Unveiling the Journey to Unicorn: Insights from Top Entrepreneurs at BEYOND EXPO 2024

3 min read

Entrepreneurs play a crucial and influential role in driving innovation, fostering growth, and shaping industries. Their unique perspectives and entrepreneurial spirit are pivotal in the transformation of startups into unicorns from their inception. Recently, at the BEYOND EXPO, five successful entrepreneurs shared their valuable experiences and insights into entrepreneurship during the Founder Forum session, offering illuminating glimpses into their individual paths to success.

Justin Gong, Co-founder & Senior Vice President of XAG, highlighted the objective of enhancing the efficiency of agricultural production by introducing drones and autonomous technology to address labour shortages. Additionally, he articulated the long-term vision of utilizing AI technology and robotics to assist farmers in managing uncertainties such as climate environmental changes. Gong offered advice to young entrepreneurs to seek trustworthy partners and underscored the importance of cultivating strong partnerships over time.

David Lee, CEO & Co-founder of NEX, discussed the significance of making sacrifices and difficult choices when embarking on a venture. Lee’s optimistic yet cautious approach acted as the driving force behind NEX’s resilience in the face of challenges. He also shared insights into securing funding and demonstrating market fit, crucial elements in the startup journey.

Carl Wu, Co-Founder and CEO of New Frontier Group, recounted the success story of the company’s rapid growth in the home health industry in China. Wu reflected on the alignment of their business idea with the country’s rapidly aging population and the government’s preference for home care, leading to the establishment of one of the largest home health companies in China.

Eric Cheng, CEO & Founder of Carsome, highlighted their success in creating transparency and efficiency in the fragmented used car market in Southeast Asia. Cheng spoke about the company’s journey from modest origins to scaling operations and growth, attributing their success to understanding the market’s pain points and developing innovative digital tools.

Chi Xu, Founder and CEO of XREAL, articulated the challenges of being at the forefront of a burgeoning industry, emphasizing the significance of disruptive innovation and expertise in integrating various technologies. Xu also discussed the entrepreneurial journey, underscoring the loneliness, dedication, and vision required to navigate the uncertainties of entrepreneurship.

The insights shared by these esteemed entrepreneurs provide a wealth of knowledge for aspiring business leaders and startup enthusiasts, offering valuable lessons on perseverance, innovation, and strategic decision-making. Their experiences serve as a guiding light for those entering the dynamic world of entrepreneurship, showcasing the determination and resilience required to thrive in the competitive landscape of startups.

In conclusion, the BEYOND EXPO 2024 Founder Forum served as a platform for these influential entrepreneurs to share their remarkable journeys, shedding light on the transformative power of entrepreneurship and the unwavering spirit required to turn startups into unicorns. Students and budding entrepreneurs can draw inspiration from these industry pioneers and apply their insights to carve their path to success in the ever-evolving startup ecosystem.