear directly from top leaders at Sinar Mas Land, Blue Bird, Vidio, Cakap, and Binar, as they share their real-world experiences and strategies that helped them navigate complex business landscapes. This is your chance to gain practical insights from those who’ve faced similar challenges—and come out on top. [Sign up for free](. ---------------------------------------------------------------  WHO'S HIRING You can post a job [here]( or search for jobs [here](. - [Applied AI Engineering Intern]( at AiChat Singapore, Singapore - [Digital Marketing]( at PT Allo Bank Indonesia Tbk Jakarta, Indonesia - [Digital Analytics Internship]( at Antikode Tangerang, Indonesia - [Senior Solution Consultant]( at TADA Jakarta, Indonesia - [Finance Staff]( at Graha Karya Informasi Jakarta, Indonesia - [Account Executive]( at Gefami Services Indonesia Tangerang, Indonesia [ADVERTISE]( | [SUBSCRIBE]( P.S. 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