Notable Roles | - Co-founder & Executive Chairman, 17LIVE Inc. (SGX: LVR) |
Key Recognition | - Tatler Asia Gen.T Honoree (2019) |
Background and Early Foundations
Joseph Phua’s entrepreneurial journey began after earning a BSc in Finance from NYU Stern and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business. Inspired by the dating app Tinder during his time in Chicago, he launched Paktor in 2013, a swipe-based dating app tailored for Asian markets. Paktor quickly gained traction across Southeast and North Asia, becoming a leading social dating platform in the region.
Career Milestones and Impact
Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
2013 | Founded Paktor, expanding rapidly across Asia. |
2017 | Merged Paktor with Taiwan's 17 Media to form M17 Entertainment. |
2020 | Founded Turn Capital, focusing on acquiring and revitalizing undervalued tech and media assets in Asia. |
2021 | Acquired SoundOn, Taiwan's largest podcast platform, and merged it with voice social app Goodnight. |
2022 | Launched Next Apple News in Taiwan, hiring former Apple Daily staff. |
2023 | Led 17LIVE's listing on the Singapore Exchange via a SPAC merger. |
- 17LIVE: Over 60 million registered users across 154 countries.
- SoundOn Group: Taiwan’s largest podcast and audio media network.
- Turn Capital Portfolio: Includes six profitable companies, such as Flash Coffee Thailand and Coinomo.
- Next Apple News: One of Taiwan’s leading independent digital news platforms.
Leadership Style and Influence
Joseph Phua is known for his hands-on leadership and strategic vision. He focuses on acquiring undervalued assets and turning them profitable within a year. His approach emphasizes operational excellence, rapid scaling, and adapting to market trends. Phua’s leadership has been instrumental in expanding 17LIVE’s presence in Japan, Taiwan, and beyond.
Legacy and Future Focus
Joseph Phua has significantly influenced Asia’s digital entertainment landscape. His ventures have reshaped live streaming, podcasting, and digital media in the region. Looking ahead, Phua aims to position 17LIVE as a global leader in live streaming, focusing on virtual content creators (V-Livers), live commerce, and regional expansion.
