Ice Breakers

Ice Breakers with Joseph Simbar

November 21, 2023

Joseph Simbar is the CEO of Mimin, a startup that creates conversational customer experiences using AI.Β 

Mimin is currently active in Indonesia, Singapore, and Malaysia, and is expanding regionally. They recently raised their seed round led by Otto Digital.

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πŸ‘‹πŸΌ How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I am essentially a salesman. That can sound bad, but essentially everything that I do, I am trying to sell something. Either to customers, investors, or even internal employees.Β 

And what I sell can be products, can be ideas, can be vision. For me, being an entrepreneur, you have to first and foremost be a salesman.

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

Something about me that would surprise you is that I can play multiple instruments (piano, guitar, drum…does a recorder count?)

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πŸ† What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

The biggest highlight of my career was landing a multi-million dollar deal with a large Japanese conglomerate.Β 

This was because we didn't have a Japanese client before for reference, which meant that our product offerings were better and the customer believed in us. The money also didn't hurt.

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πŸ” What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

AI. AI. AI. I believe AI is the future and not some technological fad. The key, however, is how you apply it.Β 

For us at Mimin, we're focused on building AI solutions that bring direct impact to businesses: sales!

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πŸ’Ό What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?Β 

Do not underestimate how slow or bad some stuff is going to be. Also, always find a new perspective to motivate yourselves.Β 

As an entrepreneur, you would have many high and low days. During those low days, it's important to get a perspective to keep yourself motivated to keep fighting the good fight.

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πŸ—£ What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?Β 

My faith.

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πŸŽ₯ What's your favorite movie/TV show?Β 

Lord of the Rings! That's the holy trinity there.

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

Matcha.

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FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.

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