2-min read

Dhritiman Hui is Managing Director of Eastern Pacific Accelerator Powered by Techstars. He started his life working for large Fortune 500 companies, like Maersk—the global shipping, ports and energy conglomerate. Halfway through his career, he switched over to investing. He has spent the last several years working for two family offices and making investments in the Americas, Europe, and Asia. He currently lives in Singapore.

01. What are the key elements you look for when sourcing startups for the Eastern Pacific Accelerator Powered by Techstars?

We look for strong founders and the opportunity to build a large company. The rest—if the founders are strong—can be worked out. That’s what Techstars is for!

02. What are some of the biggest learnings from your career and entrepreneurial journey that you bring to being a Techstars MD?

If I had to point out one single lesson: never, ever work on a small opportunity. Make it large. Very large. Otherwise it just won’t be worth it.

03. What does our partner, Eastern Pacific Shipping, bring to the accelerator?

• Tens of thousands of person hours of experience

• Tremendous reach

• A superb brand in the maritime industry For our founders, collaborating with EPS—who represents all of these attributes above—is special.

04. Describe a situation with a startup founder or team where you felt like you made a difference.

I try to preach what I have felt has been the biggest lesson I have learnt in my business life (see above!). I try to challenge every founder to make her idea and her business larger.

05. What is your favorite thing about the Singapore startup scene?

It has grown like weeds over the last few years. There were barely a handful of VCs and startups in this market just a decade back. Things have changed beyond recognition since then. The optimism and energy that rapid growth gives me is my favorite thing about this place.

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