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You know, most startups that we write and hear about have solutions that are mainly software-based and built on coding. There’s nothing wrong with that, of course, but it’s refreshing to occasionally find out about a firm that’s doing some traditional, hardcore science to come up with its product.
At least, that was my general feeling when I read today’s premium piece, which features alternative protein company TurtleTree. It focuses on producing lactoferrin, a nutrient found in milk that can provide benefits around gut health, immunity, and iron binding.
Read on to find out more.
Today we look at:
- TurtleTree’s growth from four years of R&D to a US$500 million revenue goal
- The US$2.7 million series A round of a Pakistani healthtech company
- Other newsy highlights such as the fundraises of an Indian EV firm and an American AI startup
Premium summary
Good things take time
Image credit: Timmy Loen
In a world that seems to always be looking for answers and solutions and wanting them to come yesterday, it behooves one to remember that a lot of the good things in life take time and consistent effort. Losing weight and building muscles, for example, or working at one’s craft every day for years to learn the intricacies involved. There are no shortcuts to true expertise, no “I know kung fu” moments.
TurtleTree went through four years of R&D before coming up with its first product – and even then, co-founder and CEO Fengru Lin describes bovine lactoferrin as “low-hanging fruit.”
Serious science takes serious time.
- More bang for buck: According to Lin, a 0.1 gram serving of lactoferrin is enough to unlock its benefits, while 42 grams of whey per serving is needed to get its muscle-building effect.
- Home and away: TurtleTree is preparing for a US launch in the first quarter of 2024, where it has already taken steps to verify the safety of its product. It also has plans to sell its products in Singapore, in line with the city-state’s 30 by 30 food security target.
- Funding status: Tech in Asia data shows that TurtleTree has secured about US$40 million in funding so far. The firm has plans to raise more money next year, targeting Asian investors in particular.
Read more: Shaking up alternative proteins: Can this SG startup turn red ink into green?
US$2.7 million would cure me of any illness
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