We created the first ever start-up in Singapore that converts insects into food products for humans.

In one line, what do you do and what is your most significant achievement?

I created the first ever start-up in Singapore that converts insects into food products for humans.

Who are you and what business did you start?

I am the Co-Founder and CEO of Altimate Nutrition, Singapore's first start-up dedicated to transforming insects into nourishing and sustainable food products for humans. In my role as a Co-Founder, I was in charge of a number of key areas including the development of our products, business strategy, media relations, and fundraising activities.

What's your backstory?

The genesis of my business idea began during a volunteering trip to Vietnam in 2019. While there, I observed that the villagers were malnourished and decided to engage with them. They explained that they couldn't afford nutritious products like meat. As a food science student, I began considering alternative food sources that could be equally or more nutritious than meat, but more affordable for these villagers. Through research, I came across the term "alternative proteins," which encompasses food innovations such as plant-based meat, cell-cultured meat, and insects, among others. Ultimately, I chose to focus on insects because no one in Singapore was doing it, and I was genuinely convinced of the nutritional and sustainability benefits of insect-based products.

What should be the first steps to take to enter your industry?

In order to succeed in this industry, it is essential to produce food products that not only offer nutritional benefits, but also meet consumers' taste preferences and are shelf-life stable. Formulating products that are high in protein, vitamins, and minerals can help position your brand as a healthy and sustainable food option. Additionally, ensuring that your products are delicious and satisfying can help overcome any consumer hesitancy or stigma towards insect-based foods. Finally, shelf-life stability is critical for ensuring that your products have a reasonable shelf life and maintain their nutritional value and quality over time.

How did you spend your First 100 Days of launching your business?

During the first 100 days of launching our business, we participated in an incubator program at our school. This program provided us with valuable funding and mentorship support for our new venture. We were fortunate to have two mentors, one for technical support in food science and the other for business support in commercializing our products. Initially, we conducted extensive market research to gain insights into consumers' perceptions of our products, the flavors they preferred, and other relevant factors. Thereafter, we devoted the majority of our time in our food lab, where we faced the challenging task of formulating our insect-based products from scratch. Since there were no established recipes for creating such products, it was akin to baking a cake without a recipe!

Since launch, what has worked to attract and retain partnerships/customers?

Our business has largely relied on organic traffic to establish partnerships and attract customers, primarily due to the novelty of our products. However, when it comes to marketing and seeking out potential partners, we prioritize highlighting our products' unique selling points (USPs) and the value they offer to our consumers. We firmly believe that successful sales involves effectively communicating the value that your product or service can provide, and how it can address the specific needs of your potential customers.

What has taken you from 0 to 100?

In my opinion, startups should prioritize going from zero to one before attempting to achieve exponential growth from zero to hundred. For our own startup, the zero to one moment was the successful formulation of our first product prototypes. This pivotal achievement came during a business competition that we participated in and won. Following this initial success, we were featured in various media outlets (Straits Times, CNA, etc.), which led to a significant increase in attention and interest in our brand.

What is one underrated thing in your industry that business owners should start doing/using?

When it comes to food formulation, it is important to recognize when it is necessary to outsource certain aspects, such as nutrition testing, shelf-life extension, and other specialized tasks, to third-party experts. Attempting to handle everything in-house can be extremely time-consuming, and it may ultimately result in a subpar final product. By delegating certain tasks to trusted third-party experts, you can ensure that each aspect of your product development process is handled by professionals who have the necessary knowledge, skills, and expertise.

What was one failure you had to go through that others in your industry should look out for?

I realized that pitching to VCs requires a lot of preparation and practice, and that I couldn't just wing it and hope for the best. I started studying successful pitch decks, practicing my presentation in front of friends and family, and refining my business plan and messaging.

What platform/tools do you use for your business?

Notion, Mailchimp, WooCommerce, Google Workspace, ChatGPT, Compose.AI

How are you doing today and what does the future look like?

Moving forward, our plan is to expand our product offerings to include cricket-based chips, cookies, and other insect-based products. Additionally, we have recently established our own insect farm with the goal of controlling our supply chain from farm to product. While I believe that insect-based food products will not entirely replace traditional meat products, they do offer a sustainable and nutritious alternative for consumers seeking more environmentally-friendly options. As such, we see significant potential for growth and success in this industry.