Start up with trust

Our research on startups and trust

Trust is top of mind for startups

For many, trust plays an important role in growing their business sustainably. What startups may not realise is that trust can actually be measured and managed.

Customers > Investors

Building trust means delivering a strong customer experience. As startups grow, their approach to building trust needs to be flexible and scalable to include a wider group of stakeholders.

Trust is dynamic

It can be scaled with the use of technology. Who the audience is, and what’s at stake influences how trust is built. Trust changes depending on circumstances, and it is down to startups to drive their narrative.

Why startups

In 2015, we set out on a journey to encourage the dialogue on building trust in business. Through PwC Malaysia’s Building Trust programme, we’ve reached out to various stakeholders including the public, students and young corporates.

This year, we’ve broadened the trust conversation to the startup community - a fast growing segment in the local business landscape.

Trust is clearly important for startups, but is it a priority? Given the nature of startups as early-stage businesses, this may not be something they can ‘afford’ to focus on. Other concerns may take precedence. Customer relationships, for example, weigh heavily on their minds. Respondents were also divided in their views when it came to size and how it influences trust-building.

Three startup personalities explored these topics, and more, during the Start Up with Trust fireside chat.