Why Europe–Asia Expansion Breaks (and How to make it work)

Episode 01: Why Nobody Builds Between Europe and AsiaAadi Vaidya (Partner, The Scale Factory) spent 10 years building across India, Southeast Asia, and Europe. He was founding team member and COO at Zilingo (Sequoia-backed, scaled to near-unicorn status) and now helps software companies expand between Europe and Asia.In this conversation, we explore:• Why the Europe-Asia corridor is underserved compared to US routes• How "pace" means different things in different markets (and why this creates friction)• The fear of unknown as the biggest expansion blocker• Why a seed company in Europe has Series D controls in Asia• ACV considerations for different markets• Why Asia opportunity is bigger than most European founders realize• Framework for thinking about expansion without being recklessKey Timestamps:00:00 - Intro00:27 - Aadi's background: India → Southeast Asia → Germany02:41 - Why Germany? Personal and professional reasons05:31 - Pace differences: Asia vs Europe07:00 - Maturity at different stages across markets10:40 - US mentality vs European mentality13:00 - Expansion strategy framework15:44 - Don't go reckless: Talk to ICPs first18:27 - Fear of unknown as biggest blocker20:02 - Why founders miss the Asia opportunity22:26 - Why now is the moment for this corridorGuest: Aadi Vaidya - Partner at The Scale Factory (Singapore HQ, based in Berlin)Previously: COO & Founding Team at Zilingo (Sequoia-backed)Started: Citibank Corporate & Investment Banking, India Advisor: German Accelerator, Techstars mentorConnect with Aadi: LinkedInHost: AdiSubscribe: SubstackEmerging Forward explores capital flows, expansion strategy, and overlooked dynamics between Europe and emerging markets. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emergingforward.substack.com