7 Rising Taiwan Startups: Exciting Innovations and Promising Ventures

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. About Meet Taipei
3. Companies I Liked
   1. Cooby
   2. Teachify
   3. Sensay
   4. Emily.rpa
4. Companies With Interesting Technologies
   1. AAS and Bratwurst Man
   2. PanelSemi
   3. Smart Tag
5. Companies I Wish I Could Have Talked To
   1. ishrimp
   2. Paw for Good
   3. Firstory
6. Conclusion

Introduction

I recently had the opportunity to attend the 2021 Meet Taipei Startup Festival in Taipei. This 3-day event was a spectacular gathering of Taiwanese startups, and I was able to experience the innovation and creativity that the local startup ecosystem has to offer. In this article, I will share my insights and impressions about some of the remarkable companies I came across during the event. From sales enablement tools to educational platforms and cutting-edge technologies, these startups are truly making a difference in their respective industries. So, let's dive in and explore the world of Taiwanese startups!

About Meet Taipei

The Meet Taipei event has been a notable fixture on the startup calendar since 2011. It is the premier event for connecting with fascinating startups in Taiwan. As someone who has been actively involved in the local startup scene, I can confidently say that the 2021 Meet Taipei event was one of the biggest and most exciting startup events I have attended in years. It attracted a diverse range of startups, both big and small, as well as prominent companies like the Big Four accounting firms and IKEA. The event not only provided a platform for startups to showcase their ideas and products but also fostered collaboration and partnerships between entrepreneurs and investors.

Companies I Liked

During my time at the Meet Taipei Startup Festival, I had the pleasure of discovering several startups that stood out to me due to their unique offerings or impressive teams. In this section, I will highlight four of these companies and Delve into what makes them special.

Cooby

One company that particularly caught my Attention was Cooby. As someone familiar with the world of international business, I have noticed the prevalent use of messaging apps like WhatsApp and Line for communication, especially among salespeople. However, important information often remains trapped within these chat conversations, making it challenging for sales managers to extract valuable insights. Cooby addresses this issue by providing a platform that helps sales managers gain Data Insights from chats. By scanning a QR Code and syncing only work contacts, salespeople can easily share information while maintaining privacy and trust. Cooby's impressive user base of 5,000+ users across 54 countries and investment from renowned firms like Hustle Fund and Sequoia Surge speak to the value and potential of this startup.

Teachify

Teachify is an all-in-one platform that aims to empower content Creators to Create and monetize educational courses. As a content creator myself, I find this concept particularly intriguing. While I personally haven't been inclined to create and sell courses, Teachify offers a comprehensive solution for those who do. With an eleven-person team Based in Taipei, Teachify has already achieved significant success, transacting millions in gross merchandise volume since its launch. It provides creators with the tools and resources necessary to share their knowledge and generate income while focusing on what they do best – creating. Although the startup faces branding challenges due to its name's similarity to an unfortunate word in English, its dedication to serving the Taiwan market and its potential for growth make Teachify a fascinating company to watch.

Sensay

Sensay is a promising startup in the education technology (EdTech) sector. Their innovative tool aims to facilitate English speech practice and assessment for teachers and students. By sharing a QR code, teachers can prompt students to Record their responses to English questions. An AI-powered system then evaluates the recorded answers and provides feedback to the teacher, highlighting any areas that need improvement. Although my brief demo experience was hindered by technical issues, the concept behind Sensay's product is compelling. With a bootstrapped team of three individuals, including the CEO and CTO, Sensay embodies the entrepreneurial spirit of Taiwan. While EdTech can be a challenging market to navigate, Sensay's focus on practicality and sustainable growth gives them a solid foundation for success.

Emily.rpa

Having been interested in robotic process automation (RPA) for some time, I was excited to come across Emily.rpa at the Meet Taipei event. RPA offers a unique solution for automating repetitive tasks typically performed by humans. Emily.rpa demonstrated how their system can automate actions on a computer, such as responding to emails, downloading data, and creating spreadsheet charts. They showcased a Scenario where a user sends an inquiry email to Emily, their RPA assistant, who then replies with additional information and attached materials. While other RPA companies, such as UiPath, have already gained significant market traction, Emily.rpa stands out due to its focus on OS-agnostic automation. This feature enables them to cater to a broader range of users, making them a worthy competitor in the RPA industry.

Companies With Interesting Technologies

While software-based startups garner significant attention, it's essential to shed light on companies that contribute to physical innovation. In this section, I will introduce three companies that have stood out in terms of their hardware-based technologies.

AAS and Bratwurst Man

AAS and Bratwurst Man are two companies that specialize in unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), respectively. Initially, they were part of the same company; however, they eventually split to focus on their respective areas. These companies have embraced the open-source nature of the UAV industry and have made critical contributions to it. By integrating encryption and addressing gaps in existing open-source technologies, AAS and Bratwurst Man have propelled the development of UAVs. While both companies have experienced success, it is worth noting that the swimming UAV produced by Bratwurst Man has gained more traction due to its applicability in inspecting ports and harbors for oil leaks. Their commitment to innovation and specialization sets them apart in the competitive market of UAV technology.

PanelSemi

PanelSemi, a Tainan-based startup, has made significant strides in the field of miniature LED (mini-LED) technology. Their revolutionary mini-LED panel screens offer flexibility and portability, making them suitable for use in various end-user devices. While the resolution of their headlining example screen may not be groundbreaking, it is important to consider that cost is a significant factor in producing high-resolution mini-LED screens. PanelSemi's team comprises highly competent individuals who excel in their domain and demonstrate a deep understanding of the industry. The technology they have developed has the potential to reshape the display industry, and I believe they are well-positioned to lead the way in this innovative sector.

Smart Tag

Smart Tag, the winner of the pitch contest at the Meet Taipei event, has developed a heat-resistant and flexible printed circuit board (PCB) that functions as a sensor for machine tools. By seamlessly patching this intelligent PCB onto existing machinery, users can obtain real-time information about the operating status of their equipment. This technology is particularly Relevant in Taiwan, with its flourishing semiconductor industry and the need for continuous operations in chip foundries. The ability to detect and address equipment issues promptly is crucial to minimizing costly downtime. Smart Tag's solution aligns perfectly with this need, offering a practical and effective tool for manufacturers. By enabling swift troubleshooting and repair, Smart Tag empowers foundries to maintain optimum productivity and ensure uninterrupted operations.

Companies I Wish I Could Have Talked To

Given the limited time I had at the Meet Taipei event, there were a few companies I regrettably did not have the opportunity to engage with. Although I did visit their booths, language barriers and other circumstances prevented Meaningful conversations. Nonetheless, I believe these companies deserve mention due to their unique missions and potential contributions.

ishrimp

ishrimp is a small company from Chiayi, consisting of five team members. Although I couldn't have an in-depth discussion with them due to language limitations, I was intrigued by their promotion video. As a proponent of sustainable protein sources, I found their aquaculture methodologies fascinating. While I personally don't Consume shrimp, I recognize its significance as a high-value protein source. Learning about innovative approaches to aquaculture is always exciting, and ishrimp's commitment to this sector deserves recognition.

Paw for Good

Paw for Good is an organization or company focused on training stray dogs in Taiwan to serve as professional support animals. These well-trained dogs offer valuable assistance to individuals with autism, hyperactivity, or disabilities, enabling them to lead better lives. Unfortunately, I was unable to locate their booth during my time at the event, likely due to their employees' absence. Nonetheless, the mission and impact of Paw for Good resonate deeply with me, as the power of support animals in improving the lives of individuals facing various challenges is well-documented.

Firstory

Podcasting has been gaining significant popularity in Taiwan, with an increasing number of individuals beginning their own podcasts to discuss various aspects of life and work. Firstory, a prominent podcast hosting company based in Taiwan, has risen to prominence in this burgeoning market. They specifically cater to the Taiwan market, providing both free and premium services. While I haven't had the chance to converse with their team directly, their presence in multiple startup and jobs festivals indicates their growth in the industry. Firstory plays a vital role in supporting content creators, providing them with the necessary tools and infrastructure to share their stories and engage with their audience effectively.

Conclusion

The 2021 Meet Taipei Startup Festival was an incredible experience, allowing me to witness the vibrancy and creativity of the Taiwanese startup ecosystem firsthand. Small and medium-sized businesses are the lifeblood of any major economy, and events like Meet Taipei provide a platform for these budding entrepreneurs to showcase their innovations and connect with potential investors and partners. Throughout the event, I encountered remarkable startups like Cooby, Teachify, Sensay, and Emily.rpa, each offering unique solutions to pressing challenges. Moreover, companies like AAS, Bratwurst Man, PanelSemi, and Smart Tag showcased cutting-edge technologies that contribute to the physical innovation landscape. While there were a few companies I wish I could have connected with, the overall experience was invigorating. I encourage everyone to explore the companies Mentioned in this article, support them, and contribute to their growth. The world of startups is full of possibilities, and You Never know where your Journey may lead. So, join me in celebrating the spirit of entrepreneurship and embark on exciting new adventures in the world of innovation!

Highlights

• The Meet Taipei Startup Festival showcases the best of Taiwanese entrepreneurship
• Cooby offers a solution for sales managers to gain data insights from chat conversations
• Teachify is an all-in-one platform for content creators to monetize educational courses
• Sensay provides an AI-powered tool for English speech practice and assessment
• Emily.rpa offers robotic process automation for streamlined and efficient tasks
• AAS and Bratwurst Man specialize in unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles respectively
• PanelSemi has developed flexible mini-LED panel screens with potential for diverse applications
• Smart Tag's heat-resistant and flexible PCB enables real-time monitoring of machine tools
• ishrimp utilizes innovative aquaculture methodologies for sustainable shrimp production
• Paw for Good trains stray dogs to serve as support animals for individuals with disabilities
• Firstory is a leading Podcast hosting company catering to the Taiwan market

FAQ

Q: What is the Meet Taipei Startup Festival? A: The Meet Taipei Startup Festival is a premier event in Taiwan that brings together startups, investors, and industry leaders to showcase innovative ideas and foster collaboration.

Q: How does Cooby help sales managers? A: Cooby enables sales managers to extract data insights from chat conversations, allowing them to analyze valuable information and improve sales strategies.

Q: What is Teachify's unique offering for content creators? A: Teachify offers an all-in-one platform for content creators to set up and monetize educational courses, providing them with tools and resources to generate income from their expertise.

Q: How does Sensay facilitate English speech practice and assessment? A: Sensay's tool allows students to record their responses to English questions, which are then graded by an AI system. This enables teachers to provide personalized feedback and improve language skills.

Q: What does Emily.rpa offer in terms of automation? A: Emily.rpa specializes in robotic process automation, automating repetitive tasks performed on computers. Their system acts like a virtual assistant, responding to emails, downloading data, and completing repetitive spreadsheet tasks.

Q: What are some noteworthy hardware-based startups at the Meet Taipei event? A: Companies like AAS and Bratwurst Man are notable for their contributions to unmanned aerial and underwater vehicles respectively. PanelSemi has developed flexible mini-LED panel screens, and Smart Tag offers a heat-resistant and flexible PCB for machine tool monitoring.

Q: What is the mission of Paw for Good? A: Paw for Good aims to train stray dogs in Taiwan to serve as support animals for individuals with autism, hyperactivity, or disabilities, improving their quality of life.

Q: What is Firstory's role in the podcasting industry in Taiwan? A: Firstory is a leading podcast hosting company catering to the Taiwan market, offering a range of services for content creators to publish and grow their podcasts.