Over the past two decades, Julian Peh has been a pivotal figure in the technology landscape, establishing and leading numerous companies throughout Asia and beyond. His journey began in the late 1990s, navigating the challenges of the dotcom crash to ultimately found White Wave Media Group, which grew to become Asia’s largest luxury adtech firm before its acquisition by Singapore Press Holdings. Today, Peh is at the forefront of innovation with his latest ventures, Kipley and KIP Protocol, focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and Web3 technology.
Peh’s initial foray into technology came in 1998 when he co-founded one of Singapore’s earliest internet companies. Although that startup did not survive the tumultuous dotcom era, the experience provided critical lessons that shaped his subsequent ventures. “The satisfaction of building something and the belief that technology can transform industries and lives have kept me going,” Peh explained. His resilience allowed him to establish a second company, an early web-hosting service, which quickly attracted major banks and enterprises as clients and was acquired three years later.
Defining Moments and Integrity in Business
One of Peh’s most significant accomplishments was with White Wave Media Group. Founded in 2005, the company began as a single portal website, capitalizing on the growing broadband access in Asia. Under his leadership, it expanded to serve premium advertisers across luxury, yachting, and lifestyle sectors, ultimately earning multiple awards for technical achievements and market share. This success culminated in a strategic acquisition by Singapore Press Holdings, proving his ability to transform a nascent idea into an industry leader.
Peh views integrity as a cornerstone of his business philosophy. “To me, integrity is consistency when no one is watching,” he stated. His commitment to building lasting relationships with investors, partners, and employees has fostered loyalty that spans nearly two decades. He emphasizes the importance of long-term vision over quick wins, acknowledging that success often requires navigating unexpected challenges.
Trust is another crucial element in Peh’s dealings, especially when working with major institutions and governments. “It takes more than just good ideas. It takes delivery and resilience,” he remarked. His experience negotiating multi-jurisdictional deals has taught him that consistency and solving real problems are essential for establishing trust with stakeholders.
Innovating with Purpose
Currently, Peh is focused on his latest projects, Kipley and KIP Protocol. Inspired by the belief that AI should empower rather than replace humans, these ventures aim to create a framework that respects human involvement and decentralized trust. “KIP is designed to unlock the potential of applied AI, user-owned knowledge, and tokenized incentives,” he explained. “We are creating something both powerful and ethical.”
Peh also highlights the importance of building strong teams across various industries. He believes that hiring for grit and integrity, rather than just qualifications, is key to attracting and retaining top talent. “I look for people who are part of a mission, not just a job,” he said, noting that many of his team members have followed him through multiple ventures.
Reflecting on his journey, Peh acknowledges that challenges are a constant in the tech world. “Almost every week brings new challenges that test your skills and character,” he shared. One particularly difficult moment involved facing accusations that threatened his established reputation. This adversity, however, sharpened his focus and reinforced his commitment to empowering humanity through technology.
As a seasoned investor in technology, Peh offers advice to those looking to back long-term visions. “We have to skate to where the puck will be, not where it is right now,” he advised. He encourages investors to seek out founders with a track record of resilience and to assess whether they build with purpose or simply chase headlines.
In a rapidly evolving tech landscape, Peh’s insights and experiences serve as a testament to the power of integrity, resilience, and a commitment to innovation. As he continues to build and scale new ventures, his journey underscores the importance of trust and human contribution in shaping the future of technology.
