Rethinking Emerging Markets: Lessons from Orbit Startups' Global Innovation

William Bao Bean, Managing General Partner of Orbit Startups, shares insights from a 28-year career investing in emerging markets across Southeast Asia, South Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America. Bao Bean challenges conventional wisdom, arguing that success requires “careful localization and data-driven experimentation” rather than simply adopting developed-market strategies. The conversation explores thoughtful international expansion, why conventional digital marketing often underperforms in emerging economies, innovative developments in e-commerce and creator-focused platforms, and AI’s differential effects across economic segments.