Shooting for the stars

• 500-backed Singaporean space tech startup Aliena has entered a collaboration with Aurora Propulsion Technologies for the development of technology for in-space propulsion.

• Aliena specializes in developing and manufacturing ultra-low power electric propulsion systems for the small satellite market. The startup aims to provide agility in space to satellite operators, access to unprecedented orbits working with constellations, and to ensure a sustainable space for the next generation.
• Together, the companies will develop technology that provides orbit keeping and accurate attitude control for space missions, in orbit, and in deep space. The companies will collaborate on the development of a global supply and delivery channel utilizing their local and regional expertise.
• Dr. Lim Jian Wei Mark, CEO of Aliena, said, “Aliena takes great pride in being able to work closely with our partners from Aurora Propulsion Technologies to continue to provide access to space and enhance capabilities for new and emerging operations in space executed by small spacecraft.”
• “Both companies have flight-ready hardware that is deployed in space this year — a clear indication of the readiness and maturity of the individual systems that can now leverage on each other’s merits under various mission requirements to further augment the delivery of targeted outcomes in space,” he added.

Planting for success

• According to a report, the global vegan food market is expected to grow from US$14.44 billion in 2020 to $15.77 billion in 2021. Meanwhile, nearly 65% of the human population is intolerant to lactose in dairy.
• This is why 500-backed food review platform abillion believes F&B operators should add vegan options to their menus.

• While meat prices are expected to rise, replacing meat dishes with vegan options will help save costs. A study cited by Forbes showed that 17 out of 22 restaurants reported increased sales after converting to a 100% vegan menu in addition to cost-efficiency. Some even saw sales surge by as much as 1,000%.
• Need more reasons to make the switch? Read the full article here.

Doing reps with robots

• Research has shown how COVID-19 spreads so easily in gyms — the moist, warm air combined with turbulent air flow from exercising may create an environment in which droplets can spread readily.
• A gym run by a father-son duo in the US had just opened its doors when the pandemic hit. Having invested in expensive machinery, they needed to find a way to keep the business running. So, the Jekel Strength Club turned to 500-backed OhmniLabs’ robots for assistance.

• A pair of Ohmni Robots, named Robot Ross and Proto Paul, have allowed the co-founders Ross and Paul to assess workouts virtually while keeping their more at-risk clients safe.
• The customers see and hear their trainers on the robots’ displays, and the trainers can tilt the sub-five-foot robot’s “head” to scan the room like a person normally would.

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500 Startups is a venture capital firm on a mission to discover and back the world’s most talented entrepreneurs, help them create successful companies at scale, and build thriving global ecosystems. In Southeast Asia, 500 Startups invests through the pioneering 500 Southeast Asia family of funds. The 500 Southeast Asia funds have backed over 240 companies across multiple sectors from internet to consumer to deep technology. It continues to connect founders with capital, expertise and powerful regional and global networks to help them succeed.

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