Could spirulina be the poster child of alternative proteins?

Some blue-green algae, anyone?

• The Asian population’s appetite for meat and dairy products pose serious environmental implications.
• According to a report by Asia Research and Engagement, population growth and rising incomes across the region. will drive a 78% increase in meat and seafood consumption by 2050.
• With the world turning to alternative protein sources to stem this issue, spirulina stands out for its nutritional properties and affordability. Saumil Shah of 500-backed EnerGaia ultimately hopes the superfood will find itself into everyone’s diet.

• In a feature piece, Saumil detailed how he improved upon cultivation methods of the past and used the rooftops of Bangkok to grow the blue-green algae although he’s also exploring growing his crop at on-ground facilities.
• A former engineer with General Electric, Saumil and his team currently makes powdered spirulina, along with a 5 percent spirulina pasta and various snack products, and sells to manufacturers of energy bars, cosmetics and soap.
• Through collaboration with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in Bangladesh and the UN Environment Program in Indonesia, EnerGaia is spreading awareness about spirulina in rural populations.

Carousell helps creatives

• The creative industry is reeling from the impact of Covid-19. So, 500-backed Carousell and the Singapore Brand Office (SGBO) have teamed up with a local support group to create exposure for local creatives to sell their products under the “Made in Singapore” platform.
• “MADE in SG will give freelancers the reach, visibility, and means to provide online classes, digital services, and sell their creative works to our users,” shares Marcus Tan, co-founder of Carousell.

• This initiative is parked under Carousell’s broader #SupportLocal campaign that helps communities across the country affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
• From stunning paintings to utilitarian leather key loops, support the Singapore creative scene here.

Female founders FTW

• To reignite its commitment and support to female founders, 500 Startups has kickstarted the #500FemaleForces initiative.
• On the site, there are timely resources available and a survey polling the challenges faced by them during this time.

Investing in female founders matters now more than ever. We are staying true to our commitment to female founders and bringing together resources for female founders like never before in our new #500FemaleForces initiative: https://t.co/XnfkC1odU5

— 500 Global (@500GlobalVC) April 28, 2020

• Besides, a webinar happening in the first week of May will feature venture capitalists and international leaders talking about what is needed and what support is available for female founders during this time.
• Visit the site here.

All eyes on Covid-19

• Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates expects his foundation to work “almost entirely” on the coronavirus pandemic in the near future.

• The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has a $40 billion endowment and has worked on HIV and malaria and polio eradication. But Gates said the foundation has shifted much of that focus to work on the coronavirus.

Stay tuned to tomorrow’s Daily Markup!

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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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