1718T2 Silicon Valley/Participant Information/IrenaeusBobYeo
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Irenaeus Bob Yeo
SMU email: irenaeusyeo.2014@business.smu.edu.sg
Facebook: Irenaeus Bob Yeo
Academic Year: 4
Degree: Business
Major: Finance
Applying for Subsidy?: Yes
Positions held:
- President (17/18), Vice-President (16/17), SMU Christian Fellowship
- Frontman/Manager of Independent Band (Valkyrie) which performs at notable venues like Timbre (SMU Sound Foundry)
- Lead Vocalist in SMU VOIX
Why Join TSM Silicon Valley?
What motivates you to join TSM?
From a young age, I have always been fascinated by technology – constantly keeping abreast technology trends, and this obsession trickled down to even keeping up with the latest consumer tech-gadgets as well. Being in SMU and doing several internships in the area of venture capital, private equity and banking also further fuels my passion in technology companies.
Why pick Silicon Valley?
It might seem like a joke, but I was first introduced to Silicon Valley through the American comedy television series, “Silicon Valley”. The show speaks about an entrepreneur with a cutting-edge compression technology that has the potential to revolutionize the world. Amidst all of the stomach-wrenching laughter, I decided to take a deeper look into Silicon Valley and realized that it was nothing short of a start-up miracle, accounting for more than a third of all VC commitments in the USA. Last year, I also managed to take a look at our very own "Silicon Valley" located at Ayer Rajah Crescent, also known as JTC Launchpad. It was an interesting experience, but I'd love to have a greater sensing of what an established tech-village would really look like.
Along with my strong interest in private equity and technology, Silicon Valley has and will be my top place to visit to gather insights on how companies hustle, succeed, and how the top investors choose their investments.
Ideal Role?
Anything, really. I can be an itinerary planner/sai-gang-warrior/finance-planner to even your designated fun-fact-guy!
Internship?
I would love to take up any internship opportunities. However, it really does depend on other external circumstances which are still currently in the loop. I might have to do a summer term to graduate on time, and that's one of my largest considerations right now.
Starting a Business
I am definitely interested in starting up a business in the areas of technology, namely in fintech or a business which builds on the sharing-economy effect. Although nothing is solidified yet, my eventual end career dream is to have a startup that I could manage successfully. With that in mind, most of the internships I have undertaken are aimed to ultimately learn about how to successfully manage businesses. I’ve also taken several modules that are aimed to further my entrepreneurship vision, such as “Leading New Ventures to Growth” under Professor Anne Valerie.
During my internship at a startup in 2016, I visited the Echelon Summit (2016) last year and saw the electrifying start-up scene first hand, further calling me to pursue this entrepreneurship track which I hope to do so should an opportunity arise.
Past Experiences
Entrepreneurship/Start-up Related
- PEALO (Fin-Tech Startup) in 2016, a company that focuses on creating a fintech platform for pre-seed and seed companies looking to raise capital from angel investors and venture capitalists
Business/Investment-Related
- KPMG Corporate Finance (M&A) in 2016 (Dec-Mar)
- Dymon Asia Capital (Private Equity) in 2017 (Mar-May)
- Standard Chartered Bank (Corporate Finance) in 2017 (Summer)
What keeps you ticking?
- Music: Singing and performing has always been my passion. Currently I’ve been doing wedding performances and other off-the-side private events for friends.
- Gaming: I’ve currently reached the top 10% in Overwatch (3529 SR) on the American servers. My main aim is to try to get to Grandmaster eventually without destroying my GPA in school.
- Investing: Looking at good investment opportunities to fund my extravagant lifestyle of fries, wings and burgers.
- Binge-watching Dramas: Talk to me and I guarantee that we will have a common show of interest!
