In a world where innovation and resilience are key to success, Justin Chou’s story stands out as a testament to the power of determination and vision. With a dream to feed 100 million people with sustainable food, Justin Chou embarked on a journey that would take him from the streets of Singapore to the global stage.
Back in 2011, when Justin Chou told his father he was dropping out of university to start a hawker stall, his father’s response was sceptical: “Why do you want to do this? If it was possible, many people would have already done it.”
How The Business Developed
At the time, Justin had no business experience or financial backing. Despite these challenges, his lone hawker stall, Green Dot, grew into a thriving franchise with 18 outlets across Singapore and Malaysia. The local plant-based market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.97% to 7.6% annually.
With the development of his career, Justin’s vision for sustainable, plant-based food aligned with Singapore’s growing demand for healthier and more sustainable diets.
So, how did he turn a small hawker stall into three leading ventures? The answer lies in his resilience through numerous challenges, which he humorously calls a “zombie apocalypse of setbacks.”
The Business Expansions
While running Green Dot, Justin Chou launched gLife in 2018, a tech-driven agri-supply chain company that improved transparency for farmers. gLife quickly gained traction, securing USD 13 million (MYR 57 million) in funding. In 2019, Justin founded Growthwell Foods, focusing on plant protein and seafood alternatives.
However, the COVID-19 pandemic hit just as all three businesses were growing. As dual CEO of gLife and Growthwell, Justin faced immense pressure to keep them afloat during lockdowns.
Despite facing emotional challenges like panic attacks and depression, Justin’s ambition to feed 100 million people with sustainable food kept him going. He made bold decisions, such as pivoting Growthwell’s business model and targeting European markets. His efforts paid off when he raised USD 22 million (MYR 97 million) in Series A funding in 2022.
Growthwell Foods is now a global success story. Its brand, Happiee!, is available in over 1,400 UK stores across major retailers like Tesco and Sainsbury’s. From humble beginnings as a hawker stall, Justin’s companies—Green Dot, gLife, and Growthwell Foods—are valued at over USD 100 million (MYR 444 million). His journey shows that determination and passion can turn big dreams into reality.
