The Big Spark

The Big Spark is a powerful capital raising platform for South East Asia. A brand new, business reality TV show that empowers entrepreneurs with mentorship, a strong network and the opportunity to receive $1M of equity investment.

Elevandi is a proud co-creator of The Big Spark, which aims to shine a spotlight on incredible founders across South East Asia and inspire the next generation. Season 1 was filmed alongside the Singapore FinTech Festival 2023 and aired on Channel News Asia in Feb 2024.

2022 Distinguished Speakers

TOUCH

T.V. Mohandas Pai Chairman Aarin Capital & 3one4 Capital

T.V. Mohandas Pai Chairman

TOUCH

Sheila Bair Former Chair, FDICFormer Chair, FDIC, Senior Fellow, Center for Financial Stability & Senior Advisor and Founding Chair, Systemic Risk Council

Sheila Bair Former Chair, FDIC

TOUCH

Pradyumna Agrawal Managing Director Investment (Blockchain), Temasek International Pte Ltd

Pradyumna Agrawal Managing Director

TOUCH

Jonathan Larsen Chief Innovation Officer of Ping An Group Chairman & CEO of Ping An Global Voyager Fund,

Jonathan Larsen Chief Innovation Officer of Ping An Group

TOUCH

Jack Lee Founding Managing Partner, HCM Capital

TOUCH

Tai Panich CEO & CIO, SCB 10X

TOUCH

Sarah Hammer Professor and Managing DirectorThe Wharton School and the University of Pennsylvania Law School

Sarah Hammer Professor and Managing Director

TOUCH

Timothy Adams President & CEO, Institute of International Finance (IIF)

TOUCH

Soraya Hakuziyaremye Deputy Governor, National Bank of Rwanda

TOUCH

Mihály Patai Deputy Governor, The Central Bank of Hungary

TOUCH

Chea Serey Assistant Governor & Director General of Central Banking, National Bank of Cambodia

TOUCH

Jo Ann Barefoot Co-founder & CEO, Alliance for Innovative Regulation

TOUCH

Jorge Familiar Vice President and Treasurer, World Bank and Pension Finance Administrator, World Bank Group

2022 Agenda

Keynotes: The Rising Strategic Importance of Capital Meeting Policy

Investments in FinTech have raised U$1Tn since 2010 in over 35,000 deals. Investor capital hence has been a significant source of innovation, customer experience improvements, financial inclusion, cost reduction, and value creation. Plus, timely launches of regulatory sandboxes have played a consequential role in fuelling innovation.

Now, with boundaries between innovators, social networks, digital platforms, and finance blurring, these introduce vulnerabilities and financial stability challenges, leading to regulatory considerations and scrutiny.

Hence, an open and continuous dialogue between capital providers and policy makers is additionally needed to better align market outcomes with policy objectives.

How can that then be done better? How does an investor and business operator approach this? Importantly, what is the policymaker’s perspective?

Panel Discussion: Capital Provider’s Perspective

In 2021, more than 20% of venture dollars went into FinTech start-ups globally. This year, market conditions are dramatically different in every sector, including FinTech – public and private valuations are down. In addition, there is regulatory scrutiny on fast growing FinTech sectors – whether in Web 3 or BNPL – which has impacted investment outcomes. Consequently, capital providers are deliberating each investment with more caution.

Are there lessons, good and otherwise, that investors in both private and public markets have now learned?

If harnessed better, can these lessons help minimise policy risk to capital, while continuing to fuel innovation, and ultimately driving more sustainable value creation?

Panel Discussion: Policymaker’s Perspective

FinTech innovation and adoption is moving at a dizzying pace.

Consequently, regulatory considerations range from minimising risky retail behaviour to financial market stability, to market abuse and money laundering.

How can market outcomes be better aligned with policy objectives?

How can policymakers better participate in driving innovation such that investors are able to deploy risk capital in a relatively more informed manner?

What role can a more active dialogue between investors and policymakers play?

And if so, how could it be modelled?

Anuj Golecha

Co-Founder

Venture Catalysts++

Anuj Golecha

Co-Founder

Anuj, a Chartered Accountant and angel investor since 2013, co-founded Venture Catalysts++ Group in 2016. His Managed Capital exceeds USD 0.5Bn and portfolio exceeds 300 enterprises. Also passionate about societal impact, he's involved in philanthropic ventures in education and healthcare in India, demonstrating his commitment to community enrichment.

John Sharp

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Hatcher+

John Sharp

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

John, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Hatcher+, is an expert in AI, fintech, and decarbonisation. He led authentium's acquisition and co-authored three US patents in cybersecurity. At Hatcher+, he develops innovative tech platforms, actively blogs, speaks, and is dedicated to ESG implementations.

Jussi Salovaara

Co-Founder & Managing Partner Asia

Antler

Jussi Salovaara

Co-Founder & Managing Partner Asia

Jussi is Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Antler—the world's most active early-stage VC, with more than $4.6B in portfolio value. He oversees APAC investments and has contributed to backing more than 900 startups globally. His diverse experience includes prior leadership roles at Nokia, McKinsey, Deloitte, and Morgan Stanley.

Murli Ravi

Co-Founder

Tin Men Capital

Murli Ravi

Co-Founder

Murli, Co-Founder of Tin Men Capital, is a veteran venture investor since 2008 in enterprise tech and B2B marketplace startups across Southeast Asia, and has been on over 25 startup boards globally. Previously, he was at Temasek and INSEAD. Murli is a prolific writer and public speaker hoping to help all founders increase their chances of success.

Neeraj Tyagi

Co-Founder & Partner, Avinya Ventures,

Co-Founder & CEO, We Founder Circle & Invstt

Neeraj Tyagi

Co-Founder & Partner, Avinya Ventures,

Neeraj is Co-Founder of Avinya Ventures (an early stage USD60M VC fund) and CEO of We Founder Circle. A prolific angel investor with 100+ investments in category leaders like Rooter, Zypp Electric and KoinX, he has led global startup delegations, built investor communities, and is a sought-after mentor and speaker at top institutes including IITs & IIMs.

Sebastian Togelang

Rigel-Farro Capital

Sebastian Togelang

Sebastian Togelang of Rigel-Farro Capital, with over 25 years in tech, finance, and venture investing, is a key figure in Southeast Asia, India, and the Middle East markets. Founder of Rigel Capital and ex-Managing Partner at Kejora Capital, he's significantly contributed to creating four unicorns and co-founded the Indonesian FinTech Association.

Vanessa Ho

Co-Founder

Fintech Nation Fund

Vanessa Ho

Co-Founder

Vanessa Ho is the Co-Founder of Fintech Nation Fund. Fintech Nation invests in early stage companies with a focus on fintech, leads community initiatives such as Fintech 65, an annual nomination, and produces thought leadership pieces. Vanessa is also the Co-Founder and Chairperson of NUS Alumni Ventures, an angel network of operators and C-suites that mentor and invest in Southeast Asia startups.

Visa Kannan

Partner

Saison Capital

Visa Kannan

Partner

Visa Kannan, Partner at Saison Capital, is skilled at scaling eCommerce companies, having been part of the core team at two unicorns (Grofers/Blinkit and Lazada). Prior to that, she was a consultant at BCG and an M&A lawyer. She actively promotes diversity, mentoring female founders to create a more equitable venture ecosystem.

Sopnendu Mohanty

Chief FinTech Officer, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)

Chairman of the Board, Elevandi

Sopnendu Mohanty

Chief FinTech Officer, Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS)

Lim Wai Mun

Founder & CEO

Doctor Anywhere

Lim Wai Mun

Founder & CEO

Lim Wai Mun is the Founder and CEO of Doctor Anywhere, a tech-driven healthcare company in Southeast Asia. He has a mechanical engineering background from the National University of Singapore and a finance career with Standard Chartered Private Equity and Temasek Holdings. In 2017, he founded Doctor Anywhere, providing healthcare services to million across six countries. Wai Mun received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year (EOY) Singapore in 2022.

Roshni Mahtani-Cheung

Group CEO and Founder

The Parentinc

Roshni Mahtani-Cheung

Group CEO and Founder

Roshni Mahtani- Cheung is the Group CEO and Founder of The Parentinc, a parent-tech company. She has over 15 years of media and marketing experience and is actively involved in the startup community. Roshni co-founded the Female Founders Network and serves as an executive producer for the documovie "Untouchable: Children of God." She is an Obama Leader, a board member at the Singapore Repertory Theatre, and enjoys spending time with her family.

Amit Gupta

President SG & Global Trustee, TiE,

Founder, Ecosystm Group

Amit Gupta

President SG & Global Trustee, TiE,

Amit is a tech entrepreneur and an accomplished industry analyst. Passionate about innovation, he's an active angel investor, board member for several digital start-ups and advises the New Zealand Government. He is also Singapore President and a Global Trustee for TiE, the world’s largest entrepreneur organisation and also Singapore FinTech Festival's ambassador.

Eric Lian

Head of Group Commercial Banking

UOB

Eric Lian

Head of Group Commercial Banking

Eric, Head of Group Commercial Banking at UOB, manages mid-cap corporates and SMEs across ASEAN and Greater China. Prior to this, he was the President and CEO of UOB (China) and a member of the Group’s Executive Committee from 2013 to 2016. With over 30 years’ experience, he also serves on various association committees promoting Singapore – ASEAN and Greater China trade.

Kavita Bedi Bhattacharya

Head of Group Business Banking

UOB

Kavita Bedi Bhattacharya

Head of Group Business Banking

Kavita, Head of Group Business Banking at UOB, spearheads the small business segment across Southeast Asia, driving growth for SMEs in these markets. She has over 25 years’ experience, focused on the consumer as well as SME segments in Asia.

Mark Micallef

Managing Director, Southeast Asia

Google Cloud

Mark Micallef

Managing Director, Southeast Asia

Mark drives regional strategy, team growth, and revenue performance. Previously at Anaplan and Cloudera, he's led significant milestones, including Cloudera's IPO. With a 28-year tech leadership career, Mark has extensive experience in business and management across the Asia-Pacific region.

Mustafa Kapasi

Chief Commercial Officer

Mustafa Kapasi

Chief Commercial Officer

Mustafa brings over 27 years of global experience, primarily in telecommunications. He previously held key positions including Group Chief Commercial Officer at Digicel Group and Chief Commercial Officer at Airtel Zambia and Tanzania, as well as Chief Marketing Officer at Hutchison 3 Indonesia.

Ng Yeow Boon

Deputy Chief Executive (Development)

Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX)

Ng Yeow Boon

Deputy Chief Executive (Development)

Yeow Boon leads HTX divisions in spearheading the development and delivery of cutting-edge science and technology solutions for Singapore's Home Team. He has held various leadership positions in the Singapore Police Force and Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), with extensive experience in policy development, legislation, joint operations, and technology.

Raagulan Pathy

Vice President, Asia Pacific

Circle

Raagulan Pathy

Vice President, Asia Pacific

Raagulan, based in Singapore, leads regional go-to-market strategies and operations for Circle. He previously spearheaded enterprise initiatives at Zoom in Asia Pacific and has held senior roles at Facebook and Amazon Web Services, bringing extensive leadership experience in technology and financial services.

Rebecca Martin

Head of Strategy

Elevandi

Rebecca Martin

Head of Strategy

Rebecca is Head of Strategy at Elevandi, a not-for-profit organisation committed to driving the growth of the digital economy. Rebecca is also responsible for programming Elevandi’s global dialogues including the Singapore FinTech Festival. Prior to setting up Elevandi, Rebecca managed the FinTech Investment portfolio for the Monetary Authority of Singapore and has held roles with TiE, AFIN, Money20/20 and Founders Forum.

Rhonda Wong

Group CEO and Co-Founder

Ohmyhome

Rhonda Wong

Group CEO and Co-Founder

Rhonda leads Southeast Asia’s top property transaction tech company, the first US-listed female-founded proptech firm. She's focused on creating a trusted, data-driven platform for homeowners. Rhonda's leadership has won multiple awards and her experience spans global property sales and financial sectors.

Ricky Kapur

Head of Asia Pacific

Zoom

Ricky Kapur

Head of Asia Pacific

Ricky leads Zoom's APAC business and go-to-market strategy, focusing on regional growth and digital transformation. His 25+ years of experience includes senior roles at Microsoft, where he managed sales and marketing, and at Google, overseeing Google Cloud Platform's growth across APJ.

Ullrich Loeffler

Co-Founder & CEO

Ecosystm

Ullrich Loeffler

Co-Founder & CEO

Ullrich is Co-Founder and CEO of Ecosystm, an international research and consulting firm dedicated to innovating in the tech industry. Since 2018, Ecosystm has expanded rapidly, servicing clients in Asia Pacific and globally . In 2022, he co-founded Kampd a social learning platform for enterprises.

Jonathan Glazier

Producer, The Big Spark

Mediacorp

Jonathan Glazier

Producer, The Big Spark

Jonathan Glazier’s Career spans 30 years as a content creator, director and producer.! He directed many of the UK’s most watched entertainment programmes. He still directs, most recently Million Pound Drop for the C4 and Pointless at the BBC.! ! Jonathan lectures all over the world, in demand as a consultant, speaker, troubleshooter and flying producer. Clients include Endemol, Fremantle Media, Eyeworks, NHK, and the EBU and through the Entertainment Master Class CBC, NRK, KOCCA. As a founding member of the EMC advisory board Jonathan has moderated and spoken at modules all over the world on many topics.!

2022 Distinguished Speakers

2022 Agenda

Audience

Exceptional Insights

$1M Investment Available From:

Anuj Golecha

Anuj Golecha

Anuj Golecha

John Sharp

John Sharp

John Sharp

Jussi Salovaara

Jussi Salovaara

Jussi Salovaara

Murli Ravi

Murli Ravi

Murli Ravi

Neeraj Tyagi

Neeraj Tyagi

Neeraj Tyagi

Sebastian Togelang

Sebastian Togelang

Sebastian Togelang

Vanessa Ho

Vanessa Ho

Vanessa Ho

Visa Kannan

Visa Kannan

Visa Kannan

Mentoring and Advice Offered By:

Sopnendu Mohanty

Sopnendu Mohanty

Sopnendu Mohanty

Lim Wai Mun

Lim Wai Mun

Lim Wai Mun

Roshni Mahtani-Cheung

Roshni Mahtani-Cheung

Roshni Mahtani-Cheung

Amit Gupta

Amit Gupta

Amit Gupta

Eric Lian

Eric Lian

Eric Lian

Kavita Bedi Bhattacharya

Kavita Bedi Bhattacharya

Kavita Bedi Bhattacharya

Mark Micallef

Mark Micallef

Mark Micallef

Mustafa Kapasi

Mustafa Kapasi

Mustafa Kapasi

Ng Yeow Boon

Ng Yeow Boon

Ng Yeow Boon

Raagulan Pathy

Raagulan Pathy

Raagulan Pathy

Rebecca Martin

Rebecca Martin

Rebecca Martin

Rhonda Wong

Rhonda Wong

Rhonda Wong

Ricky Kapur

Ricky Kapur

Ricky Kapur

Ullrich Loeffler

Ullrich Loeffler

Ullrich Loeffler

Produced By:

Jonathan Glazier

Jonathan Glazier

Jonathan Glazier