Nex AI Founder Explains Decision to Shut Down Company
Jonathan Liem, founder of Nex AI, has decided to close his successful AI company. He discusses the reasons behind the shutdown and shares his insights for other entrepreneurs.

Nex AI founder Jonathan Liem has decided to shut down his artificial intelligence company, despite its success and seven-figure deals. Liem explained his decision in an interview, emphasizing the importance of long-term commitment for founders.
According to Liem, a key factor was assessing his ability to dedicate himself to the company for the next decade. Nex AI specialized in transforming unstructured data into structured formats for enterprises. The decision to close the company was based on strategic considerations rather than financial distress.
In the interview, Liem also contrasted how Asian and American entrepreneurs approach company shutdowns. He observed that in the US, there is a greater comfort level in discussing closures and moving on. In Asia, companies tend to be wound down more quietly, which Liem attributes to the local market context.
Liem has already launched a new venture, Inflect, focusing on optimization and brand visibility. The new company is based in the US, reflecting potential capital-raising opportunities in the rapidly evolving AI landscape. Within Asia, China leads in AI startup funding, with Singapore also hosting several significant players in the sector.