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Bangkok-based Pomelo, a Southeast Asia’s leading omnichannel fashion brand. The founder, David Jou embarked on his entrepreneurial journey with the startup after exiting Lazada, the successful e-commerce platform he co-founded.
Meet David Jou
David Jou is the co-founder and CEO of Pomelo. Having spent his childhood moving between the United States, Germany, and Korea, David’s international exposure shaped his global perspective. While studying at Amherst College in Massachusetts, he launched his first company, The Boxing Co., in 2003. The company offered shipping and storage services to American university students.
After graduating, David joined Bain & Co. in New York, where he sharpened his strategic expertise. He later transitioned to private equity to work with New Mountain Capital, a $10 billion private equity fund based in New York. Despite the rewarding and prestigious nature of these roles, David’s entrepreneurial spirit pushed him to explore new business ventures, which ultimately led him to pursue his passion for building companies.
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Beginning of David’s Entrepreneurial Journey
David began his entrepreneurial journey in 2012 when he co-founded Lazada and served as Managing Director for over a year. During his tenure, Lazada Thailand emerged as one of the leading online shopping platforms in the country. However, he recognized the enormous potential for digital transformation in Southeast Asia, similar to the trends seen in China. This insight led David to take the bold step of leaving Lazada and pursue his next venture.
He chose Bangkok as the base for his next venture, attracted by its strategic location. The city offers easy access to key cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, and Ho Chi Minh City. David also saw Bangkok’s growing population and strong economic potential as an ideal foundation for an online business, which presents a unique opportunity to build a thriving enterprise.
In 2013, David Jou took a leap of faith, leaving the success of Lazada behind to launch Pomelo. Under his visionary leadership as CEO, the firm has quickly risen to become one of Thailand’s most popular and influential digital fast-fashion brands.
What does Pomelo do?
Bangkok-based Pomelo is a dynamic fashion brand that designs, sources, and sells clothing both online and in retail stores across Southeast Asia. Its designs are customized to suit the specific preferences and needs of the Asian market, considering factors like body size, shape, and the local climate. The platform leverages personalized content to enhance customer engagement and drive sales.
The company is also committed to sustainability through its eco-friendly “Purpose by Pomelo” line, which incorporates natural dyes and sustainable fabrics, which reflects the brand’s dedication to environmental responsibility.
Pomelo’s omnichannel marketing strategy seamlessly integrates both online and offline experiences. It enables customers to explore products through the app, try them in-store, and make purchases. This strategy provides valuable customer insights, leading to continuous product enhancements that improve quality, lower prices, and ultimately boost sales. The continuous feedback loop between customer engagement and product development has been a key driver of the company’s sustained growth.
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How is Pomelo going forward?
Pomelo’s success underscores the importance of truly understanding customer needs and delivering exceptional products and experiences. The brand has experienced substantial growth by prioritizing quality and customer satisfaction over heavy reliance on promotions.
Today, the firm operates across Southeast Asia and serves customers in 44 countries. The company’s commitment to innovation is clearly reflected in its use of Amazon Web Services (AWS) to craft a personalized shopping experience, enhancing customer engagement and driving sales. As a leader in omnichannel fashion, the company offers a distinctive “Try Before You Buy” service and remains dedicated to sustainability through its “Down To Earth” initiative.
Ultimately, Pomelo demonstrates that a customer-first strategy, combined with cutting-edge technology and sustainability, is the key to long-term business success.
The entrepreneurial spirit of the founder demonstrates that a successful path doesn’t have to be the end of the journey. With a clear vision, the courage to start a new can lead to a more fulfilling and personally meaningful direction, proving that reinvention is a powerful step toward growth and purpose.
What does Pomelo do?
Bangkok-based Pomelo is a dynamic fashion brand that designs, sources, and sells clothing both online and in retail stores across Southeast Asia.
Who are the founders of Pomelo?
David Jou and Casey Liang are the founders of Pomelo.
Where is the Headquarter of Pomelo?
Bangkok, Thailand is the headquarter of Pomelo.
When Pomelo was founded?
Pomelo was founded in 2013.