How did Antler go from an idea to reality?
Through building Zalora, I’ve seen up close the huge capabilities that new technologies bring to disrupting existing industries and how they can impact the world. We have been speaking to VCs, accelerators and other organisations globally to create a programme that helps founders build companies from scratch.

We are searching for the best of the best, supporting them with our world-class network of advisors to build the next generation of great technology companies in the region. In other words, if you have the drive and talent to form a great company, then apply to us and we’ll help you get the right co-founders, the right business model and capital, to help you build the next global giant out of Asia. 

What are your priorities for the organisation?
Building a diverse team of driven and talented individuals who are just as excited about helping to nurture new businesses as I am—each with a unique skill set to effectively assist in the Antler process. From my entrepreneurs, I’m looking for four things: great ambition and vision; something they really excel in, be it coding, products, a specific industry, leadership, or similar; drive, tenacity, and integrity.

What is your success rate so far?
Many of our partners, venture partners and working teams have been part of building a lot of great companies, including Zalora, Spotify, Wrapp and more. For example, one of our advisors, Andreas Ehn, was the first-ever employee of Spotify and built its tech as the company’s first CTO. We know that not all of the companies [that we help] will succeed, but by starting a company through Antler, the chances are much bigger compared to if you were to start it on your own.

What skills do you need to become a successful entrepreneur?
You really need to be able to break through walls and overcome barriers along the way. To run your own company, you need to start acting as an owner. Care less about specific tasks and focus more on the business as a whole and on delivering results. You need to act as if every day is ground zero, every hour counts and every opportunity presents itself to help you improve and grow. The amazing thing is that once you get going, all of this should come naturally—if you have the right drive and unique talent.

What tips would you give to entrepreneurs who want to be part of your programme at Antler?
1) Don’t wait. No great entrepreneur regretted starting too early. The most important thing is to decide and get started.
2) Get one or two great co-founders on board who complement your skill set. It is important that you get along as you’ll spend a lot of time together. A team with varied skill sets and a great chemistry will always win.
3) Be ambitious and solve an issue that needs to be resolved. Fill a gap in the market.
4) Speak about what you want to build and achieve to as many people as possible. Unless you have a magic formula for free cold fusion, it’s likely that someone has thought about what you’re building before. Thus, the more you discuss it, the smarter your solutions become.
5) Get support from people who inspire you. You can literally meet anyone if you show the right drive and energy to help change the world.

What is the biggest lesson you have learned?
Unless you try, you will never succeed. This is my biggest takeaway from anything I’ve done in my life. If you don’t try to be a Navy Seal, you will never become one. If you don’t try to build a great business, you will never have one. If you try and you have the right drive and ambition—and you’re working on an idea that really makes sense with people that form a great team—you will make it happen. Yes, there’s a lot of hard work and execution that is needed but, in the end, this is how all great businesses start.