Over the last 12 months, Eric Tan — Group CEO of Catcha Digital Berhad — led the acquisition of eight companies across digital media, trade exhibitions, and software.
But this isn’t about a shopping spree.
It’s about building a permanent home for market-leading businesses — and helping founders move from Chapter One to Chapter Two.
From integrating acquisitions to navigating AI disruption, Eric shares what most entrepreneurs misunderstand about scaling, selling, and surviving in today’s chaotic digital economy.
This conversation reveals:
→ Why you should never build a business just to be acquired
→ What actually happens in the first 100 days after selling your company
→ Why most SMEs waste money on digital marketing
→ The difference between awareness and actual sales
→ How AI is quietly eliminating entry-level “boring work”
→ The real hiring traits that matter in 2026
→ The hidden risk of founder personal branding
→ Why “be kind and help people” might be the most underrated business strategy
If you’re building a business, thinking of exiting, or trying to understand where digital media is heading — this episode is for you.
CHAPTERS:
00:00 – Intro
01:20 – Why Catcha Digital went on an acquisition spree
04:10 – The 3 pillars of Catcha Digital Berhad
06:45 – What happens in the first 100 days after acquisition
10:30 – Digital media trends heading into 2026
14:20 – AI, interns & the future of hiring
18:40 – Advice for founders who want to be acquired
22:50 – Why online must connect with offline
26:30 – Eric’s failed startup & lessons in humility
30:10 – Why SMEs struggle with digital marketing
32:50 – Awareness vs conversion: What brands misunderstand
35:40 – Should founders build personal brands?
36:45 – The billboard message to Malaysia
Follow Eric Tan
URL: https://www.catchadigital.com/our-team/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rictan0/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/rictan0/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/rictan0/
