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In focus

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.

A data story you shouldn’t miss

Meet the 25 top-funded startups and tech companies in the Philippines

Image credit: Timmy Loen

Amid dismal news such as mass layoffs persisting this year, there are still bright spots in Southeast Asia. We compiled a list of Philippines’ top-funded startups in the past two years that are paving the way.

In partnership with

Hear from Malaysian startups that have walked the walk

The advice and insights that hit the hardest are often the ones that come from the people who have been in your shoes before.

That’s what AWS Unicorn Day Malaysia is offering to founders in the country. With the theme “Building from Malaysia for the World,” the event will spotlight local and regional startups pushing the boundaries of innovation. Attendees will get to hear success stories from homegrown startups and learn how they implemented the right strategies to reach the next level.

AWS Unicorn Day Malaysia is taking place on July 29. Sign up for it here.

Trending news

1️⃣ Nvidia eyes land in Israel for multibillion campus plan

The chipmaker’s aggressive expansion in the country comes as other tech giants are retreating from it.

2️⃣ Indian solar firm Emmvee Photovoltaic files for $351m IPO

The Bengaluru-based solar module and cell manufacturer has submitted a draft prospectus to India’s Securities and Exchange Board.

3️⃣ Saudi quick commerce firm Ninja bags $250m, hits unicorn status

Ninja’s US$1.5 billion valuation in just three years since its founding reflects the explosive growth of quick commerce in the Gulf region. The company plans to use the funds to prepare for a 2027 IPO.

4️⃣ Microsoft Xbox exec suggests AI to aid staff after layoffs

In a now-deleted LinkedIn post after receiving backlash, Matt Turnbull recommended using AI tools for resume building, career planning, and emotional support.

5️⃣ Israeli top quantum startups raised $300m in 2025: report

Quantum Machines leads the pack with US$170 million in funding, followed by Classiq with US$110 million.