Entrepreneurs dole out the details on their favourite start-ups in Singapore and beyond.
In the vibrant entrepreneurial landscape, innovative business ideas and new companies are constantly making the news. That’s why we’re looking to entrepreneurs to tell us all about the start-ups in Singapore and beyond that they’re keeping tabs on. From brands that are new on the scene to successful businesses that have eventually evolved past their start-up stage, these are the ones that caught our eye.
Check out these cool start-ups in Singapore (and beyond)
1. Unplastik
The pioneering company based in Singapore is dedicated to reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable living. Last year, I had the pleasure of meeting Payal Mittal, the founder of Unplastik, and her passion for eliminating single-use plastics was truly inspiring. Unplastik offers a range of eco-friendly alternatives that are both practical and stylish. I was so thrilled with the quality of their reusable bags that I haven’t stopped using them since.
Recently, I used them to pack my personal care products for my Christmas trip to Peru, including my solid shampoo, conditioner, and soap bar – and everything fit perfectly with no spillage. It made travelling a breeze. I can’t wait to see what other fantastic products Payal has in store for this year!
– Susan Danissa Calderon Urbina, 40, founder of Sacha Botanicals
2. Almora Botanica
Growing up around beauty brands, it’s easy to get jaded when you hear about a new brand and read all its marketing buzzwords and artfully crafted promises. I love that there’s a beauty brand that’s breaking my cynicism!
Almora Botanica is coming to Singapore – it’s already on KrisShop’s online platform and will be available on flights soon. It’s an amazing skincare range that uses modern science as well as ancient sciences (ayurveda and yoga) for natural products that work.
– Puja Surtani, 43, director of Eastern Scent
3. Zora Health and Hey Taylor
Two start-ups I’m keeping my eye on have been popping up recently for me: Zora Health and Hey Taylor. Both are women’s health start-ups advocating for and providing straightforward information surrounding egg freezing and IVF. This is something I’m looking into as an option for the future and I love that they provide a better guide to what was once a very confusing, convoluted, and expensive process. Knowledge is power and I love how they are empowering women in Asia and beyond to take control of their fertility health.
– Joy Q. Wang, 31, founder and creative director of Bone and Grey Bridal
4. Castlery
As an interior architect and entrepreneur, I highly admire Castlery. It perfectly identified the unmet demand in the market for stylish, affordable designs between mass-market flat-pack furniture and pricey luxury brands. Castlery has filled this mid-range market since 2013 and was much needed in Singapore (back when it launched as a start-up)!
The furniture brand now allows homeowners to spruce up their homes with statement pieces of quality furniture without burdening their wallets. Co-founder Declan Ee’s Castlery stands as a testament to the power of innovation, resilience, and a keen understanding of market dynamics, solidifying its place as a pioneer in the world of home furnishings.
– Aisha Ashraf Khawaja, 45, founder of Aisha Ashraf Interiors
5. Butterfly Coaching
Presently, one of my favourite start-ups is Butterfly Coaching. It’s mostly about focus and goals. Now is the best time to focus and let go of the non-essential in terms of perceived priorities – they’re not always the ones we’d like to put our efforts into. This start-up belongs to a young father who had to learn where to put priorities in his personal and professional life. I can see great potential for this start-up in assisting young and mature entrepreneurs to find focus and apply consistency for personal and professional growth.
– Christian Masset, 56, CEO of Peak Communication
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