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/
Be the first to know about the newest trends in and from Asia: asiabits.com/en
The Asiabits Podcast
Ep. 7: He Borrowed $300,000 to Build a Physical AI Tamagotchi
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"I believe I will do it." - Irving Gao, Sweekar
200 people received Irving's first AI robot. One month later, only 1 was still using it. He crashed, pivoted, took out ¥2,000,000 (~$300,000) in personal loans, and built Sweekar – the world's first physically growing AI pocket pet. CES media called it "breaking news."
In this episode:
- How he gave up a PhD at USTC to take out a $300K loan and start a company
- Working at Unitree Robotics, SenseTime & Shanghai AI Lab before going solo
- The first product that completely failed: 200 units shipped, 1 user after 30 days
- The gamification design course that changed everything
- Why he's building the "Nintendo of AI" – not the iPhone of AI
- How Sweekar physically grows: Egg → Baby → Teen → Adult (MBTI personality)
- CES 2026: media calling it "breaking news"
- Why USA before China – the DJI & Anker playbook
- Kickstarter: May 2026, $100–150
About Irving Gao (高鸿志):
Founder & CEO of Takway AI, Shenzhen. Ex-Unitree Robotics, SenseTime, Shanghai AI Lab. Dropped his guaranteed PhD at USTC to build emotionally intelligent AI companions.
Follow Sweekar:
Instagram: @sweekar_pocket_pet
Website: takway.ai
Links:
Watch on YouTube: youtu.be/Afwd6TGXQr4
Newsletter (free, daily): asiabits.com
Thomas on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/afuthomas
Michael on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/michael-broza