Explore how founders across diverse fields are using creativity and insight to tackle challenges. 

New businesses are born every day, each trying to stand out in a crowded, competitive landscape. With shifting consumer behaviour, digital disruption, and evolving expectations, building something that lasts takes more than just a good idea. It takes clarity, creativity, and a strong sense of purpose.

This edition of Friday Future Listers spotlights four founders who are navigating that landscape with business models shaped by real-world needs. Get to know them and their creations that matter. 

Building Across Real and Digital Worlds: Sahib Anandsongvit on Service, Scale, and Strategy

Sahib Anandsongvit is an entrepreneur with a strong interest in service innovation and decentralised technology. As CEO of Seekster, Thailand’s leading property services platform, Sahib focused on distribution first: understanding what people needed, talking directly to users, and getting early traction through practical solutions. That hands-on mindset now informs his work in the Web3 space, where he’s actively involved as a builder and consultant.

As part of the team at Pandora, a growth partner for early-stage Web3 projects which use blockchain technology to create decentralised, user-controlled online platforms, Sahib helps startups define their identity, gain traction, and speak to their communities. Pandora is the sister company of Arcadia, a marketing studio known for launching high-profile blockchain projects.

His work also extends to policy. As a member of the Advisory Council of the Partnership for Online Platforms & Sustainable Development (POPS), he contributes to discussions on digital platforms and innovation in Asia. Sahib’s work focuses on creating practical, user-centred solutions that drive growth and innovation across property services, and decentralised Web3 platforms.

Dr Napat Jatusripitak Is Leading the AI Revolution in Supply Chain Management

In a world driven by data and automation, Dr Napat Jatusripitak is building the systems that will shape how businesses and societies function in the future. Dr. Napat holds a Ph.D. in Applied Economics from the University of Minnesota, with additional degrees from Cornell and Johns Hopkins. His researches explore how data and AI can serve both commerce and society.  

As co-founder of ViaLink, he is creating an advanced supply chain platform that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to make business-to-business (B2B) logistics smarter and more automated. Their platform called MANUEL is a no-code tool, meaning businesses don’t need programming skills to use it. It allows companies to set up AI agents that can learn how to carry out complicated tasks and workflows automatically, helping people work more efficiently and effectively. By digitising the entire logistics process from start to finish ViaLink helps businesses move goods faster, adapt quickly to changes, and operate more sustainably

Prior to launching ViaLink, Dr Napat founded Siametrics Consulting, a boutique data science consultancy based in Bangkok. His team has supported major Thai enterprises– representing a market capitalisation exceeding 1 trillion THB–in uncovering hidden insights through big data analytics.

Thana Kunaraksvong’s KanVela Blends Craft, Community, and Conscience in Chocolates

Thana Kunaraksvong began his career in finance, but after facing burnout, he turned to a more grounded passion: agriculture. His search for sustainable farming practices led him to cacao, a crop that requires minimal chemicals and offers a way to support local farmers. With no formal background, Thana immersed himself in cacao cultivation–researching, experimenting, and learning from trial and error until he was able to produce premium-quality cocoa beans.

This journey gave rise to KanVela Chocolate, a Thai craft chocolate brand known for its creative fusion of local flavours and artisanal techniques. Signature creations like guava with salt and chilli bon bon and pandan custard bon bon reflect the brand’s deep Thai identity and commitment to originality. Thana’s sister, Niramon Kunaraksvong, plays a key role in product development, bringing an artistic sensibility to each flavour. KanVela has grown from online sales to a flagship store, and now distributes through King Power, top hotels, and major supermarkets. The brand has received multiple international awards, including honours from the Academy of Chocolate and the International Chocolate Awards. It has even been served on Thai Airways’ premium flights.

Thana’s business philosophy is rooted in fairness and long-term sustainability. He prioritises relationships with cacao farmers and ensures fair pricing throughout the supply chain to create happiness and support for the community. 

Julien Vigroux Brings Purposeful Movement: Transforming Fitness, Mindsets, and Young Lives

Julien Vigroux left the finance corporate world behind to pursue his lifelong passion. He founded The Movement Playground, Thailand’s first parkour and hybrid obstacle gym, to introduce people to the transformative power of movement. His gym is a space where strength meets creativity, and people of all ages can build resilience, confidence, and functional fitness through personalised programmes. 

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Vigroux’s vision extends beyond fitness training. Through Move 4 Life, a social impact initiative launched with Pho3nix Kids, he brings parkour to underprivileged youth, starting with the Klongtoey Youth Centre in Bangkok. The programme helps children build essential life skills through movement-based learning along with providing free meals. 

At The Movement Playground, Vigroux sees parkour as more than just physical exercise; it’s a way to develop mindset, problem-solving, and the ability to navigate challenges in both sport and life. His work continues to inspire a growing community to move with purpose, explore their limits, and build strength both inside and out.