In a world increasingly intent on adopting product sustainability, Malaysian-based TRAPO has taken matters into their own hands with an ingenious invention.
The startup, co-founded by brothers Tzong and Zare Lee, transforms over 250 tonnes of foam wastage from a family business, into antibacterial and environmentally-friendly car mats.
Established in 2016, the startup has gone from its two founders to being the leading car mat brand in Malaysia as well as Singapore and Indonesia, with a headcount of 160.
Inspired by consumer product industry champions like Apple and Dyson, TRAPO aims to improve the driving experience with their innovative car products.
As a brand with big dreams, TRAPO is constantly innovating to scale bigger, and has even expanded their product range beyond car mats.
They have introduced a range of products known as Oxtra, consisting of car accessories such as a motion-sensing car air purifier, antibacterial car spray and many more last year alone.
Their goal is to expand their leadership team by aggressively scaling-up TRAPO regionally, which is on track to double their revenue growth since its inception.
Success with Endeavor
In Endeavor’s most recent Local Selection Panel 2021, jointly organised with Endeavor Philippines, TRAPO unanimously passed the selection process.
The startup was initially a part of Endeavor’s ScaleUp programme, which is designed to guide entrepreneurs through the complexities of scaling a business.
Tzong and Zare Lee said their main challenge when they first started was to educate the market to switch from coil mats to TRAPO mats, which are made from virgin polymer, EVA foam manufacture and recycled polymer.
“As a huge advocate of responsible consumption and production, aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, we spent two years perfecting TRAPO’s mats, educating the market and ensuring customers were fully satisfied with the product before we started to scale the business.
“Throughout our scaling journey, we have navigated through multiple challenges by participating in the ScaleUp Program. We are excited to continue scaling Trapo together with Endeavor Malaysia’s support,” said Tzong and Zare Lee, co-founders of TRAPO.
Endeavor’s Local Selection Panel is part of the Endeavor process where entrepreneurs are thoroughly questioned by profound business leaders, providing valuable input to scale businesses.
In this session, the six panelists consisted of Gaurav Bhasin, CEO Malaysia and Chief Strategy Officer of Carousell Group, Rodney Wong, CEO of Munchy’s, See Wai Hun, CEO and Co-Founder of JurisTech, Billy Valtos, Managing Director of Tao Corporation, Roshini Bakshi, Managing Director of Everstone Capital Advisors and Bobbit Panlilio, Chairman of JP Morgans Philippines.
“Tzong and Zare have achieved an amazing feat by utilising foam wastage from manufacturing companies and transforming this waste into a profitable business, with a team of over 150 people with a presence in over three countries.
“Despite a few challenges, I think with the right guidance from Endeavor, focusing on their mission and making the right decisions, TRAPO has the potential to scale even bigger,” commented See Wai Hun.
Together with TRAPO, two other organisations, namely ZCOVA and Uploan, also went through the Selection Process.
“Sustainable economies are dependent on high-impact entrepreneurship. With more entrepreneurs who dream big, scale up and pay it forward, Malaysia will continue to produce great companies impacting the economy,” added See.
As part of Endeavor’s network, the newly selected entrepreneurs, including TRAPO, will gain access to comprehensive, strategic support services, including introductions to local and regional business mentors, and investors who will help them address key needs.
With the support of over 70 mentors, Endeavor Malaysia now supports 63 companies across two different tracks.
Find out more about TRAPO on their website.