Local-First Product Design
Building products that work for how people actually live
Writing
7 articles · Building in Cambodia
Building products that work for how people actually live
Why local technology matters for Cambodia's future
In 2011, I started SmallWorld with more enthusiasm than experience. Thirteen years later, we've built KOOMPI, launched Selendra, created VitaminAir, and helped over 50 startups. Here's what actually worked.
When KOOMPI launched in 2018, it became Cambodia's first locally-designed laptop. But the journey wasn't about hardware—it was about creating access to education for a generation of students.
Selendra, our blockchain network, wasn't born from a fascination with crypto. It came from watching Cambodian businesses struggle with problems that Web3 technology could solve—if adapted properly.
Before SmallWorld was a venture builder, before KOOMPI and Selendra, it was a co-working space. That space taught us everything we know about building community in Cambodia.
Silicon Valley optimizes for explosive growth and unicorn exits. In Cambodia, we optimize for sustainable businesses that employ people and solve real problems. Different success metrics require different strategies.