The asiabits Podcast
What happens in Asia increasingly shapes tomorrow's world. Yet people still underestimate the developments unfolding in China, South Korea, and Japan—the emerging technologies, shifting markets, and groundbreaking deals. We want to change that. We talk to entrepreneurs, founders, and other inspiring leaders about their journeys, businesses, and products.
About the hosts:
Thomas Derksen is an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and content creator with over 10 million followers on social media. Recognized as one of the most influential Western voices on China, Thomas offers deep insights into the country's culture, society, and rapidly evolving digital economy.
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/afuthomas/
Michael Broza is an entrepreneur with extensive experience in fintech and AI-powered M&A, connecting the M&A community throughout the German-speaking region. He now develops advanced AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency, primarily in the M&A sector. Based in Shanghai, Michael regularly provides insights into Asia's tech and venture ecosystems, builds strategic networks, and actively shares his knowledge through social media and direct community engagement.
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-broza/
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The asiabits Podcast
Ep. 4: Why Your $500/Month Pilates Studio Is A Scam
"It's a rich people sport." Pilates sessions cost $100 each. Monthly memberships run $500. Eric, a designer from Shenzhen, said: "We could do better."
He built a smart, foldable Pilates reformer in his apartment. 48 hours after launching on Kickstarter: $400,000 raised.
In this episode, we discuss:
• The "rich people sport" problem: Why Pilates costs $500/month and how Eric is changing that
• From back pain to business: How chronic desk job pain led to a $400K Kickstarter
• Shenzhen speed: 3D-printed prototype to CES 2026 in one year
• The tech inside: Smart sensors, app integration, and gamification
• $899 vs $3,000: Why traditional reformers are overpriced
• Pilates was invented by a German?! The surprising history
• Thomas' 140kg story: How sports changed everything
About Eric & Tintin:
Eric is a designer and co-founder of Pavo Fitness. After chronic back pain from desk work, he discovered Pilates but couldn't afford the sessions. Tintin is a Pilates instructor who left her 996 (actually "000007" - 24/7) tech job to pursue fitness full-time.
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asiabits is on a mission to bridge the gap between East and West. We provide non-biased, on-the-ground insights into technology, innovation, and the future of business in Asia.
Pavo Fitness Kickstarter: kickstarter.com/projects/pavofitness
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