Ep.18 - Bolstering governance hygiene for startups in Southeast Asia

In our new ongoing series "MindShare," AC Ventures curates expert guests to discuss current events and timely topics in the Southeast Asian tech ecosystem. Via insightful group discussion, we then interpret what it all means for startups, investors, and stakeholders in the region.

Hosted by Leighton Cosseboom, Head of PR & Communication at ACV, today's topic is all about good governance in startups. It’s no secret that corporate governance in early-stage ventures has never been particularly stringent, especially in more nascent tech markets like Indonesia. But now, following a few high-profile scandals last year and with fewer clear avenues to liquidity for investors in tech, governance for startups has become a fiery topic once again. 

With us today is Pandu Sjahrir, Founding Partner at ACV, and Joel Shen, a prominent corporate lawyer in Jakarta and Singapore who heads Withersworldwide's technology practice in Asia.  

As an independent commissioner at the Indonesia Stock Exchange and an investor sitting on the boards of many tech companies, Pandu is well-placed to unpack this issue. Meanwhile, as a lawyer who specializes in venture day in and day out, Joel has seen firsthand what can happen when best practices are not followed.