IN THE ZONE

Imagine letting an AI concierge decide your dates.

Soon, dating app users might avoid awkward first meetings by using AI avatars programmed with their interests. These bots will chat with other bots to see if the real people behind them could be a good match.

This raises a big question: Can AI help us find love without losing the genuine human connection?

Read through to learn more about how AI concierge may soon revolutionize modern dating.

UPLIFTING STORIES 📚

Unlocking the Creator Economy: A Candid Conversation With Karat's Co-Founders on Entrepreneurship and Authenticity

Karat Financial is a startup that provides banking services to content creators. At first thought, you may think this is a non-issue, but consider this: popular chess streamer Alexandra Botez was rejected twice when applying for a business credit card, despite bringing in over $100,000 a year through her content. Clearly, investors also agree that this is an issue. Karat has raised over $100 million from top-tier investors such as SignalFire, USV, and GGV.

In this edition, Eric Wei and Will Kim, the co-founders of Karat, will go into detail about their ideal co-founder relationship, entrepreneurship, authenticity, and more.

UPLIFTING LEGENDS 📺

Meet these two Legends who have sparked smiles and tickled taste buds with their incredible videos. 

Want to be highlighted in the AHN Legends series? Apply now!

Life Imitates Art: “Haikyu!!,” a Popular Manga and Anime Series Is Credited With Boosting the Popularity of Volleyball in Japan🏐

A popular manga and anime series “Haikyu!!” has boosted the popularity of men's volleyball in Japan. The manga sales have skyrocketed and a new film based on it is doing well too.

“Haikyu!!,” the story of school volleyball teams and an inspirational comic-book hero determined to overcome the odds and his small stature, has sold 60 million copies since its debut in 2012.

Inspired by the series, many young people are joining volleyball clubs and the national team membership has increased significantly. The series has also helped people understand and appreciate the sport better. 

Masahiro Yanagida, national team captain from 2018 to 2021, expressed gratitude for the boom in volleyball sparked by “Haikyu!!”. “I have all volumes of the manga,” he told AFP, recalling being “completely hooked” on its “pretty realistic” depictions of the sport.

Is AI the Future of Dating? 🤖

Dating app users may soon avoid awkward meet-ups by using AI “concierges” for dating. According to Glamour, users would have AI avatars with their interests, likes, dislikes, and conversation habits, which would chat with other users’ bots to find potential matches.

Bumble founder Whitney Wolfe Herd discussed this at the Bloomberg Tech Summit, painting a world where “your dating concierge could go and date for you with other dating concierges,” eliminating the need to talk to many people.

It may sound like a sci-fi plot, but it’s a reality we are now edging closer to. However, there is skepticism about AI-based dating. The pain point here is whether it would increase isolation and harm our ability to form genuine connections or it will help connect us to more like-minded individuals.

Clique-Now

This week's newsletter is presented by Clique-Now.

Clique-Now is a top talent management firm building the digital careers of top AAPI CEOs, content creators, and celebrities since 2012. Services include 360 talent management through strategic positioning in branded entertainment, consumer products, film and television, publishing, live events and appearances. Clique-Now was honored as a top management company by Business Insider and recognized on the Inc 5000 list.

For newsletter sponsorship opportunities, please reach out to [email protected] 

Melbourne #AsianHeritageWeek: Bridging Cultures: Asian Branding in the West

Join us for our exclusive event “Bridging Cultures: Asian Branding in the West” for a dialogue delving into how being of Asian ethnicity affects and shapes the way we brand ourselves in the Western World! 🌟

• 🗓️ Wednesday, June 5: 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM (AEST)

• 📍 Imperial Hotel, 2-8 Bourke St, Melbourne VIC 3000, Australia

Melbourne #AsianHeritageWeek: Peace Kitchen

​Join Peace Kitchen for a facilitated dinner at Yum Sing House, where we will explore the experiences and feelings of being a migrant in Australia.

• 🗓️ Wednesday, June 5: 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM (AEST)

• 📍 Yum Sing House, 22 Sutherland Street, Melbourne, Victoria 3000, Melbourne, AU

  REGISTER NOW

Melbourne #AsianHeritageWeek: Intangible Cultural Heritage in China-Guqin Gathering

Whether you're a dedicated Guqin enthusiast or just curious about traditional Chinese culture, this Guqin Gathering offers an unforgettable musical journey. Join us at the Six Harmonies Space to appreciate the elegance of Guqin music and experience the depth of Chinese culture.

• 🗓️ Saturday, June 8: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM (AEST)

• 📍 Hexa Space 六合空间 Coworking & Office Space, Level 4/830 Whitehorse Rd, Box Hill VIC 3128, Australia

Join us for the AAPI Heritage Month Business Growth Networking Event!

Organized by Asian Hustle Network and Wells Fargo, this event is designed to foster community engagement and support the growth of small and medium-sized businesses. Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, representatives from chambers of commerce, and startup founders, with a special focus on the Asian business community.

The keynote speaker, Charlie Dougherty, Executive Director and Senior Economist at Wells Fargo, will share insights on economic trends affecting small and medium-sized businesses.

• 🗓️ Wednesday, May 29th, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM (EDT)

• 📍Wells Fargo Hudson Yards Office, The Duke Room

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights and expand your network!

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Fill out this form if you have any deals or perks you would like to share with the community!

🔄 As a business owner, staying in your comfort zone might not always mean comfort. But what lies beyond this zone? Check this table and ask yourself: which zone are you in right now? How will you get past that zone? It’s time to get uncomfortable!

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