Techsauce Global Summit 2025: Where Asia's Innovation Pulse Beats Strong

BANGKOK, THAILAND — Against the vibrant backdrop of Bangkok’s innovation scene, Techsauce Global Summit 2025 once again proved why it is hailed as one of Asia’s most influential gatherings for technology, entrepreneurship, and investment. This year’s summit brought together global thought leaders, startup founders, investors, and ecosystem builders in a dynamic three-day exchange of ideas, opportunities, and visions for the future of tech where TechShake joined as one of the Philippines representatives. 

BREAKING THE ICE, SETTING THE STAGE

Kicking off the first day’s agenda, Paolo Rentero, Co-founder and Director of TechShake (Philippines), took the FinTech Stage alongside Jeff Wu of Pegasus Tech Ventures and Pongsanipa “Jo” Kamalanavin of KBTG for the “Global FinTech Trend: Investing in Future Innovation” panel discussion. The conversation  dived into where AI is poised to make the biggest waves in FinTech, from streamlining transactions, personalizing customer experiences, to strengthening both cybersecurity and compliance.

The discussion also touched on a critical point: the need for talent that blends technical skills with cultural fluency, especially as innovation becomes more borderless. “FinTech is not just about moving money faster,  it’s about building trust across cultures,” Rentero said,  In a room filled with entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers, it was a fitting reminder that in this space, technology is only part of the equation and the other is forging connections strong enough to span industries, markets, and cultures.

SCALING ACROSS BORDERS

The spotlight shifted on the evening of August 5, 2025, to NextStage Asia, a side event of Techsauce Global Summit co-organized by TechShake as part of the ATLAS Alliance.

The program opened with “Designing the Future Together: Scaling in Asia Without Losing Your Competitive Edge,” moderated by Janessa Carlos, TechShake’s Head of Innovation Program. She was joined by Allen John Ku (Taipei Entrepreneurs Hub) and Kenneth Ho (BEAMSTART), exploring how scaling isn’t just about speed as it requires understanding consumer behavior, navigating legal frameworks, and aligning with local partners. As Carlos noted, “ecosystem support often dictates whether a startup can thrive beyond its home market.”

The conversation then transitioned to the “Fireside Panel: ATLAS Milestone Recap and Bridging Ecosystems Across Borders,” moderated by Ester Widya (KUMPUL). Panelists Paolo Rentero (TechShake), Mega Prawita (KUMPUL), Oranuch “Mimee” Lerdsuwankij (Techsauce), and Cong-Thang Huynh (InnoLab Asia) reflected on the alliance’s work in connecting startups, investors, and innovation enablers across Southeast Asia. They highlighted tangible outcomes of shared resources for market entry, coordinated mentorship programs, and frameworks for cross-border investment.

While Southeast Asia’s tech ecosystem is fragmented by regulations and languages, collaboration through networks like ATLAS can accelerate growth, mitigate risks, and foster sustainable expansion.

RESILIENCE AS AN EDGE FOR STARTUPS

The summit’s final day centered on resilience. Rentero joined the ATLAS panel “How to Scale Business to Southeast Asia” and later moderated “Resilience Over Hype: Startup Playbooks for Economic Downturns and Geopolitical Shocks.” Alongside leaders, namely Anmol Goel, CEO & GP of Aryan VC & Gacsym Ventures, Richard Armstrong, Partner from TA Ventures, and Arun Pai, Principal from Monk's Hill Ventures,  noting that cross-border growth requires more than market adaptation. 

It hinges on selecting the right partners, keeping operations disciplined, and maintaining steady revenue and fundraising strategies. Sustainable expansion depends on these fundamentals, not just speed.

FEELING THE PULSE

“This is where ideas cross borders and collaborations take root,” said Janessa Carlos, TechShake’s Head of Innovation Program. TechShake’s participation showed a reality of Southeast Asia’s innovation landscape that despite its fragmented nature, the region’s tech ecosystem is vibrant, and its strength lies in connections. From FinTech insights to cross-border collaboration and strategies for resilient growth, the summit has one key message, that ideas only gain traction when supported by networks, partnerships, and shared purpose.

For more information about TechSauce Global Summit 2025: https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7360546899692580864