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In focus
- A home on the line for this alt-protein startup founder
- Roojai’s reason for optimism after a grueling 2024 if we’re previewing more than one
- The Philippine startups leading the way
Hello reader,
If you’ve lived through the Silicon Valley boom like me, you might also have been inspired by recipes of success in the likeness of Steve Jobs and Elon Musk – those who stayed hungry and foolish.
So when the founder of Sophie’s Bionutrients, Eugene Wang, told me that he’s selling his family home to save his microalgae startup, I began to wonder: Where does the line between mad folly and visionary genius lie? Perhaps it’s a thin one.
In one of today’s top stories, I unpack the hurdles Wang has to overcome for his startup to climb out of the valley of death. Unsurprisingly, it is cost parity that stands in the way, but he believes that microalgae as a multivertical ingredient might just stand a chance.
On the flipside, Thai-based insurtech company Roojai is making a comeback after its “worst year” in 2024. Its optimism lies in becoming a full-stack digital insurance firm and revving up growth in electric vehicles. We look deeper into its game plan.
Candice Lee, journalist
Top Stories
1️⃣ A frozen dream, an ambitious bet, and a home on the line
Image credit: Timmy Loen
Sophie’s Bionutrients is a Singapore-based alternative protein startup that is looking to get a second life for its microalgae protein ingredient through food additives and sports nutrition.
We speak to food manufacturers to find out whether founder Eugene Wang’s bet on his startup has a chance of reaping rewards soon.
2️⃣ Acquisitions fuel Roojai’s 49% growth forecast after ‘worst year’
With triple acquisitions under its belt as well as expansion into new verticals and geographies, Roojai believes it will see 49% year-on-year revenue growth in FY 2026.
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