Jin Lee is the founder and CEO of Oda, an F&B purchasing SaaS that services buyers and suppliers in Vietnam.

Before Oda, Jin had managed 2 international brand hotels as CEO and faced many problems in the F&B operations, so he started Oda to solve those problems.

Oda recently reached a monthly transaction amount of $1.25M and looking at $3M in GMV by the end of this year.

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👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

We make an app to let buyers and suppliers in the F&B industry buy, sell and communicate.

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🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

More than 98% of Vietnam's F&B buyers (restaurants, cafes) are SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) - much smaller than other ASEAN countries. Basically not many franchises or chain F&B outlets in Vietnam.

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🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Starting Oda and having the first external investors.

Starting a startup was much tougher than I had anticipated in many ways, and it was as if I was passing through a dark tunnel with no sense of direction. Meeting and having a group of people who took my side was very encouraging and provided affirmation of what we wanted to do.

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🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

Out of Vietnam: Some founders say speaking to VCs nowadays is much more difficult.

In Vietnam: things are looking good, and a lot of VCs and investors are coming to Vietnam.

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F&B Industry with Foodtech: unlike in 2019 when I just started Oda, there are handful of startups in other parts of the region, and they are doing great, which makes us even more excited!

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💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

See if there is another startup that is doing what you want to do & try to work with them first. 

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🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

Vietnam

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🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

Marvel movies (among them Iron Man & X-Men)

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🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Almond Bong Bong (choco + almond)