Realising that animal farming had barely changed for nearly three thousand years led Andre to start a plant based meat company.
What’s your story?
I am a Brazilian-Italian entrepreneur who has lived in Singapore for almost 5 years. Despite being trained as a mechanical engineer, my passion was always towards starting, transforming and growing businesses, especially within topics I am passionate about. During early 2020 I co-founded a plant-based meat company in Singapore and we are now ready to expand globally.
What excites you most about your industry?
Challenging the status quo and proving that there are better ways to do what we take for granted. Animal farming is a classic example of an industry that has only evolved marginally, but keeping the same fundamentals for over three thousand years. It makes no sense to need such an inefficient system to produce delicious meat.
What is your connection to Asia?
I came to Singapore to embrace a challenge of transforming a JV with the company I started my career with, and over the last 4.5 years this place made me feel right at home.
Favourite city in Asia for business and why?
Singapore. For one to understand what Singapore is and even to believe it is possible, the only way is really to live and experience it. It is a country that simply works as it should, with great leadership, a long term strategic view and an absolutely trustworthy system.
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Make sure you surround yourself with people who are more successful and smarter than you are.
Who inspires you?
Bill Gates
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
It was shocking to learn that meat production accounts for 73% of global antibiotic use and antibiotic resistance in food animals nearly tripled since 2000. (https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/10/191009132321.htm)
If you had your time again, what would you do differently?
Nothing. Who I am today is a direct result of everything I have done, right or wrong, and I believe that even the mistakes are a fundamental part of the journey.
How do you unwind?
A nice road trip with my wife, near the coast, at a lake or in the mountains. Good music, a nice car, good company and a great landscape!
Favourite Asian destination for relaxation? Why?
Japan. A magic place full of natural wonders, rich culture and amazing food.
Everyone in business should read this book:
“Has China Won” is a very enlightening read for anyone coming from the west who wants to venture into Asia. Not so much for the subject per se, but for the deep analysis made of the cultural differences between US and China.
Shameless plug for your business:
Next Gen brings an extremely competent team of outstanding people with a spectacular background and set of capabilities together to show the world that delicious food can be made from plants.
How can people connect with you?
I am easy to reach out to via LinkedIn.
Social Media Links?
www.linkedin.com/in/andre-menezes
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To hear how entrepreneurs around the world overcome their challenges, search your favourite podcast platform for ‘CallumConnects‘ to hear a 5-minute daily breakdown.
Callum Laing is an entrepreneur and investor based in Singapore. He has previously started, built, and sold half a dozen businesses and is now a Partner at Unity-Group Private Equity and Co-Founder and CEO of MBH Corporation PLC. He is the author of three best-selling books ‘Progressive Partnerships’, ‘Agglomerate’, and ‘Entrepreneurial Investing’.
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Download free copies of his books at www.callumlaing.com
