Meet Nancy Pan, the dynamic founder of Kontech, who recently secured her Permanent Residency in Canada through the Startup Visa Program. Discover her incredible journey from managing global research projects to creating cutting-edge AI solutions that revolutionize user insights!
1. Background and Inspiration
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background before starting Kontech?
A: I have been working with Kaizor Innovation for over 10 years as Managing Director China, and am a trained Ethnographic Researcher and Professional Translator. My expertise lies in User Research methods and practical project implementation. I’ve conducted research for major clients like Google, Airbnb, Dropbox, Siemens, P&G, Bissell, Radiometer, Herman Miller, and Combi.
Q: What inspired you to start your own business, and how did the idea for Kontech come about?
A: My passion for innovation and understanding user needs deeply drove me to start Kontech. I saw a gap in how companies could quickly translate user research data into actionable, culturally nuanced insights. This inspired the creation of Kontech and our CulturAI Insight System.
2. Impact and Innovation
Q: Can you highlight any innovative technologies, products, or services that Kontech has introduced?
A: Kontech introduced the CulturAI Insight System, which leverages Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) to provide culturally aware market insights, transforming user research data into actionable intelligence swiftly.
Q: What sets Kontech apart from other businesses in your industry?
A: We combine over 20 years of user research experience with advanced AI technology to offer rapid, accurate, and culturally nuanced market insights, especially for Asian markets.
3. Startup Journey and Lessons Learned
Q: What were the challenges you faced when launching Kontech, and how did you overcome them?
A: Launching during COVID-19, we faced budget constraints as companies cut costs on new market entry. We pivoted to support non-researchers with advanced AI tools for user research, which helped us navigate these challenges.
Q: Any significant milestones or achievements that have marked the journey of Kontech so far?
A:
- 2022 – Assisted Meta in testing the Indian market for Facebook Avatars, focusing on new features and cultural insights.
- 2023: Helped BringMySongToLife decide whether to localize their platform for the Hong Kong market.
- 2024: Supported Momax in conducting a user testing survey across various regions to understand consumer preferences.
4. Future Plans and Vision
Q: Are there any upcoming projects, partnerships, or expansions that you’re particularly excited about?
A: We’re excited about our continued collaboration with Momax, an innovative IoT company. This long-term partnership will leverage our expertise in ethnographic research and user insights to drive innovation and create products that resonate deeply with consumers across various markets.
5. Impact of Support
Q: What kind of support and guidance do you need for developing a business in Canada?
A: Key areas where support would be beneficial include Regulatory and Legal Guidance, Market Entry and Expansion, Financial and Funding Support, Marketing and Brand Development, and Mentorship and Advisory. With support in these areas, Kontech can effectively navigate the Canadian market and establish a strong presence.
KONTECH
Website: https://www.kontech.asia/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/kontech-insights/
Founders:
- Nancy Pan, CEO
- Sonya Shi, COO
- Elaine Ann, CXO
