Bangkok--8 Oct--AIS
AIS reaffirms its top position for startup support, uniting leading allies in the ecosystem to fully promote the ideas of the new generation and declare the top tech startup of the year as the winner of the AIS The StartUp 2015. The winner will take a prize of 1,000,000 baht and become a digital partner with AIS to enjoy full support in getting their work ready for the market right away. And we are ready to signal the international launching of new products within 3-6 months. This is to show that Thai startups are stronger, have greater potential and are ready to compete on the global arena. In all, AIS has supported startups throughout the entire project with over 100 million baht.
Mr. Pratthana Leelapanang, Executive Vice President Marketing of AIS, reveals, "AIS The StartUp 2015 is the fifth consecutive project of its kind. We consider it more successful every year. This year, over 1,500 people, or 300 teams, signed up for the project. The final ten were selected to pitch their work to the committee composed of experts, namely, Mr. Pakorn Partanapat, Senior Executive Vice President from KASIKORN BANK; Mr. Oliver Foo from Singtel International Group; Mr. Nicholas Foo from Samsung Asia; Mr. Prapan Charoenprawatt, President-Market for Alternative Investment (MAI); Mr. Thanapong Na-Ranong from InVent, etc., including over 200 executives from allies in various fields and regional investors.
Overall results of the startups have been very satisfactory. Over 80 percent are in the process of developing business models to further businesses, and the remaining 20 percent are currently developing products, getting ready for launching on the market and extending new customers. It is clear that Thai startups are now strong, prepared to compete and ready to shine in terms of creative areas and differentiation. They also have clearer business outlooks and target groups. They can market domestically and expand abroad. Moreover, the broader market environments provide consumers with easier access to the internet, making them more and more familiar with digital services. The business sector has also accepted and become convinced that the digital environment will facilitate business, generate income, expand markets, reduce costs and truly improve business effectiveness. All of these support startups with new channels and opportunities to develop products that successfully respond to future trends.
So, all of the diverse products submitted, which cover all functions and concur with the digital lifestyle, are as follows:
- 32% - on-demand economy services. The number is highest in this category, this platform is the most facilitative to consumers in making reserves-purchases-sales online, with guaranteed larger niches that deeply permeate different lifestyles.
- 20% - entertainment and lifestyle services. This group remains popular with every age group.
- 14% - social enterprises; these businesses are for society. They are attracting more interest and increasing every year. This year we have seen a more balanced business model, one capable of producing win-win solutions for stakeholders, including businesses that need to survive.
- 12% - fintechs, payment systems and financial technologies. This year we have seen fintech in shape and form, such as online crowd funding, which is currently supported by the state. New digital laws are being created to support new transaction types.
- 8% - smart living, IOT, groups, effective utilization of the internet with electronic sensors. It's a rapidly growing trend. Most provide solutions are for lifestyles in the fast lane of urban residents.
- 14% belongs to other groups, e.g., mobile ads, digital games, etc.
The three primary decision criteria are as follows: 1. Readiness Product – a clear business road map; 2. Room for growth on regional and international levels; 3. Skilled and capable team members who understand business and have good presentation abilities.
AIS The StartUp 2015 Winning teams:
The First-Prize Winner is FlowAccount, Easy to use cloud accounting solution for small businesses. who receive 1,000,000 baht in cash from AIS and 2,000 USD from Samsung Asia.
The Runner Up is Socialgiver, Socialgiver.com offers special rates from top brands across Thailand while your money supports charity projects that are changing lives. who receive 2,000 USD from Samsung Asia.
Together, both teams are granted to attend the Regional Operator Workshop in Singapore in October 2015 and participating in the Regional Challenge at Jakarta, Indonesia, in December 2015. And
In addition, KASIKORN BANK will also grant Choco Card, A loyalty card uniting all rewards cards into one. a special "Best FinTech Startup Award" prize of 100,000 baht.
"As for the plan to further support the winning teams, products will be co-developed and planned for business marketing aimed at scaling to the market, launching services and reaching the international market within 3-6 months. Furthermore, AIS also has policy to support every startup team in becoming business allies with AIS in every aspect with budget support of over 100 million baht throughout the entire project for startups. Accordingly, over the past four years, a total of 11 teams have passed selection market trials and achieved service launches. These are ShopSpot, Infographic, Thailand, Aommoney, Noonswoon, The Trippacker, Fourleaf, Golfdigg, Local Alike, StockRadars, AIS U Academy, BentoWeb. In all, the value of these companies exceeds 1 billion baht. Every team has already got the funding from Thai and foreign investors. When comparing all of the teams entered in the business guideline process, more than 80% have survived and are still operating with us today, which is a good indicator of the project's success.
Thus, the AIS The StartUp 2015 activities show that startup communities in Thailand are growing stronger every year. These people are highly capable and lost to no one. Now AIS has moved forward as a full-fledged digital life service provider. This will create new opportunities for startups in developing a broader range of products. AIS affirms its readiness to promote and stand beside startup businesses as professional digital partners who can do business with AIS and sustainably grow side by side in delivering services to AIS customers and competing in the international market for Thailand," Mr. Pratthana concluded.