How a SEA Cyber Startup Nearly Died with $5K Left—and Came Back Stronger in Faith
Featuring: Southeast Asian Cyber CEO Joel Lee’s near-death experience raising capital
Ever watched your runway evaporate to three days of cash in the bank? Joel Lee, co-founder and CEO of Protoss Labs, walked that razor’s edge. In this fascinating conversation, he reveals how fragile early-stage ventures can be—and the surprising sources that saved the day.
Key Points in the Interview
Living on the brink: Begging for S50k checks to make payroll
Unexpected lifelines: How a random COVID grant and an angel “PayNow” investor bailed them out
Why strong relationships are key in the SEA startup scene
Burn rate mistakes: Not firing people earlier as part of helping them grow
Practical wisdom: Adjusting your approach to government sales cycles
And more
Why It Matters
Many aspiring founders only see “unicorn” headlines. This raw, honest story spotlights the harsh realities of building in SEA: survival often hinges on flexibility, resourcefulness, and forging personal connections.
Listen & Learn
Get the full story on navigating near-death startup moments—and bouncing back even stronger—by tuning in to the latest podcast on Sow and Scale