Welcome to the Ascending World
At the beginning of this journey, I wasn't sure what I wanted to write about. However, I always recognized the value of writing. Not just as a way to convey ideas but also as a means of developing them. Writing, like engaging in thought-provoking conversations or reading, allows you to delve into your thoughts and explore them in greater depth. But I do have to admit that it's not always easy to use writing to encourage clarity of thought. It requires research and deep thinking about a topic, and even then, many of your ideas may still feel imprecise and incomplete.
Despite all that, the effort is worth it because it helps you learn. Change your perspective. Connect with like-minded strangers on the internet, and improve your communication ability.
“You can't think well without writing well, and you can't write well without reading well.”
“The need to read” by Paul Graham
As I thought more and more about starting a consistent writing practice, it felt like the right thing to do. But then I worried about what would happen when my inspiration ran out. We are all familiar with the feeling of getting excited about a new idea, only to lose interest and give up on it a short time later.
So, instead of making a goal to write more, I announced the idea to all my friends. I called it “learning in public,” and launched this newsletter.
What can you get out of this publication?
Throughout the past two years, I explored a variety of topics, a few notable examples include:
🇸🇬 The benefits of choosing where to live and work, with popular essays “on why Singapore is a progressive startup city” and “the road less traveled.”
🎯 Deep dives into marketing channels, tactics, and strategies.
🧠 Mental models that have made a lasting impression and brought improvements to my life. My most-read essay on this topic is “luck vs. hard work.”
🌏 Doing business in Asia, drawing on my experience working across several countries (Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore, India, Philippines, Thailand, and Taiwan), including popular articles on “winning fast-growth markets” and “culture eats strategy for breakfast.”
💡 Startup ideas because I can't help but constantly search for the next big thing. A notable example here is “opportunities in education.”
Who writes the Ascending World?
Hey there, I’m Viktor 👋
I was born in Bulgaria, but have lived and worked in various countries around the world, including Denmark, Taiwan, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Singapore.
My career journey was anything but straightforward.
When I was just starting, my goal was simple - secure a job and work hard to make ends meet. Coming from a blue-collar background in an industrial part of Sofia, I took on various construction, cleaning, and hospitality jobs.
But the one decision that changed everything for me was pushing myself to study abroad. In turn, I ended up moving to Denmark. This gave me a chance to break out of my comfort zone and connect with like-minded people worldwide. It also allowed me to experience a new culture and immerse myself in the Scandinavian way of living. Lastly, it allowed me to benefit from one of the world’s leading education systems focused on problem-solving, critical thinking, and group work.
One thing led to another, and I eventually started my own startup. It was a truly rewarding experience. I went through a wide range of emotions, from feeling elated because of the potential impact I could have on the world to feeling like a complete failure when things didn't go as planned. However, I found the startup experience to be the most merit-based form of organization I have ever encountered. So I spent the past decade honning my skills and growing my knowledge of the tech sector.
Over time, I advanced and secured senior roles at larger and better-funded startups.
Today, I am the Chief of Staff at Docquity.com a healthcare startup based out of Singapore. At the same time, I work as an Entrepreneur in Residence for Big Bang Angels a VC based in South Korea.
In my spare time, I work with many accelerators across the region, coaching startup founders on what it takes to expand to new markets and raise capital.
Who reads the Ascending World?
All sorts of smart and cool people.
Here you go a few things my readers have shared about the newsletter:
“Love reading this tech newsletter every Sunday ✨ “
Michelle Teo, Head of Marketing at Dwell
“A fantastic newsletter for anyone in the startup space - fascinating insights on a weekly basis shared by the thoughtful Viktor”
Rebecca Craig, Founder, and CEO at Be-X
“Another great post by an informed, connected, and inspiring leader. If you are an entrepreneur or startup enthusiast, I highly recommend subscribing to his newsletter. You won’t regret it.”
Drew Calin, CEO, and Co-founder of Greenhouse.co
“Just wanted to say I really like your posts on The Ascending World.”
Robin Vander Heyden, CEO and Co-Founder at ManyRequests
Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoy my reflections, and do not hesitate to reach out if you have any feedback 🙏
Onwards and upwards 🚀
