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Alan Tsen

Day: Looking for my next thing Night: investor in fintech startups + former chair of Fintech Australia, writer of Fintech Radar.

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Apple’s AI Strategy: Some Quick Takeaways from WWDC24

The main takeaway from WWDC24: Apple’s AI strategy is all about calculated, steady moves. They're not chasing trends but focusing on thoughtful integration that genuinely enhances user experience. Firstly, Apple isn’t diving headfirst into AI at any cost. They’re taking a measured approach, much like they did

Apple’s AI Strategy: Some Quick Takeaways from WWDC24
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Outcomes Over Outputs

When building a product, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush of developing new features and pushing out updates. However, the real measure of success lies not in what we create, but in the impact they have. This is the difference between outputs and outcomes. While outputs

Outcomes Over Outputs
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What Problem Does Your Product Actually Solve?

I saw a tweet doing the rounds on Twitter (sorry, never referring to it as X) that linked to an article by Joel Spolsky, where he shared a banger of a story about his time on the Microsoft Excel team. Everyone initially saw Excel as the ultimate financial modelling tool,

What Problem Does Your Product Actually Solve?
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Every Startup Is A Mess

Every startup, without exception, is a mess. This isn't an indictment of founders or their creations; rather, it's a universal truth I've come to recognise after more than a decade immersed in the startup land. Recognising this chaos is crucial—not to criticise, but to offer reassurance. It's messy everywhere.

Every Startup Is A Mess
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The Subtle Art of Japanese Curation

Wandering through Japan, you quickly pick up on a unique vibe: a deep appreciation for the past, brilliantly repurposed for today. On a trip earlier this year, I got to see this firsthand, whether buzzing through the tech paradise of Akihabara or exploring the quaint vintage shops of Shimokitazawa. It’

The Subtle Art of Japanese Curation
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Craft & Detail

Craft is the cornerstone of all exceptional products. It's more than mere execution; it's an ethos, reflecting deep commitment and meticulous attention to detail. When companies infuse their processes with craft, they do more than build products—they cultivate a culture of excellence. The value of craft lies in what

Craft & Detail
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AI is communist and crypto is capitalist

I was listening to an excellent podcast from the team over at A16Z about the intersection of AI and crypto. I thought it was going to be a buzzword mashup session, but was pleasantly surprised by the restraint shown in staying away from most of the obvious memes that can

AI is communist and crypto is capitalist
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What Is This Blog?

I love writing. However, I’m not sure it loves me back. Depending on the rotation of the sun, my mood, or the topic I’m mulling over, the process can range from cathartic to downright painful. Regardless, everyday I (digitally) scribble my thoughts and ideas into my note taking

What Is This Blog?
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What Most People Get Wrong About BNPL

If you were to summarise most news coverage of the BNPL sector, it would basically round to “it’s making kids buy more stuff they don’t need and driving them into debt.”

What Most People Get Wrong About BNPL
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Fintech Predictions For 2020

At the end of 2019 I tweeted my fintech predictions for 2020 [https://twitter.com/alantsen/status/1211979458996916225]. I mean are you even in tech if you don't get your crystal ball out at the end of the year? In previous years, I've just let my predictions live on Twitter

Fintech Predictions For 2020