To reap the impact of generative AI, we need to understand the limitations and risks inherent in the technology, such as the tendencies for large language models (LLMs) to ‘hallucinate’, and how to overcome them,” Mukaya Panich, CEO and chief venture and investment officer at SCB 10X, the corporate venturing unit of Thailand-based Siam Commercial Bank, told the Bangkok Post.
SCB 10X contributed to a $7.5m seed funding round for Guardrails AI in April this year. Guardrails AI provides tools to measure, monitor and mitigate the risks of AI. The unit also focuses on fintech and blockchain infrastructure. Panich is focused on driving SCB 10X to be the leading regional corporate VC in Southeast Asia, and for it to become one of the leading investors in the blockchain and AI sectors globally.
“Not having to rely on deal introductions from other VCs has kept me from having FOMO or chasing deals purely due to the fact that others are investing in them.”
Panich was on the founding team when SCB 10X started in 2020 and has led the firm towards making investments in disruptive technologies. She operates by looking at interesting technologies, researching the companies and getting to know the founders before investing, rather than looking at what other VCs are investing in and following suit. “Not having to rely on deal introductions from other VCs has kept me from having FOMO or chasing deals purely due to the fact that others are investing in them. This has served SCB 10X well,” Panich told DealStreetAsia last year.
SCB 10X has a $750m fund size and has a team of 43, including the investment team, as well as developers and R&D researchers.
Prior to SCB 10X, Panich was portfolio manager at Pictet Asset Management, where she ran a Pan-Asia fund for five years. She started her career in a startup, SiByte, which was acquired by Broadcom for $2.2bn in 2000.
Panich has a degree and master’s degree in electrical engineering and computer science from MIT and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
The Global Corporate Venturing Powerlist represents the 100
individuals spearheading the future of the corporate venturing industry.
These individuals excel in terms of their venturing approach and structure, number and quality of portfolio companies and in their contributions to the corporate venturing profession.