Fave, KFit Founder Chen Chow - Fireside Advice For Founders on Exits, Scaling and More

Are we misreading what it means to build something that lasts?

In this episode, we sit down with the former founder of Fave & KFit, Chen Chow, who’s walked through fire: broke, lost, doubted—but never boring. From hustling with broken English to pitching investors with nothing but brutal honesty, their story punches right through the clichés.

We talk about knowing when to fight for your startup and when to bury it with dignity. About staying real when everyone’s faking it. About why sometimes, the best kind of help is the one that shows up quietly, without fanfare.

You’ll hear the unfiltered truth on fundraising, founders burning out, and why Malaysia’s startup scene still feels like it’s waiting to grow up. We also dive into AI, shifting work culture, and why Gen Z just isn’t built for 9-to-5 obedience.

Chapters
00:00 - Embracing Strengths and Personal Growth
02:23 - Journey from Humble Beginnings to Advisory Role
05:07 - Overcoming Language Barriers and Building Confidence
07:47 - Navigating the Startup Landscape and Team Dynamics
10:28 - The Importance of Authenticity in Fundraising
12:53 - The Long Haul: Perseverance vs. Life Support
15:31 - Understanding the Signs of Business Viability
21:56 - The Importance of Silent Support
22:53 - Market Dynamics and Company Valuations
24:18 - Learning and Unlearning in Entrepreneurship
26:01 - The Role of Mentorship and Sharing Knowledge
28:07 - Fundamentals of Success and Learning
28:58 - Adapting to AI and Technological Changes
31:01 - Identifying and Solving Problems
32:16 - Challenges in the Malaysian Startup Ecosystem
33:51 - The Ripple Effect of Individual Impact
34:40 - Dreaming Big in Entrepreneurship
35:13 - Choosing Quality Over Quantity in Work
38:15 - The Future of Work and Individual Freedom