An Interview with Willy Tan: Founder of Seeds on Empowering Financial Literacy in SEA

A while ago, we had the privilege of sitting down with Willy Tan, the visionary founder behind Seeds, a social investing platform that is making waves in Southeast Asia. Seeds stands out for its innovative approach, offering a multi-asset, community-driven investing platform designed to empower the tech-savvy Millennial generation. The platform not only opens doors to passive income opportunities but also cultivates responsible and value-driven investment practices, ushering in a new era of financial engagement.

Now, let's dive into our interview with Willy Tan to gain deeper insights into Seeds journey, their innovative platform, and their plans for the future.

Q1. WOWS Global: What inspired you to start your company and has that initial vision evolved over time?

Willy Tan: Our inspiration to start Seeds came from seeing a growing number of young Indonesians getting involved in stock trading, yet many were ill-informed and lost significant amounts of their hard-earned money. The heart of the issue was the lack of financial literacy. We wanted to create a safe environment where individuals could learn, and over time, we saw the needs of practice trading without the real-world risks, and our vision has expanded. We're not just a learning platform anymore but a practice-center and a solid community of eager learners and experienced traders who share, learn, and grow together. Seeds is a beacon of hope, aiming to light up the path of informed investments for every Indonesian, Southeast Asians, and eventually, the world.

Q2. WOWS Global: Explain what your company does so a 6-year-old would understand it.

Willy Tan: Alright sweetheart, imagine you have a big, colorful toy box. In this toy box, you can pretend to buy and sell toys, just like how adults buy and sell things called "stocks". This is like a fun game where you can learn how to make smart choices, because if you're buying or selling the wrong toys, you can lose the value of your toys and you don't get paid with a good amount of pretend money. You know how sometimes you trade toys with your friends? It's a bit like that too.

Also, in our toy box world, there are friendly teachers who tell stories and give advice. These are like the wise wizards or fairy godmothers in fairy tales. They help everyone make smart choices and not get tricked by naughty trolls who might want to take your pretend money.

Sometimes, we also have fun competitions. It's like a race to see who can make the best toy collections. And guess what? If you make the best choices and have the best collections of toys, you can win cool prizes!

So, our toy box is a fun and safe place where you can learn, play, and become the best toy box owner ever!

Q3. WOWS Global: Who is your favourite Entrepreneur and why do you find them inspiring?

Willy Tan: My favourite entrepreneur is Jack Ma. He started Alibaba, a massive online marketplace, with just a vision and a small team. Despite facing numerous setbacks and rejections, he persisted. Jack Ma's journey teaches us that it’s not about where you start but where you're determined to go. His belief in e-commerce and its potential to change lives has truly inspired me to harness the power of the digital world for Seeds.

Q4. WOWS Global: When you are at your absolute bottom and are going through professional challenges, how do you lift yourself up?

Willy Tan: Whenever I face challenges, I remind myself of the reasons we started Seeds: to educate, to safeguard, and to empower. I take a step back, breathe, and I think of the 28,000 souls already engaged on our platform, the real people behind those numbers, all searching for a brighter financial future. Their trust and participation are the torchbearers that guide me through the fog of challenges. The progress and the impact we envision to have on their lives always rejuvenate my spirits and provide me with a renewed sense of purpose.

Q5. WOWS Global: Why do you believe you are personally best positioned to build your business?

Willy Tan: Born and raised amidst the vibrant tapestry of Indonesia, and witnessing firsthand the challenges of financial literacy here, I feel a strong sense of responsibility. I've witnessed the beauty of dreams and the heartbreak of lost opportunities. With a heart deeply anchored in our culture and a mind attuned to the pulse of finance and technology, I see Seeds not as a business but as a movement. A movement to empower every Indonesian, one trade at a time, ensuring that their dreams never face the dusk of financial despair.

Q6. WOWS Global: Over the last 12 months, what is your most profound realization / insight regarding the startup ecosystem?

Willy Tan: The canvas of the startup world is vast and vibrant, with hues of innovations and ideas. My most heartfelt insight? Our journey is akin to planting seeds, which when nurtured with adaptability, patience, and passion, can blossom into forests of impact. In this ever-evolving ecosystem, it's not the swiftness of the wind but the depth of our roots that determines our growth.

Q7. WOWS Global: What is your favorite sandwich?

Willy Tan: I hold a special place in my heart for the Indonesian "Tempeh Sandwich". It's a blend of tradition and nourishment, reminding me that sometimes, the simplest ingredients, when combined with love and authenticity, create the most fulfilling experiences.

Q8. WOWS Global: What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs or those looking to start their own companies?

Willy Tan: Believe in your vision, but always remain a student at heart. Surround yourself with a team that not only shares your passion but also complements your skill set. And remember, it’s not about how many times you fall, but how many times you get up. Resilience is your most valuable asset. Having grit as an attitude. Every feedback, every setback, is a stepping stone, guiding you closer to your dream. In the world of entrepreneurship, passion is your compass, and perseverance, your map. Keep learning, keep growing, and always keep the end-user in mind as they are the heart of your business. But, as we at

Seeds have learned, when you deeply resonate with a mission, it's not just about creating a business, but igniting a revolution. So, embrace every challenge, cherish every lesson, and remember: the most majestic trees arise from the tiniest seeds.