We recently had the privilege of interviewing Cinderella Amar, Managing Partner at Glass Ventures, a Web4 venture capital firm. As an expert in Capital Markets and Web3, Cinderella has a successful track record in Hong Kong’s tech scene.
An intrapreneur with successful business launch and startup experience, Cinderella Amar frequently speaks, and moderates at global conferences on Al and Web3. In this session, Cinderella shares about her career path, and challenges in this field, incorporating client feedback for constant improvement, and offers valuable suggestions for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The Beginning
We were intrigued to learn about Cinderella Amar’s professional journey. So, we asked, “Could you start by telling us about your professional career path?”
Cinderella shared, “I began my career in traditional finance, specializing in capital markets (fixed income) for about 15 years. Despite this experience, I felt a missing spark until a pivotal moment in 2016 when I witnessed the power of blockchain technology firsthand during a repurchase agreement executed on the blockchain by two French banks.
This event ignited my passion for technology, leading me to pioneer the use of AI chatbots in trading activities while in Hong Kong. Eventually, I transitioned into tech investment, co-founding Glass Ventures with a dedicated focus on Web4 opportunities that integrate AI and blockchain to drive transformative digital experiences.”
Adaptability Amidst Adversities
To learn how Cinderella Amar overcame the major hurdles in her business, we inquired, “What have been the most significant barriers you’ve overcome, and how have these challenges influenced your leadership philosophy?”
She replied, “One of the significant challenges I faced was transforming from a traditional finance background to the dynamic world of tech investment. This transition required embracing uncertainty, a lot of unknown, rapidly evolving technologies, and a different approach to risk management.
These challenges shaped my leadership philosophy by emphasizing the importance of agility, continuous learning, and strategic innovation. I believe in fostering a culture that embraces change, values transparency, and prioritizes forward-thinking solutions.”
Constant Improvement In Services
We further asked, “How do you foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within your organization?”
“At Glass Ventures, we foster a culture of continuous improvement and innovation by encouraging curiosity and collaboration. We emphasize ongoing education and exploration of emerging technologies.
Our partnership with Cambridge Blockchain Labs (CBL) exemplifies our commitment to rigorous research and development, enabling us to navigate complex technologies like AI and quantum computing confidently. We encourage our team to think creatively, embrace challenges, and leverage cutting-edge solutions to drive transformative impact.” She shared.
Staying Ahead Of The Curve
To learn how Cinderella Amar stays updated with the latest developments and ensures a competitive edge, we asked, “In the context of global competition, how has your company adapted its strategies to maintain a competitive edge?”
“To maintain a competitive edge in a global landscape, Glass Ventures adopts a strategic approach focused on technological convergence and foresight. We leverage AI, blockchain, and Web4 technologies to unlock new opportunities and drive mass adoption of transformative digital experiences. Our investments prioritize scalable innovations that address emerging market needs, enabling us to stay ahead of the curve and contribute meaningfully to the evolving tech ecosystem.” She replied.
An Instrumental Role
Customer insights play a crucial role in elevating the services of a business. So, we asked, “What role has customer feedback played in shaping the direction of your products or services?”
Cinderella shared, “Customer feedback is instrumental in shaping our investment focus and strategic direction. We actively engage with stakeholders to understand market demands, pain points, and emerging trends. This feedback informs our investment decisions, guiding us towards opportunities that deliver tangible value and drive meaningful impact. By prioritizing customer insights, we ensure that our investments align with market needs and contribute to sustainable growth.”
Following The Core Principles
We asked Cinderella, “How do you approach corporate responsibility and ethical business practices in your operations?”
“At Glass Ventures, corporate responsibility and ethical business practices are fundamental to our operations. We prioritize transparency, integrity, and accountability in all our endeavors. We adhere to rigorous due diligence processes and ethical investment criteria to ensure alignment with our values and societal impact goals. Furthermore, we engage with diverse stakeholders to promote responsible innovation and contribute positively to the communities we serve.” She replied.
Current Offerings
Eager to learn more about the services offered by Cinderella Amar’s company, we asked, “Could you tell us more about your services and if you have any upcoming plans regarding them?”
She shared, “Glass Ventures specializes in investing in innovative Web4 startups that harness AI and blockchain technologies to redefine digital experiences. Our upcoming plans involve expanding our portfolio to support projects focused on data privacy, scalability, and interoperability within decentralized ecosystems.
We are committed to accelerating the adoption of decentralized solutions globally and invite visionary entrepreneurs to join us in shaping the future of digital innovation.”
Words Of Wisdom For Beginners
Seeking guidance for beginners in the relevant field, we inquired, “Would you like to give beginners in the same industry some advice?”
Cinderella shared, “For aspiring entrepreneurs and investors entering the tech industry, I offer the following advice:
Embrace change and continuous learning, foster a diverse network, and seek mentorship. Network is one of the most relevant assets you can have in this industry, more so than in any other I know of. Prioritize innovation and scalability in your ventures and maintain a strong focus on ethics and responsible business practices. Embrace emerging technologies and leverage them strategically.”
“Remember to stay adaptable and resilient in the face of challenges. Brain plasticity is instrumental in an industry that can pivot overnight and that runs against time.
Above all, follow your passion and pursue opportunities that drive positive impact and transformation in the digital landscape. And an important one – don’t give up, and at any cost, pugnacity always proves to be rewarded. These insights reflect my journey and experiences navigating the intersection of finance, technology, and innovation, and I hope they inspire and guide newcomers in the industry.” She concluded.
Follow Cinderella Amar on LinkedIn.
Find Glass Ventures on LinkedIn and visit their website https://www.glassventures.vc/
