Robust VC’s Asva is Going Where Others Fear to Tread
I had the pleasure of interviewing Kanin Asvaplungprohm (“Asva”), the Founder and General Partner of Robust. This early-stage venture capitalist is uniquely positioned to bridge the economic and technological gap between North America and Southeast Asia.
His background and career straddle both continents, having spearheaded risk management for a premier provider of Meterological and Agricultural Tech solutions in Thailand. He then headed up a small-cap private equity firm in the US, primarily focusing on turning around distressed companies.
At Robust, by fusing traditional Asian sensibilities, global vision and western savvy, he advises startups and growth-stage companies on the Southeast Asian regulatory landscape and tech ecosystem. With an unrelenting commitment to better humanity by championing paradigm shifting technologies, Asva dedicates himself to the global leaders of tomorrow from the start.
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How did you break into tech investing?
I’ve always had the itch to seek value, even from a young age. I’ve learned that if you have good pattern recognition, you can identify information asymmetries and arbitrage opportunities. My raison d’être is to leverage inefficiencies to create value for my investors.
I began as a Venture Partner at a small firm and had the opportunity to work intimately with exceptional founders and legendary investors. However, I knew I had the potential to better myself. Words from a fund manager who told me I would never make it on my own were fuel to my personal fire and ambition.
I wanted to prove something to the world — so I launched Robust. It has been a colossal and humbling challenge. My only regret is not starting sooner.
What excites you about investing in early-stage startups?
Being at the forefront of innovation and a revolution to disrupt antiquated industries, breaking through the barriers of self-doubt of founders, and being part of that future. More importantly, this job gives me the priceless opportunity to learn from incredibly intelligent people.
While early-stage investing can be high risk, it offers high rewards. Rather than ‘spray- and-pray’, we employ an intentional, quality-oriented approach in which accuracy trumps volume. This is how we de-risk the portfolio and generate alpha. And with my extensive operational background, I am able to add tangible value for founders.
What is the biggest challenge to finding the “right deals”?
I get the best out of referrals from an extensive network that straddles North America and Southeast Asia. However, I do see a lot of organic inbound deal flow. It’s about cutting through the noise, employing tight filters and paying attention. The law of large numbers dictates that now and then, we will find a winner.
What major trends excite you for technology innovation for the next five years?
Applied AI — deploying AI algorithms to train machines to recognize patterns and interpret and act on those patterns. Helping computers make sense of real-world data through videos or computer vision, natural language programming (NLP), and speech technologies.
This trend promises to improve customer satisfaction through better customer interfaces and interaction methods, such as searching Amazon for products based on photos. More seamless human-machine interactions are already simplifying applications by translating speech, text, and images into machine-readable instructions, boosting human productivity and lowering operating expenses.
By 2024, we estimate more than 50% of user touches will be augmented by AI-driven speech, written word, or computer-vision algorithms, while one billion connected cameras will collect and share visual data.
Another emerging trend is The Bio Revolution — a combination of advances in biological science with the accelerating development of computing, automation, and AI. Bio Revolution promises significant impacts on economies, our lives, and industries, from health and agriculture to consumer goods, energy, and materials.
The world of biomolecules, which includes “-omics” and molecular technologies, has evolved as the fastest-growing, cutting-edge of biological science. One of our portfolio companies, Symbiome, discovered that inflammatory diseases endemic in the west don’t exist among indigenous hunter-gatherers. They identified the ancient microbes that we’ve lost and have developed formulations to restore skin and gut health. It’s amazing.
Biomachines, biocomputing, and biosystems are also critical. However, some innovations come with profound risks due to the interconnected nature of biology, spurring a serious debate about how this revolution proceeds.
If you had to share “words of wisdom” with a Founder who’s launching a startup, what would they be?
Cut out the noise, focus and don’t doubt yourself. People only understand things from their level of perception; within the parameters of their agreement with reality. If I followed the words of ill-informed skeptics, I would not be here today!
Additionally, choose investors wisely. Many don’t add value beyond liquidity, and some will steamroll your vision. Find an investor you can trust and one who will be in your corner when things get tough.
How can our readers follow you on social media?
Instagram: @gemkanin
Twitter: @gemkanin
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