2023: A Year of Tenacity, Trends, and Tantalising Food

As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the past twelve months in 2023 — a year marked by growth, exploration, and re-connections. It has been a privilege to crisscross the globe, clocking 18 business trips to 11 vibrant cities, immersing myself in the dynamic worlds of startup founders, venture funds, and fund investors.

Despite the tech funding winter, the global startup ecosystem continues to buzz with innovation, strategic collaboration, and progress.

The tech and venture world had to adapt to a whirlwind of dynamic forces of rising interest rates, global recession, and geopolitical conflicts Yet, amid these challenges, resilient startup founders remained true to their entrepreneurial spirit, took these challenges head-on with tenacity, agility, and resilience with a steadfast focus on sustainable growth and profitability.

On their part, venture capitalists have adopted a more balanced and realistic approach to valuing emerging companies, and this shift has proven to be a prudent investment strategy.

Looking ahead to 2024, the prospects appear promising with a stabilizing economy, decreasing inflation, and a burgeoning tech trend in AI that has captured customer interest. Along with interest rates remaining relatively stable, this combination presents a compelling scenario poised to reinvigorate venture capitalists, prompting more frequent investment activity.

The momentum extends to the IPO landscape, where we anticipate increased listing activities, featuring companies such as Shein and Reddit among the leading candidates for IPOs next year. Additionally, our excitement as a firm is fueled by the transformative potential of AI and workflow automation, envisioning a future where mundane, recurring tasks are streamlined for enhanced productivity.?

On a personal note, I was delighted to see that the cities were alive with tourism, a welcome return to the normalcy we had yearned for. The queues outside popular restaurants and cafes stretched for hours – reflecting our collective desire to connect with each other and make positive memories. For your viewing pleasure, here’s a glimpse into my culinary journey, encapsulated in a few tantalizing food shots. No prizes for guessing where I have been!

As we bid farewell to 2023, let's carry forward the valuable lessons learned, connections forged and cherished memories. Here's to embracing 2024 as a chapter marked by even greater achievements, sustained prosperity and of course, more yummy food.

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a prosperous New Year!