Darrell Zhang is one of the co-founders of NextBlock. 

NextBlock is an app that provides a hyperlocal digital platform for neighbours and various stakeholders within an estate neighbourhood. Think kampung spirit in the digital era! 

Darrell has been in the tech startup scene for more than 10 years, since graduating from National University of Singapore. In this episode, we talk about his app, why connecting neighbours matters, how he strikes a balance between money and mission, and why making a difference brings him the greatest satisfaction at the end of the day.

0:00 What is NextBlock?
4:19 Our Grassroots Experience
8:56 What is NextBlock looking to offer the Neighbourhood?
14:06 Helping Neighbourhood Merchants Promote their Business
18:38 3 Pillars of NextBlock

23:28 Challenges building NextBlock
24:32 NextBlock's Coverage & User Acquisition 
28:00 Startups Figuring out their Business Model
30:01 The NextBlock Team/Working in a Startup 
32:24 Executing on all Possible Ideas 

37:58 Is NextBlock trying to be Everything? What's his Primary Concern?
43:01 Raising Capital for NextBlock
45:25 Advice: "Don't Fall in Love too much with your Technology"
46:30 Scaling NextBlock Overseas
48:37 How can Students who are Aspiring Entrepreneurs take their First Step?

50:43 "The NUS Overseas College"
52:23 Common Characteristics of Tech Startup Founders
52:55 Striking a Balance between Passion and Money
57:22 When is the Best Time to Start your own Business
59:26 What is a Successful Life?

1:00:30 What is Success to Darrell?/ Wanting to Make a Difference
1:03:01 Aspirations for NextBlock
1:05:22 Outro

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Darrell Zhang
Nextblock's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nextblocksg/
Darrell's Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darrellzhang/
Website: https://www.nextblock.sg/

JJ's Post Production Notes "I thank Darrell for being so generous and candid in sharing his experience starting and running NextBlock. It was a chill Friday afternoon, and we enjoyed this chat over a cold beer. It was great! Darrell struck me as someone very down to earth and passionate about his tech ventures. He is also very kind to gift me NextBlock merchandise. Thank you very much for your kindness and generosity Darrell. I thoroughly enjoyed having you over. All the best to you and NextBlock!" - JJ