Advisor Spotlight — George Han

George Han graduated from one of the top universities in the world — the National University of Singapore. He majored in Economics, Political Science, and he has an MBA in Investment from Hull Business School.

When it comes to getting a startup off the ground, George is by no means a lightweight. He has advised more than 600 startups regarding their business plans and helped facilitate the creation of more than 90 tech startups. This is the kind of experience that every new business needs to hit the ground running.

One of the greatest challenges for a new business is getting everything set for success. This is where George excels. With years of experience assisting startups with planning their business strategies, George is also able to offer sound advice regarding all related aspects, including ICO (Initial Coin Offering).

With a strong work ethic and great enthusiasm, George takes great pride in seeing a business owner achieve and surpass their initial expectations. For the most part, George has spent his years working with Singapore-based companies. Regardless of the industry, business is always extremely competitive in Singapore, which has prepared George for the demands that face international enterprises.

George describes his greatest challenge as working with ‘obstinate entrepreneurs’. While working with like-minded professionals can be quite satisfying, persuading those who are not of the same opinion presents a challenge. Fortunately, it’s these very challenges that have helped George become the sought-after professional he is today.

What languages do you speak?
I am effectively bilingual in English and Chinese.

What attracted you to your current line of work?
I have spent a good decade in helping startup founders map the strategy of their businesses through all hurdles. I see my advisory for ICOs as an extension of that work.
Helping business owners navigate and find their gearing provides me with a feeling of deep involvement. I feel a sense of satisfaction when I see the owners surmount the challenges and scale greater heights.

What drives you?
Entrepreneurship is about building a better world, creating disruptive technology, a better way of doing things and creating jobs.
It is this sense of mission that drives me in my professional journey.

Greatest ethical beliefs/convictions in the workplace
I always believe in fairness of rewards and transparency in the professional arena. Co-workers, associates, and partners must believe that they will be treated fairly and reward justly before they have the peace of mind in making their contribution.
Equitability and Transparency are the cornerstones of a successful company.

Where are most companies you work with located?
Singapore

What types of startups have you mainly worked with?
Education, fintech, and blockchain technology are some of the key areas.

How do you choose which startups to work with?
Notwithstanding differentiated ideas are attractive, the appeal of a startup is usually in the profile of the founders — their execution ability, their track record, and loyalty to people.
I keep away from star pitchers because the appeal is seductive and makes you forget the fundamental to a successful business is really in the ability of the founder to execute business plans; And when faced with a setback, their ability to change and rebuild.

How long do you stay on board once taking on a project?
Depends on how long the business owner wants me to stay in the partnership.
Using a metaphor: You don’t walk away from fruitful partnerships. You have a sense of obligation to stay and help as and when possible.

What made you choose OPP?
OPP has a track record in the industry and founders know their business well.
Season practitioners are assuring for investors who are putting their hard-earned money into a project.
In addition, they have a professional team in place to execute the roadmap. Remember execution ability?

What do you bring to the table at OPP?
I have been involved in 6 ICOs when I joined OPP and I hope to offer the wealth of experience to the founders as they position their ICO — the vision, the roadmap, and tokenomics.
I don’t just offer lessons from success, I have seen failures and can help to advise founders from stepping into potholes and avoid unnecessary mistakes.
In addition, I have experience handling investors and I hope this will help the ICO in raising the resources to realize their vision.