Lalitha Wemel is a dynamic force in the global tech ecosystem, having amassed over a decade of experience working with the APAC branch of Techstars in Kuala Lumpur, a renowned startup accelerator and investment fund for global entrepreneurs. As the programme lead for the Hub71 Techstars Company Growth Program in Abu Dhabi, she plays a crucial role in fostering innovation by helping startups leverage the unique opportunities available in the region.
In addition to her work with Techstars, she is also the co-founder of Opt-In Studio, a consultancy firm based in both Abu Dhabi and Kuala Lumpur (KL) that focuses on innovation and community-driven collaboration.
Read on to see how she made the leap from KL to Abu Dhabi with the intention of making a lasting impact in the tech startup industry.
Curating Innovation at Techstars
Her journey to Abu Dhabi began in July 2023 when she took on the role of programme lead for the Hub71 Techstars Company Growth Program. Initially planning to stay for just two months, she quickly realised the potential of Abu Dhabi’s growing ecosystem and decided to stay.
“It was such a unique opportunity to be on the ground in an ecosystem that is really nascent for what it is and how long it’s been around”, she shared.
Lalitha found herself with a blank canvas to rethink what an accelerator programme could be, working with later-stage startups and helping them access new markets and communities, which ultimately convinced her to stay.
Hub 71 Techstars Company Growth Program aims to attract international startups to Abu Dhabi, using the city as a launchpad for growth. Lalitha curates, designs and executes the accelerator’s programmes.
“This programme is about enhancing the local ecosystem with diversity of thought and helping these startups access new markets, connect with communities and grow their business globally”, Lalitha explained.
One of the ways she has achieved this is by inviting Malaysian experts to Abu Dhabi to facilitate dialogues that can benefit both Malaysia and UAE’s startup landscape.
A key aspect of her role involves building relationships with stakeholders and developing a robust network that supports international founders. “One of the most rewarding parts of my job is helping these founders find a community that they can be part of”, she says. This emphasis on community is a recurring theme in Lalitha’s work, both with Techstars and her own company, Opt-In Studio.
The Birth of Opt-In Studio
Lalitha’s entrepreneurial journey began when she co-founded Opt-In Studio alongside Farah Fauzi, her former colleague at Techstars. Together, they built Techstars’ footprint across the Asia-Pacific region and realised the immense potential of innovation consulting. Opt-In Studio was born out of their shared passion for problem-solving and community building.
“At Opt-In, we seek to create meaningful, impactful experiences by tapping into our global community of experts”, she explained. The firm’s vision is to help organisations innovate from within, rather than relying on external consulting for repeated solutions. By connecting clients with the right talent and fostering collaboration, Opt-In Studio aims to be a leader in innovation experience design.
Opt-In Studio’s approach is deeply rooted in the idea that sustainable innovation comes from within the community. By leveraging their global network, Lalitha and Farah have been able to create transformative experiences for their clients.
She firmly believes that strong, inclusive communities are essential for driving innovation and building sustainable tech ecosystems, emphasising that success comes from collaboration, diversity of thought and long-term relationships.
The Challenge of Cross-Border Collaboration
Balancing her work at Techstars with her role at Opt-In Studio is no easy feat, especially as Farah is based in KL while Lalitha operates from Abu Dhabi. However, the duo has developed a strong framework that allows them to collaborate effectively across borders. Despite the time zone differences, they make time for regular communication and have established a routine that helps them stay connected.
“The key to our collaboration is strong, open communication”, Lalitha shared. Whether through text, calls or scheduled video chats, the co-founders ensure that they are constantly updated on opportunities, challenges and new ideas.
Lalitha notes that collaborating across borders also brings significant benefits. “You gain different perspectives and insights from different markets”, she said, adding that these varied viewpoints have been crucial in helping Opt-In Studio stay innovative and forward-thinking. “For us, it makes sense to have two units in two different places because our goal is to build”, she explained.
Giving Back to Malaysia
As a Malaysian living abroad, Lalitha is committed to finding ways to give back to her home country. Through the cross-collaboration between Farah in Malaysia and Lalitha in Abu Dhabi, Opt-In Studio has organised local community-driven initiatives, such as Startup Week Malaysia, and has curated smaller events like Founders Breakfast Club, where entrepreneurs can build meaningful relationships with their peers.
Furthermore, Opt-In Studio brought Real Madrid Next Accelerator for Asia into Kuala Lumpur, a programme in which selected local entrepreneurs could access Real Madrid resources to grow their startups and get access to global expansion opportunities.
Looking ahead, Lalitha hopes to work more closely with Malaysian companies that align with Opt-In Studio’s mission and values, contributing to the growth of Malaysia’s tech and startup ecosystems.
Lalitha also sees great potential for Malaysians abroad to contribute to the country’s innovation landscape. “Brain circulation is crucial”, she said, emphasising the importance of knowledge-sharing between Malaysian professionals abroad and those working within the country.
Programmes like MyHeart, which aims to connect the Malaysian diaspora to support the national development, play a key role in fostering these collaborations, she added.
A Vision for Global Impact from Home
Lalitha’s long-term goals for Opt-In Studio are ambitious. She envisions the firm becoming the go-to consultancy for innovation experience design globally, while maintaining its roots in KL. By hiring and nurturing local talent, she hopes to create opportunities for Malaysians both at home and abroad.
“The Malaysian startup ecosystem has so much potential; we just need more collaboration and less siloed thinking”, she shared. Lalitha believes that by creating partnerships between academia, corporations and startups, Malaysia can unlock its full potential and become a global leader in innovation.
For aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators, Lalitha’s advice is simple: “Say yes to opportunities, even when they scare you. Take care of yourself, set boundaries and pursue what matters to you”.
Are you a Malaysian abroad looking to connect with other Malaysians in your industry? Sign up on MyHeart to explore collaboration opportunities and contribute to Malaysia’s innovation landscape.
