Organized and held at the Rizqun International Hotel by Darussalam Enterprise (DARe) through the Brunei Economic Development Board, in collaboration with the Brunei Innovation Lab (BIL), this summit was designed to foster growth, collaboration, and innovation within Brunei Darussalam’s startup ecosystem.

With a united theme, “Innovate to Elevate: Charting a Path to a Future of Possibilities,” the summit encapsulated the spirit of entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurs could gain valuable insights from panel discussions, participate in hands-on workshops, and engage in meaningful networking. The summit also provided a platform for startups to showcase their products and services, facilitating exposure and potential support from investors and industry experts.

For EverBetter Innovation, this was more than just our first summit. It was an opportunity to learn, connect, and build the momentum to propel our entrepreneurial journey forward.

We were invited to give our first-ever event pitch and showcase our product ideas. As new business owners, we were eager yet unsure of what to expect. The atmosphere was electric, with entrepreneurs passionately pitching their ideas, investors scrutinizing business plans, and industry experts sharing their wisdom. It felt like stepping into a scene from "The Social Network," where every conversation and connection could be a game-changer.

A Reality Check: Lessons from the Frontlines

Hearing from established entrepreneurs was both inspiring and enlightening. Their stories of struggle, perseverance, and eventual success provided us with a realistic perspective on the entrepreneurial journey. One particular entrepreneur, who built a successful tech company from scratch, shared the importance of resilience and the ability to learn from failures. This resonated with us, as we often face challenges and setbacks. Knowing that even the most successful entrepreneurs started from a similar place gave us a renewed sense of determination.

We attended panel discussions where successful business owners gave motivational talks, reliving their entrepreneurial challenges and sharing solutions to overcome hurdles. Each talk from different industries provided unique insights into the startup world. One of the most impactful messages was the importance of agility in business—to pivot quickly to ensure the survivability of cash flow and eventual growth. Learning from every hurdle and proposing solutions compound into valuable skills and experiences for the future.

As Seneca said, "Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity." We are already incorporating more agile practices into our operations. A key message emphasized was always to be customer-centric. Continuously gathering feedback allows us to realign our products to meet customer preferences.

Building a Network: Creating Meaningful Connections

While the discussions were rich, the true treasure of the summit lay in networking. Connecting with other entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts went beyond exchanging business cards; it was about forging meaningful relationships.

One standout connection was with a startup focused on sustainable agriculture. Our conversations opened doors to potential collaborations, and we are eager to explore these opportunities. Additionally, interactions with investors provided critical insights into what makes a startup attractive in the marketplace, helping us refine our pitch and business strategy.

Experiencing the Real Market: Practical Exposure

The startup exhibition and business matching area provided practical exposure to the real market. Showcasing our products and services to a diverse audience was both challenging and rewarding. We received direct feedback from potential customers and industry experts, which was invaluable. Understanding market needs and preferences firsthand helped us identify areas for improvement and new opportunities.

Pitching Session: Feedback and Growth

For some, the summit's highlight might be meeting potential collaborators or clients, while others might find the panel discussions most valuable. For us, the pitching session was the pinnacle. Preparing for the pitch required us to critically evaluate our business model and value proposition, practicing daily to deliver our best. The session attracted significant interest and presence at the event.

However, like every journey, it’s the cumulative experience and skills—each step building up over time, progressing toward everBetter vision to “Untangling Complexity, Driving Meaningful Change.” using our IT solution.

The feedback from successful entrepreneurs helped us strengthen our business strategies. We embraced the feedback and used it to refine our approach.

Gaining Experience to Build Momentum

Overall, the summit was a catalyst for our growth. The experiences and knowledge gained have built momentum for EverBetter Innovation's future endeavors. We are now more confident and better equipped to navigate the startup landscape. The event has inspired us to take bold steps, iterate on our ideas, and strive for excellence.

Our journey at the Brunei Startup Summit 2024 was a profound learning experience. We embraced challenges, celebrated successes, and built a network of valuable connections. The summit reinforced our belief in the power of learning, iteration, and collaboration. As we move forward, we are excited to apply these lessons and continue our growth journey.

Stay tuned as EverBetter Innovation evolves, learns, and strives to make a meaningful impact in the startup ecosystem.

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