Sam Lee's Linkedin Analytics

Are you ready to see what's sparking innovation across Southeast Asia? March was a powerhouse month for startups, and I couldn’t be more excited about the strides being made. From BetterTeem’s game-changing seed investment that’s set to revolutionize HR tech, to GroupFi shaking up the Web3 landscape, each funding announcement isn’t just a deal—it’s a bold move toward a more innovative future. I’m also seeing big wins in health tech with ventures like Mito Health scaling rapidly, and in agritech where companies like Elevarm are merging AI with sustainable farming to empower local communities. And that’s just scratching the surface of what the region’s visionary founders are accomplishing right now. I’d love to know: which of these startup trends catches your eye the most? Let’s spark a conversation about the future of tech and investment in our vibrant ecosystem!

First stop in Jeju: a playground by the sea. The sun was out, the breeze was gentle, and Dave was beaming with joy. He ran, climbed, laughed—completely in his element. By lunchtime, he was out cold. Slept like a log at the restaurant table. But what struck me most wasn’t just how happy he was—it was where that energy came from. It was pure. Intrinsic. Kids have this remarkable ability to summon energy for the things they love. No matter how tired, they just keep going. And that got me thinking— Entrepreneurship often starts like that too. We show up with curiosity and passion. We work late, face rejection, and still come back the next day. But somewhere along the way, the shine dims. Fatigue wins. We forget the spark that started it all. This trip reminds me: Keep the child in you alive. Let the passion lead. The energy will follow. P.S.: On vacation with Anita Goh and Dave :) #Entrepreneurship #FounderLife #Jeju #ParentingReflection #StartupMindset #KeepTheSpark

Franchise fees… royalties… what exactly are you paying for? When you buy into a franchise, you typically pay: Franchise Fee: A one-time cost that lets you use the brand name, trademarks, and a proven business model. Royalties: An ongoing percentage of your sales that helps fund continued support, marketing, and system upgrades. Here’s the key: make sure you understand how that money is reinvested into the brand—and ultimately, into your success. If the franchisor can’t show you clear value (like national ad campaigns, streamlined supply chains, or advanced tech solutions), it might be time to look elsewhere. I recently put together a short video covering the do’s and don’ts before signing on the dotted line. If you’re exploring franchise ownership—or just want to sharpen your business savvy—check it out. And feel free to drop any questions in the comments. Let’s talk real numbers and real outcomes! #FranchiseOwnership #BusinessStrategy #Entrepreneurship #CFOInsights #InvestorTips #SmallBusinessOwners #LinkedInLearning

When work calls… you answer. Even if it means dragging your partners-in-crime along with you! This morning, something urgent popped up—so while the rest of my family went off exploring, I stayed behind at the hotel, crunching numbers for a client’s VC fundraising round. And of course… I politely forced Cindy Ong and Waut Hmon Hlaing, ACCA to work online with me too. (Sorry… but not really sorry.) The upside? With me left alone, I got to pick lunch—no debates, no negotiations. Went straight for what I love: wood-fired pizza from Donato’s. (Italian food always wins.) And honestly, with the beautiful blue waters of Hyeopjae Beach right outside, this might just be the perfect office setup after all. Always a pleasure helping our clients get across the line on their fundraising journeys—even if it means sacrificing a beach day… or two. #WorkFromAnywhere #StartupLife #VCFundraising #JejuDiaries #PartnersInCrime #HyeopjaeBeach #FoodiePerks

💭 “Is your accountant a cost… or a growth partner?” I asked this question to a founder last month. He paused. Thought about it. And replied, “Honestly… I never saw my accountant as someone who could help us grow.” That answer stuck with me. Too many SME founders treat accounting as a compliance function. 📄 Invoices. 📊 Bookkeeping. 🧾 Tax returns. ✅ Done. But if that’s all your accountant is doing — you’re missing out on serious value. A growth-focused accountant will: 🔍 Spot profit leaks you didn’t know existed 📈 Help you plan for growth, not just record the past 💰 Align your cash flow with your business strategy 🧭 Show you where your numbers are heading — not just where they’ve been Your accountant should be your strategic ally — not just your historian. So I’ll ask you the same question: Is your accountant holding you back… or helping you scale? 👇 I’d love to hear your take. #SMEFinance #Accounting #CashFlow #BusinessStrategy #GrowthMindset #CFOInsights #FinancialLeadership

Caught the sunrise in Jeju this morning. I didn’t plan for it. Woke up at 5:20am, checked my phone—sunrise at 5:54am. Got changed, stepped out, and walked to the common spot where a small group had already gathered. Quiet. Calm. Expectant. And right on time, the sky lit up. There’s a quote I love: “Opportunity is like sunrise. If you wait too long, you miss it.” It’s not just about waking up early. It’s about being in the right place, at the right time, with the awareness to act. Sometimes, we try so hard to create perfect conditions. But some of the most beautiful moments come when we’re just ready to move when the window opens—even if it’s unplanned. Opportunity doesn’t always come with notice. But when it does— Don’t overthink. Just go. #Entrepreneurship #MindsetMatters #Opportunity #JejuSunrise #RightPlaceRightTime

Every birthday reminds me of the day I left corporate life. Back then, I celebrated my birthday with Anita Goh (then girlfriend, now wife) at Alive Museum, Sentosa. She said, “I don’t know whether to be happy or sad for you.” That moment stuck with me. The next day on 22 April 2016 — we got the keys to our first office unit. A humble room in Boonview condo. 9 years later, that space still holds memories. Today, I’m writing this from Jeju, on vacation with my family. A time to rest, reflect and recharge. Thank you to everyone who believed in us — clients, partners, investors. And especially, our team at Paloe | CFO Advisory. We built Paloe to be the Trusted CFO Partner for Companies with the Desire to Grow. And we continue to serve with S.P.A.R.K.L.E. (yes, that’s our internal code — Service, Process, Attentiveness, Responsiveness, Knowledge, Leadership, Enthusiasm) Looking ahead, here’s what excites me: 1. Educating SMEs on M&A — not just about deals, but about readiness 2. Supporting VCs/PEs to scale portfolio companies’ finance teams 3. Helping international startups launch in Southeast Asia 4. Driving finance automation and dashboards for CFOs 5. Hiring selectively — building a team with heart, not just skills One client texted last week: “It’s a great positive culture.” That’s what we strive for. Here’s to the start of Year 10 — and many more ahead. #CFO #M&A #StartupSG #FinanceLeadership #VC #PE #Paloe #SingaporeStartups