![\"Echelon\"](\"https:\/\/flowaccount.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/echelon-1-1.png\")
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With 21 startups pitching \u2013 many focussed on the travel industry and learning platforms \u2013 the Thailand Qualifier kicked off on March 20 at Stock2morrow in Silom Complex. Over 200 attendees flocked to the event to witness the crowning of the Judges\u2019 and People\u2019s Choice, as the startups presented for a chance to exhibit or pitch at the prestigious Echelon Asia Summit in June.<\/p>\n
Echelon alumnus Wishbeer, winner of Echelon Thailand 2014, also provided beers for all.<\/p>\n
The Judges\u2019 Choice award went to Flow Account<\/strong>, an easy online cloud accounting system that is tailored especially for SMEs in Thailand. When it was announced that Flow Account had won, everyone was surprised. Most had been betting on Washbox24 \u2013 Bangkok\u2019s only chain of 24\/7 laundry box lockers \u2013 and while the scores were close, the victory was a satisfying one.<\/p>\n This sentiment was also shared by the winner, CEO and Co-Founder Gideon Kridsada. \u201cI am so surprised [to have won]!\u201d he said. \u201cAccounting is not sexy, so I wasn\u2019t sure if I stood a chance. We are excited to be coming down to Singapore.\u201d<\/p>\n Currently most companies use Excel to monitor their accounting, because most of the solutions present today are complicated and made with accountants in mind, making it difficult for everyday entrepreneurs. When asked by the judges if startups and SMEs in Thailand would pay for such a service, Gideon quipped, \u201cThere is hope. Thais don\u2019t always buy software but they will buy one. Accounting software.\u201d This sent the room into peals of laughter.<\/p>\n Someone from the audience even shouted out, \u201cI will buy one!\u201d<\/p>\n Dream high, fight hard, never give up<\/strong> Krating also shared the example of Taamkru, who joined the Disrupt University in 2012, and took two years to polish and refine their product. Eventually in 2014, they gained traction and went on to win Echelon 2014\u2019s Most Promising Startup Award.<\/p>\n Koichi Saito, who recently set up his own fund, KK Fund, explained what it takes to become a successful entrepreneur. \u201cIf you want to win and be a big dominant player, then it\u2019s all about speed,\u201d and said this strategy also applies to him as if he wants to pick up the best startups for KK Fund, he has to move fast.<\/p>\n First time to victory<\/strong><\/p>\n TakeMeTour, an online marketplace which matches travelers who are looking for a local experience in Thailand with experts who list their own tailored trips, walked home with the People\u2019s Choice Award.<\/p>\n TakeMeTour connects the local tour guides who curate their own trips with tourists who want a more local experience. \u201cThis was actually our first public pitching for TakeMeTour. We\u2019re glad to know that the audience liked it, and we look forward to boosting Thailand\u2019s travel ecosystem soon,\u201d Amornched Taro, Co-Founder and CEO told e27 after the event.<\/p>\n Echelon Asia Summit will be held in Singapore on June 23-24, 2015.<\/p>\n![\"Echelon](\"https:\/\/flowaccount.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/01\/echelon-1.jpg\")
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\nThe godfather of Thailand\u2019s tech scene, Krating Poonpol, had kicked off the session with a fireside chat about Thailand\u2019s tech industry with Amarit Charoenphan, co-founder of HUBBA. He said that the next two years will prove to be interesting for startups, who should not be afraid to dream bigger. \u201cDon\u2019t build a centaur, it\u2019s boring. Build a unicorn!\u201d \u201cIf there is a winning marketplace idea, I will give a blank cheque, signed with whatever amount you need.\u201d<\/p>\n