Winston Lays is the co-founder and CTO of Ajaib, an investment super app that reached unicorn status in just two and a half years, making Ajaib the fastest startup to reach the achievement in SEA history.

He is also the founder of Delos, a leading technology consultancy. They offer digital product expertise in engineering and design to startups and enterprises, transforming businesses with the power of technology. They've worked with Bukalapak, Astro and Irvins.

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

As CTO, aka the chief geek, you can say I'm the chieftain of my technology folks, supporting them to be innovative problem-solvers. We act like Q in James Bond, making magic behind the scenes for others to shine.

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

An app I've worked on helps provide counseling to divorced people.

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

The rise of Social Commerce and other niche marketplaces.

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

To have had the honor of working with creative and like-minded folks and building impact with them. Leading teams to ship apps used by millions of Indonesians is humbling. The biggest highlight, though, would be co-founding Ajaib as CTO. As corny as it may sound, my best is yet to come.

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

Everyone fails. Embrace them, and don't shy away. I've started plenty of side hustles that didn't work out, i.e., a real estate listing platform.

I've gotten fired from a job before and faced countless rejections, but I just kept going and scraped through it, all helped by incredible luck.

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

Almost any subject! I think I can learn from anyone. Ok, except Korean dramas, maybe.

🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

Rick and Morty

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

Simple dark chocolate