Karen Cheah is the founder and CEO of Alterpacks, a new materials startup that uses food waste to create an alternative to plastic containers. Alterpacks' beginning lies in the garbage, having witnessed communities choking under the weight of disposed food and plastic containers in her travels.

👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I'm the resident problem-solver.

🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

I have a degree in Mathematics and play classical piano to destress.

🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Starting Alterpacks and holding our first food containers made from spent grains in my hands. The vision had become real, and we were on the road to solving a real-world problem.

🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?‍

I'm keeping my eye on two areas:

• The pressure on paper, virgin pulp and coatings as legislation against their use kicks in.
• New fabrics made from re-weaved cloth to create new materials at scale.

💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?

You need a good team of fellow founders with complementary skillsets who have the conviction, passion and willingness to make the sacrifice, put in the hours and money.

Don't go solo ... unless you really, really, really have to.

‍

🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours?

The performance of food containers.  

🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show?

Running Man, the Korean Version.  

‍

🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?‍

Choco Mint