Jessica Huang Pouleur is a General Partner at Openspace Ventures, a leading Southeast Asia-focused VC firm, finding and backing companies creating a transformative impact where tech meets life. 

Openspace manages $800M of committed capital. They’re also (in)famous for Hian's homemade pizzas, cooked in the pizza oven on the balcony in our Singapore office.  

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

I invest financial capital and expertise in tech companies that change and enhance the way people lead their day-to-day lives and the way businesses conduct their operations.  

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

I wanted to be a fashion designer as a child and I majored in political science in college. 

On paper, I have no business being in VC.

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

2023 was a very weird year for markets but with uneven market and deal-making conditions, I was able to spend more time reconnecting with people from various phases of my personal and professional life who are doing all kinds of exciting things.

Life has a way of always coming full circle. It was gratifying to unexpectedly run into old colleagues, old friends, and old acquaintances throughout all of 2023.

If you're one of those people, please feel free to reach out!

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

My past roles were in the media space so I continue to have an interest in the sector.

I am interested in the evolving role and ability of content/IP owners to monetize with AI platforms. 

I am bullish on market consolidation in our region in 2024.

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

Don't be an asshole. 

It's a people business no matter what you do or where you go to work.

Your reputation and network are your most valuable assets.  

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

My kids, parenthood.

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

I still never get tired of watching and re-watching Sex and The City. 

It was a TV show that really pushed the boundaries of female role models at the time of airing. 

For me, it's also very nostalgic of the time I spent in NYC in my early 20s.

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

Mint chocolate chip.

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FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.