Richard Xia is the CEO and co-founder of Novelship, a fashion marketplace offering a diverse selection of authentic sneakers, apparel and collectibles.

Founded in late 2018, Novelship has grown to become the leading marketplace in the region, with aspirations to become a global leader. To support its vision, the company has raised US$22M to date.

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

As CEO of Novelship, I steer our strategic direction. As a leading online marketplace for sneakers, apparel, and collectibles, we’re dedicated to empowering a diverse community to champion their unique style and lead trends.

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In simpler terms, picture a virtual hub for Gen Z sneakerheads and fashion enthusiasts, offering over 500,000 products from top brands like Nike, Adidas, and Supreme. My role involves leading a team to ensure our platform remains user-friendly, secure, and always evolving. I also focus on partnerships, marketing, and overall business growth to maintain Novelship as the go-to destination for global sneaker and streetwear enthusiasts.

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

As CEO, I'm not always knee-deep in the latest sneaker releases. Most of the time, our operations team handles the exciting stuff like processing and authenticating those cool kicks. My day-to-day involves poring over data and other less glamorous tasks. But don't worry, I still manage to feed my sneaker addiction by snagging a pair or two every now and then!

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

The biggest highlight of my career has been guiding Novelship's growth from a two-person operation to a regional leader in the sneaker marketplace, with aspirations to become a global leader. Witnessing the impact we've had on our community has been incredibly rewarding. And while it may sound cliché, the journey has been enriched by the incredible sights and partners along the way—I wouldn't have it any other way.

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

This year, I'm really keeping tabs on startups in sustainable fashion. It's awesome to see more people demanding eco-friendly options, pushing startups to get creative with sustainable materials and ethical manufacturing. Here at Novelship, we also hope do our part to promote sustainable fashion.

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And speaking of trends, AI is huge too—no doubt startups like Novelship are eyeing up opportunities to harness this game-changing tech.

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

If you're just diving into the sneaker and streetwear scene, here's the deal: soak up everything like a sponge. Live and breathe the culture. Get cozy with the latest drops, trends, and what makes sneakerheads tick. Network like crazy—connect with fellow enthusiasts, influencers, and anyone who's got a foot in the door. And hey, don't sleep on the digital stuff. E-commerce, social media, all that jazz—it's the name of the game.

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‍🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

I am a huge history buff, so I could talk about historical events and their enduring impact for hours on end. It's incredible to see how cultures and customs were shaped by events from hundreds or even thousands of years ago. From the rise and fall of civilizations to the evolution of traditions, history offers a fascinating glimpse into the fabric of our world today.

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

My current favorite series is "Shogun" from Hulu and FX. It's a gripping tale about an English sailor who finds himself shipwrecked in Japan and eventually rises to become a samurai under the founder of Japan's next shogunate.

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The cinematography is stunning, almost movie-quality, and what's even more intriguing is that it's based on real events and history. Only three episodes are out so far, but I'm already hooked!

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Rum and Raisin. Can't go wrong with that.

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We've edited this interview for clarity.