And parenting tips for founders.

Alternative protein farmed on roofs

• The global demand for protein is expected to double by 2050 and 500-backed EnerGaia is providing an alternative protein solution via micro-algae spirulina.

• No farmland needed! EnerGaia has “rooftops farms” scattered around Bangkok where the startup is based.
• Widely recognized as a “superfood”, CEO and founder Saumil Shah says in a HiveLife feature that spirulina is not only an environmentally-conscious alternative as it uses CO2 to produce oxygen, it’s also packed with nutrients like magnesium, Vitamin C, Zinc, and more.
• Saumil has ambitious plans for EnerGaia; including expanding to neighboring countries like the Philippines and India. You can hear more of Saumil’s thoughts on this BBC podcast.

#SaveOurFave

• F&B businesses across the world continue to feel the impact of Covid-19, including Malaysian outlets.
• Standing in solidarity with these establishments, 500-backed Fave initiated a “Save Our Fave” campaign where consumers can purchase e-cards from selected outlets and enjoy savings of up to 30%. Merchants will then receive advance cash to help offset additional losses during this period.
• Fave has also waived all transaction fees and commissions to ensure merchants receive 100% of what consumers pay.

• The campaign is rallied by local celebrities who have collectively voiced the support in a YouTube video.

How to host a digital demo day

• To continue serving founders while offering flexibility in a safe and positive approach, 500 Startups had its first digital demo day so founders could join from their homes.
• In a blog post, the team shares how they utilized platforms like Slack and YouTube to integrate communications and marketing into one singular strategy — and recreating “booths” for startups to showcase their work.
• In the post-Demo Day survey, a large number of attendees found the digital experience to be as exciting as the in-person event.

Parenting as a startup founder during Covid-19

• Parenting is challenging. Leading a startup is equally challenging. What happens when you try to do both in this social-distancing climate?
• It’s a new normal for parents who’re used to working in offices and juggling home affairs after clocking out. But it’s possible.
• Read this article on how to get this done!

Stay tuned to the next Daily Markup on Monday! Need a recap on this week’s Daily Markup? Go here.

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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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