Want to Succeed in Business? Find a Problem to Solve | Anthony Tan and Amane Dannouni | TED
TED
18 min, 2 sec
A detailed conversation with Anthony Tan, CEO and cofounder of Grab, discussing the company's inception, growth, and impact-driven business model.
Summary
- Anthony Tan, CEO and cofounder of Grab, is introduced as a prominent figure in the tech community, particularly in Southeast Asia, and outlined as a multi-faceted individual with various personal roles.
- Grab is described as a multifaceted platform combining services like Uber, DoorDash, and PayPal, aiming to solve real social issues from its inception.
- Tan discusses Grab's origin, emphasizing the goal to create a for-profit social enterprise (FOPSE) or double bottom line business that integrates social impact from day one.
- The focus on safety, particularly for women and children in Malaysia, is highlighted as a personal and widespread issue that Grab sought to address.
- The expansion into financial services and a full-fledged bank is attributed to the need to support drivers and merchants financially, offering daily interest accrual and facilitating high initial investments in EVs.
- Tan elucidates the strategic choices that enabled Grab to scale quickly and sustainably, catering to the bottom of the pyramid.
- The conversation also touches upon Grab's commitment to environmental sustainability and its journey towards becoming net carbon neutral by 2040.
Chapter 1
![Anthony Tan is introduced with an overview of his background and Grab's multifaceted platform.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTYzLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--f905cd06bc58d268eda6e724da85a167aecd4f18/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_16.jpg)
Anthony Tan is introduced with an overview of his background and Grab's multifaceted platform.
- Amane Dannouni introduces Anthony Tan as a well-known figure in the tech community and CEO and cofounder of Grab.
- Tan's multifaceted identity is highlighted, acknowledging his roles as a Malaysian-born individual, based in Singapore, and his personal life roles.
- Grab is described as a super-app that combines services akin to Uber, DoorDash, and PayPal in one platform.
![Anthony Tan is introduced with an overview of his background and Grab's multifaceted platform.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTYzLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--f905cd06bc58d268eda6e724da85a167aecd4f18/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_16.jpg)
Chapter 2
![Anthony Tan shares the initial vision for Grab and the decision against traditional business models.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTY3LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--1c1937c09ddc9ecf587f94e2d11273b29eeedf64/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_57.jpg)
Anthony Tan shares the initial vision for Grab and the decision against traditional business models.
- Anthony Tan responds modestly to the introduction and expresses his discomfort with such praise due to his upbringing.
- Tan explains the traditional business model of building wealth and then contributing through philanthropy, but he favored an integrated impact-driven approach from the start.
- He argues against the traditional model which might cause harm or fail to give back, highlighting the potential for negative externalities in profit-driven businesses.
![Anthony Tan shares the initial vision for Grab and the decision against traditional business models.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTY3LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--1c1937c09ddc9ecf587f94e2d11273b29eeedf64/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_57.jpg)
Chapter 3
![The focus on safety as Grab's primary mission is discussed.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTcxLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--47270fa27d54b9b773bc99147db1d5f18462e7b0/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_121.jpg)
The focus on safety as Grab's primary mission is discussed.
- Tan discusses why Grab chose not to follow the traditional business model of wealth accumulation followed by philanthropy.
- He highlights the importance of addressing negative impacts and discusses the possibility of not giving back or causing harm.
- Grab's business plan was submitted as a social enterprise, reflecting its commitment to positive social impact from the outset.
![The focus on safety as Grab's primary mission is discussed.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTcxLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--47270fa27d54b9b773bc99147db1d5f18462e7b0/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_121.jpg)
Chapter 4
![Anthony Tan shares personal experiences that motivated Grab's focus on safety.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTc1LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--e4c74ae5e1f24db8c5fab3b258fcd60ee8deeb6b/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_202.jpg)
Anthony Tan shares personal experiences that motivated Grab's focus on safety.
- Tan shares a personal anecdote about his cofounder's safety concerns when using taxis, which inspired Grab's focus on safety.
- Grab aimed to solve a globally relevant problem, starting with improving transportation safety in Malaysia.
- The safety solution was envisioned to unlock opportunities for women, children, and society at large.
![Anthony Tan shares personal experiences that motivated Grab's focus on safety.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTc1LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--e4c74ae5e1f24db8c5fab3b258fcd60ee8deeb6b/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_202.jpg)
Chapter 5
![Anthony Tan discusses Grab's expansion into financial services and banking.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTc5LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--a23b85417d82289dd89370d8f046645d5e6bda28/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_308.jpg)
Anthony Tan discusses Grab's expansion into financial services and banking.
- Tan explains how Grab evolved from solving transportation safety to offering financial solutions like Grabpay and Grab lending.
- The financial services provided by Grab, including digital banking, are designed to support drivers and merchants, enabling them to save and earn daily interest.
- Grab's financial solutions aim to uplift the economic conditions of drivers and long-tail merchants in Southeast Asia.
![Anthony Tan discusses Grab's expansion into financial services and banking.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTc5LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--a23b85417d82289dd89370d8f046645d5e6bda28/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_308.jpg)
Chapter 6
![The reasons behind Grab's geographical expansion across Southeast Asia are explored.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTgxLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--ccc0fd1a01d5706c1682e4c5a60edbf24119f572/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_448.jpg)
The reasons behind Grab's geographical expansion across Southeast Asia are explored.
- Tan speaks about Grab's decision to scale across eight different countries, despite the diversity and challenges in Southeast Asia.
- He justifies the broad scope of Grab's operations, designed to serve 650 million people, by focusing on common problems and proven solutions.
- The importance of scale and velocity in providing efficient services and serving the bottom of the pyramid is emphasized.
![The reasons behind Grab's geographical expansion across Southeast Asia are explored.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTgxLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--ccc0fd1a01d5706c1682e4c5a60edbf24119f572/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_448.jpg)
Chapter 7
![Anthony Tan reflects on Grab's design choices aimed at inclusivity and rapid scaling.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTgzLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--8c0f891a4d4f3a518939ec2cfc042fc9babf13fb/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_584.jpg)
Anthony Tan reflects on Grab's design choices aimed at inclusivity and rapid scaling.
- Tan discusses Grab's deliberate choice to work with taxi drivers and expand to other low-cost forms of mobility over luxury vehicles.
- He explains how these choices were in line with Grab's mission to serve the masses and be financially sustainable.
- Tan also describes the early technological choices, such as betting on Android, to reach more drivers and ensure scalability.
![Anthony Tan reflects on Grab's design choices aimed at inclusivity and rapid scaling.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTgzLCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--8c0f891a4d4f3a518939ec2cfc042fc9babf13fb/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_584.jpg)
Chapter 8
![Anthony Tan discusses Grab's regulatory strategy and its competition with Uber.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTg1LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--805cf46b51a81a866b144f905abc11e78279b978/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_680.jpg)
Anthony Tan discusses Grab's regulatory strategy and its competition with Uber.
- Tan reflects on the decision to work with regulators and the taxi industry instead of disrupting the market aggressively.
- He explains how this strategy allowed Grab to scale sustainably and eventually outpace Uber in the region.
- Tan suggests that a collaborative approach with regulators and industry stakeholders contributed to Grab's success.
![Anthony Tan discusses Grab's regulatory strategy and its competition with Uber.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTg1LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--805cf46b51a81a866b144f905abc11e78279b978/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_680.jpg)
Chapter 9
![Anthony Tan talks about Grab's commitment to environmental sustainability and its plans to achieve net carbon neutrality.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTg3LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--9dc0720c0f278e4139641b44d41783661770471d/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_823.jpg)
Anthony Tan talks about Grab's commitment to environmental sustainability and its plans to achieve net carbon neutrality.
- Tan acknowledges the transition from a double to triple bottom line business, incorporating environmental sustainability as a core focus.
- He discusses Grab's goal to become net carbon neutral by 2040 and the strategies to reduce fleet emissions through electrification.
- Tan mentions ongoing efforts and partnerships with governments and other stakeholders to facilitate the shift to electric vehicles.
![Anthony Tan talks about Grab's commitment to environmental sustainability and its plans to achieve net carbon neutrality.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTg3LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--9dc0720c0f278e4139641b44d41783661770471d/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_823.jpg)
Chapter 10
![Anthony Tan shares his message for entrepreneurs, emphasizing impact-driven business models.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTg5LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--a5dae98644538622145a935c33cd0cb05a742092/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_1004.jpg)
Anthony Tan shares his message for entrepreneurs, emphasizing impact-driven business models.
- Tan encourages entrepreneurs to start businesses with double or triple bottom lines, addressing societal problems.
- He argues that entrepreneurs should be driven by a personal calling to address social issues like the rich-poor divide.
- Tan concludes by stressing the importance of passion and conviction in entrepreneurship and the pride in contributing positively to society.
![Anthony Tan shares his message for entrepreneurs, emphasizing impact-driven business models.](https://www.videogist.co/rails/active_storage/representations/redirect/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTUwMTg5LCJwdXIiOiJibG9iX2lkIn19--a5dae98644538622145a935c33cd0cb05a742092/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6eyJmb3JtYXQiOiJqcGciLCJyZXNpemVfdG9fbGltaXQiOls3MjAsbnVsbF19LCJwdXIiOiJ2YXJpYXRpb24ifX0=--c9426325207613fdd890ee7713353fad711030c7/8760_1004.jpg)
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