Ideal Founder Series 010
Michael Lee , Founder of LiFUNd

Contact LiFUNd: https://bio.site/lifund

About Founder 

「新創的本質，就是不斷的調整步伐」

錸放科技創辦人 - Michael，過去在大企業中擔任過會計、內部稽核師等職務，在這樣彈性相對較小的環境下，Michael 學會了如何在精準掌握資訊後，利用資訊在各方利益間找到平衡點。

雖然新創公司擁有極高的靈活性，但不變的是新創公司始終需要在各方的利益和需求之間尋找平衡。儘管企業和新創在運作模式和風格上存在顯著差異，Michael 的這些經驗在創立錸放科技的過程中仍然帶來了很大的幫助。

Michael, founder of LiFUNd, held various positions such as accountant and internal auditor in large corporations. Within these relatively rigid environments, Michael learned how to find a balance among various interests after complete understanding of information.

Startups require immense flexibility. However, what remains constant is that startups always need to find a balance between the interests and needs of various stakeholders. Despite the significant differences in operation models and styles between corporations and startups, Michael's experiences have been greatly beneficial in the establishment of LiFUNd.

Q. 請用三個詞形容你自己 / Use three words to describe yourself

速度、謹慎、隨和

Speed, Cautious, Easy-going

Q. Do you consider yourself (three answers above) when you’re at work? Or would you describe yourself in another way when at work? / 你是否覺得自己在工作時也符合以上的三個形容詞？還是你會以不同的方式描述

​​我認為平時的我和工作中的我，最大的差別在於「隨和」這項特質。我們的團隊結構扁平，溝通流暢，意見可以自由交流。然而，作為團隊的領導者，在關鍵問題和事務上果斷地做出決定是至關重要的。

身處在新創產業，我們經常處於全新的領域之中。如果過於堅持某一特定的想法而不去挑戰新的概念，那麼我們很可能會因此而缺乏全面的視野。然而在不同的聲音之中，果斷的決定未來的規劃，才有辦法將心中的藍圖轉為現實。

Being in the startup industry, we often find ourselves in completely new territories. However, as a leader, it is crucial to be decisive on key issues. So I believe that the biggest difference between my usual self and my work self would be "easy-going." Even though I love the way our team communicates and the freedom to exchange opinions, being able to make decisive decisions in planning the future amidst all options is crucial.

Q. 能否與我們分享一下您的背景，以及您是如何開始您的職業生涯的？ / Could you tell us a little about your background and how you got started in your career?

在我早期的職業生涯中，我有幸於Philip Morris International擔任內部稽核師、會計師及稅務的職務，並也曾在KPMG擔任稅務顧問。當時，我所處的工作環境和產業特性與我目前身處的新創生態截然不同。在預算控制和會計領域，精準性是我們的首要目標，彈性自然相對受限。

然而，新創領域高度的彈性同時也伴隨著獨特的挑戰。儘管擁有更高的自由度，但現在面對到的每一個決策和風險都是我必須直接承擔的。在新創公司裡，每一個抉擇都可能攸關成敗，因此在新創公司工作的過程中，特別是身為公司的創辦人，內心所面臨的壓力和挑戰往往不亞於外在的困境。

In the early stages of my career, I had the privilege to serve as an internal control, accountant, and tax specialist at Philip Morris International, and also as a tax specialist at KPMG. At that time, the work environment and industry characteristics were very different from the startup ecosystem in which I am now immersed. In the realms of budget control and accounting, precision was necessary, while flexibility is relatively small.

However, the highly adaptive nature of the startup environment comes with its own set of unique challenges. Despite having greater leeway, each decision and risks I’m facing now is something I have to bear directly. Within a startup, every choice can be a matter of make or break, and as such, working in a startup, especially as a founder, often faces psychological challenges that are no less than external hurdles.

Q.你認為哪一項核心技能在你的職業生涯中扮演關鍵的角色？ / What do you consider the core skill you have that has helped you throughout your career?

過去在會計和內部控制等相關領域中累積的豐富經驗使我深刻理解，無論我們在哪個領域具有多高的專業水平，溝通始終是最具挑戰性且至關重要的技能。

在新創企業不斷變革的環境中，流暢的溝通成了觀察問題全貌和及時發現並解決困境的關鍵途徑。

I think communication is no doubt the most important skill that helps startups gain a more comprehensive and timely understanding of situations and identifying entry points for problem-solving.

This is really a deep understanding which my past experiences as accountant, internal control, and related fields has brought me. Regardless of the level of expertise we possess in any particular field, communication remains the most challenging yet crucial skill.

Q. 最一開始決定建立錸放科技的動機是什麼? / What is the story behind the establishment of LiFUNd?

起初我是受到國外學生透過募款舉辦 House Party 的模式啟發，這樣的模式需要一方負責組織活動，而另一方則負責提供資金。然而考慮到台灣缺乏適當場地，以及文化的差異，我認為將這個模式重新塑造，並用以填補資訊缺口，將為同時擁有不同價值和需求的人提供一個可以互惠平台。

此外，我看到台灣多數平台因為商業模式和國外存在已久的大廠相近，因此難以將市場拓展至國際。同時也意識到學生們在申請國外學校時，成績不再是唯一的決定因素，學生在學業和實習之外的額外付出也是關鍵，然而這些額外的努力往往缺乏正式的認證。

於是我將起初的想法以及長時間的觀察做結合，錸放科技的雛形便成形了。

Initially, I was inspired by a model popular among students abroad, where they fundraise to organize house parties, with one group handling the organization and another providing the funds. However, considering Taiwan's lack of appropriate venues and differences in culture for such events, I adapted this model to bridge the information gap and created a platform for individuals with varying values and needs.

Furthermore, I’ve noticed that most platforms in Taiwan find it difficult to expand internationally, as their business models are similar to those of established international players. Additionally, I noticed that when students apply to schools abroad, grades are no longer the sole deciding factor; the additional efforts students had put into aside from academics and internships are crucial as well, yet these endeavors often lack formal recognition.

Combining my initial idea with these insights, the blueprint for LiFUNd took shape.

4. What was the biggest surprise or obstacle you encountered while building your startup and what did you learn? 

在創業過程中，你遇到的最大的驚喜或阻礙是什麼，在這過程中你學習到什麼？

對於新創企業，特別是當其產品或服務涉及全新的概念時，我認為最大的挑戰在於如何有效地向目標客戶傳達這些新概念。這種教育成本不僅包括各種教育和宣傳渠道的投入，還涉及到時間的耗費。

在面對這樣的挑戰時，保持耐心是至關重要的。然而，這裡所說的耐心不僅僅是指讓目標客群逐漸理解我們的服務，而是在更深層次上，作為創業者，我們往往對未來有清晰的藍圖，並渴望立即將我們的理念和願景分享給市場。但在這個過程中，如果消費者無法立刻理解或甚至體會到我們所提供的價值，他們很可能不會再使用我們的服務。因此，耐心的展現也包括我們是否能夠妥善控制信息的傳播，並在不同階段以獨特的方式與不同的客戶進行溝通。

For startups, especially when the products or services involve novel concepts, I believe the most significant challenge lies in effectively communicating these new ideas to the target audience. The educational cost associated with this not only encompasses investments in various educational and promotional channels but also involves a considerable amount of time.

In the face of such challenges, patience is critically essential. And when I say patience, it’s not just about waiting for the target customers to gradually comprehend our services; it's about understanding that as entrepreneurs, we often have a clear vision of the future and are eager to share our philosophy and vision with the market instantly. 

However, during the process, if the consumers are not able to understand the value we offer, it’s likely that they will stop using the services we offer. Therefore, being patient also means that we can manage the information we have wisely, and share the information according to the stage our customers are at.

Q. 你是怎麼衡量你的成功? 你衡量的標準是什麼? / At the moment, how do you measure success? What are your metrics?

我們距離理想中的成功仍有很長一段路要走。我們希望藉由錸放建立一個能夠自行運作的生態系，在我們的模式中，有三個主要參與者 — 學生、企業和社會福利機構 — 能夠通過平台積極互動。並期望錸放科技在這個過程中扮演的中介角色逐漸減弱，讓平台最終發展成一個具有自我驅動性和持續性的社群。

We still have a long way to go before we reach the point where we consider it a success. Our ultimate goal is to foster an ecosystem where the three key players within our business model - students, corporations, and social welfare organizations - can actively engage with each other through the platform. We envision LiFUNd’s role as an intermediary within this framework to gradually diminish, allowing the platform to evolve into a self-sustaining and thriving community.

Q. 你會對其他的有野心和熱情的創業家說什麼? / What would you tell aspiring startup founders? 

我認為當我們與有創業想法的人交流時，一昧給予他們激勵人心的話並不能實質的幫助到他們。相對的，我認為針對他們當前的想法、所處的階段、所擁有的資源，以及未來的規劃進行深入且富有洞察力的探討，提供具有建設性的建議與幫助。不管一個計畫處在什麼階段，最有效的鼓勵往往莫過於實質且嚴謹的建議。

Regardless of the stage of a plan, the best encouragement tends to be practical and cautious advice. 

I believe that when we communicate with individuals who want to start their own company, offering them inspirational words is not the way. Instead, I find that the most constructive and practical dialogues should involve an in-depth and insightful discussion focusing on their current thoughts, the stage they are at, the resources they have, and their plans for the future. 

About LiFUNd

Q. In a few sentences, what do you offer and to whom? 

用簡單的句子形容，你能為誰提供什麼服務/產品?

「在這個大缺工的時代，年輕人的理想與企業的訴求，就像兩條平行線。」

我們觀察到了現今台灣社會的問題，發現有越來越多的年輕人，在大學畢業後依然對自己的未來感到迷茫，於是乎，LiFUNd平台誕生了。

作為一間社會企業，我們致力於擔任學生與企業間的橋樑，學生可以透過自身興趣專長回饋社會與培養軟實力，我們也利用學生社團傳承的優勢，達到人才培育的永續發展；另一方面協助企業落實社會責任與建立品牌形象，企業在回饋社會時，除了提早認識到具積極主動性的影響力人才，降低未來的徵才成本外，也能在年輕族群中樹立良好的品牌形象。

"In this era of labor shortage, the ideals of young people and the demands of companies seem to run on two parallel lines."

We've observed the current issues in Taiwanese society, noticing an increasing number of young people feeling lost about their futures even after graduating from university. Thus, the LiFUNd platform was born...

As a social enterprise, we are committed to acting as a bridge between students and businesses. Students can give back to society and develop their soft skills through their interests and expertise. We also leverage the strengths of student organizations to achieve sustainable development in talent cultivation. 

On the other hand, we assist companies in fulfilling their social responsibilities and establishing their brand image. As businesses give back to society, not only can they identify influential talents who are proactive, reducing future recruitment costs, but they can also establish a positive brand image among young people.

Q. 用幾句話說明你的公司還有你要解決的問題 / What is your company and problems you are addressing in a few sentences?

錸放的商業模型將三個主要參與者 - 學生、企業和社福機構的價值和需求相互連接。這使過去閒置的資源和協助需求得以互相補充，從而有效地結合未被善用的資訊和資源。

LiFUNd’s business model interlinks the values and needs of the three primary stakeholders - students, corporations, and social welfare organizations. This ensures that previously underutilized resources and needs for assistance are mutually complemented, allowing for a more efficient use of information and resources.

Q. 和我們分享目前為止，關於你的產品 / 服務受市場歡迎的吸引力是什麼 ? / What’s most exciting about your traction to date?

在我們的商業模型裡，我們巧妙地將每個角色能夠提供的獨特價值和他們各自的需求連繫在一起。

對學生而言，透過我們的支持從企業獲得資金援助當然是吸引人的，但我們不將錸放能夠提供的價值限縮在金錢上。

我們主要仍是希望可以為所有參與方的付出，都可以得到一個可被認證的記錄。此外，我們還為企業和社福機構帶來有意願與他們合作以實踐社會責任的優秀人才。透過不同活動的推進，雙方也能獲得更多的曝光，吸引更多人參與並實踐多元價值的社會活動。

值得一提的是，不僅台灣缺乏與錸放相似的經營模式，在國際上也鮮有此類平台。這種獨特的模型不僅為參與者帶來即時的協助，而且還對未來整體社會的環境建設和人才培養建立良好的基礎。

In our business model, we have interconnected the unique values that each role can offer and their individual needs.

For students, we mainly focus on creating opportunities for personal growth that can be recorded and certified. Although obtaining financial support from corporations through our assistance is certainly appealing, we do not confine the value that LiFUNd offers solely to monetary terms. 

We bridge the gap for corporations and social welfare organizations by providing them access to talented individuals willing to collaborate in fulfilling social responsibilities. Through the organization of events, both parties gain exposure, attracting more people to engage in social activities that embody diverse values.

It's worth mentioning that not only is there a lack of business models similar to LiFUNd in Taiwan, but there are also few such platforms internationally. This unique model not only brings immediate assistance to participants but also has a profound impact on the future development of society and talent cultivation.

Q. 在接下來的一到兩年內，有什麼事你希望可以達成的？ / What milestone do you expect LiFUNd to reach in the next 1-2 years?

我們期望在未來兩年內，能夠在台灣將錸放打造成一個廣受認可和信賴的平台。在得到台灣學生、企業以及社福機構的參與和認證後，我們也期望將錸放的經營模式擴展至更多國家。

這樣的模式不僅能為所有參與者帶來即時的利益，長遠來說，它也對未來整體社會環境的建設和人才培養具有深遠的正面影響。我認為學生、企業和社福機構三方的合作擁有無窮的可能性和多樣的實施策略，甚至不受國籍的限制。我希望錸放能夠與任何需要幫助的人們一同探索不同的合作模式，共同推動社會進步，創造更美好的環境。

We plan to expand the business model to other countries, after establishing LiFUNd as a widely recognized and trusted platform in Taiwan within the next two years. Once we have garnered the participation and endorsement from students, corporations, and social welfare organizations in Taiwan, we will be taking LiFUNd to a wider market.

This model not only brings immediate benefits to all participants but also, in the long run, has a profound and positive impact on the overall development of society and nurturing of talents. I believe that the collaboration among students, corporations, and social welfare organizations holds infinite possibilities and diverse approaches, not confined by nationality. LiFUNd aims to explore various collaborative avenues with individuals globally who are in need, in order to contribute toward societal progress and foster a better environment.

Q. 目前你的公司正在尋找什麼? (例如:資金、新市場擴張、人才?) / What would be the 3 things that your company is looking for now? (e.g. Funding, new market expansion, new hires?)

錸放目前對各種資源都有需求。資金無疑是重要的一環，然而在未來的發展中，我們最需要的是更多優秀人才及企業的加入以共同打造更加活躍的錸放。現階段來說，與更多具有影響力的企業及更多的學生建立合作關係對我們來說是最具重要的。

作為一家新創公司，我們不能期望首次接觸錸放的人立即理解甚至接受我們所提供的價值。因此，一個穩健而有力的開始是我們當前迫切需要的。我們期望隨著越來越多的人加入這個社群，並在潛在參與者看到成果後，整個社群會更加流暢且高效地運作。

Our utmost necessities right now are the inclusion of more exceptional talents and corporations to jointly cultivate a more vibrant LiFUNd. While funding is undeniably a crucial part as a startup, establishing partnerships with a greater number of influential enterprises and students is the one of the things we’re more than eager to achieve right now.

As a startup, it is unrealistic for us to expect individuals encountering LiFUNd for the first time to instantly understand or even embrace the value we offer. Therefore, a sturdy and compelling inception is what we presently require. As an increasing number of individuals join this community and potential participants witness tangible results, the entire community will operate with enhanced efficiency.

Q. What do you love about your team, and why are you the ones to solve this problem?

和我們分享你喜歡你團隊的什麼部分？為什麼你們會是解決目前遇見問題的最佳選擇？

我們的團隊規模目前不超過五名成員，結構極為扁平化。這樣的組織形式讓我們在溝通上異常迅速而高效，我深信這種架構極適合新創公司。

無可否認，層級式的管理結構有其許多優勢，並且擁有強大的執行力。在新創公司的環境中，我們的終極目標是逐步構建和實現我們所想要提供的價值。然而，當我們把目光聚焦到每天的日常時，我們的首要任務是不斷調整策略，確實完成手頭上的工作，並確保公司能夠持續運營。

也正因為如此，我們團隊的扁平化文化為我們帶來了至關重要的靈活性，這也是我們團隊合作融洽的關鍵因素之一。

I firmly believe the best structures for startups include a specific trait - agility. 

Our team currently comprises less than five members and boasts an extremely flat organizational structure, which empowers us with speed and efficiency.

Undoubtedly, a hierarchical management structure has its array of advantages and possesses formidable execution capabilities. Within the landscape of a startup, our ultimate objective is to progressively construct and realize the value we aim to offer. However, when we narrow our focus to the day-to-day routine, our top priority is to constantly adjust our strategy, make sure we accomplish the tasks at hand, and ensure the company's sustainable operations.

In light of this, the flat culture within our team grants us essential agility, which is also one of the key factors in fostering harmonious collaboration amongst our members.

Special Question

Ｑ. 你會如何和其他新創公司的創辦人分享你的經驗和感想，關於成為理想Ideal 社群中的一員？ / What would you tell other startup founders about being part of the Ideal community and your experience here?

首先，我真的認為 Ideal 提供的共環境非常的舒適，同時日常的營運也時常獲得 Ideal 團隊的幫助，但我認為最重要的是，這個空間充滿了機會。

在這邊的團隊都是新創團隊，大家都非常樂意互相學習，甚至一起合作，近期我們也陸續和不同團隊開始有了更深一步的討論，而這些都是我認為一個共享辦公室重要的價值所在，若是團隊間互不交流，那麼辦公室將淪為一個單純、冰冷的空間。

若有人正在看辦公室的，我很推薦大家親自來 The Ideal Venture Studio!

First of all, I genuinely think that Ideal provides an extremely comfortable co-working environment, and our day-to-day operations often receive assistance from the Ideal team. But what I think is most important is that this space is full of opportunities.

All the startups here are more than willing to learn from each other, and even work together. Recently, we've begun having more in-depth discussions with different teams, and this, I believe, is where the true value of a co-working office lies. If teams don't interact with each other, then the office would just become a simple, cold space.

If anyone is looking for office space, I highly recommend that you personally visit The Ideal Venture Studio!