Alex Blum

REDEFINING IMPACT. While not particularly religious, Alex Blum has always been driven by the desire to make a positive impact on the world. His founder journey is deeply rooted in the Jewish concept of the mitzvah, or good deed. This ethos is reflected in the mission of his company Applied Bioplastics, a manufacturing technology startup that develops economically sustainable, plant-based plastic alternatives, to create a strong, cheap, highly processible replacement for the durable plastics we all use daily.

Alex’s path to founding Applied Bioplastics was anything but conventional. Born in Houston, he moved to Austin for college and has lived there ever since, working in enterprise software sales at companies like Amazon and WP Engine and occasionally working on political campaigns both for himself and others. Although his two attempts to become a city councilman were unsuccessful—“I mistakenly thought that local politics was about helping people and improving your community but it turns out it’s more about money,” he says—they ignited his passion for community impact.

The real turning point in Alex’s journey came after he received a substantial bonus from a successful deal at Thousand Eyes. Feeling unfulfilled by tech sales and driven by the desire to make a significant impact, he decided to donate his earnings to charity. A close friend from college, who is a Bangladeshi citizen, informed him of the dire situation of Rohingya refugees fleeing genocide in Myanmar. Alex flew to Bangladesh, becoming one of the first Americans on the ground during the crisis. Alex and his team addressed this crisis by gathering critical evidence, which was turned into an award winning documentary.

While in Bangladesh, Alex met Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan, a retired nuclear physicist who had developed a highly sustainable composite material using agricultural waste. Recognizing its potential, Alex bought the rights to the material, hired Dr. Khan, and founded a company to provide durable shelters to the Rohingya refugees. This marked the beginning of Applied Bioplastics, a venture aimed at utilizing sustainable materials to address global challenges.

TRANSFORMING ADVERSITY INTO DRIVE. Alex’s journey has not been without personal challenges. Diagnosed with severe psoriatic arthritis, a condition that requires lifelong chemotherapy and will likely shorten his life, Alex’s perspective on the world and his approach to business have drastically shifted. “I expect to die in 15 to 20 years, and I’m 34 now. This has made me plan for a short life and focus on what’s most important to me. Winning capitalism is no longer the goal; the goal is maximizing climate impact and building as many homes as possible before I die.”

Despite his condition, Alex remains driven. “My relationship to risk has changed. This disease has changed my entire conception of myself,” he says. “I wanted to make an impact because that makes me feel good. I think all altruism is inherently selfish, but I have always loved the idea of Ubuntu as explained by Archbishop Desmond Tutu—in short, the way I treat myself is the way I treat others and vice versa.”

Alex’s approach to leadership is also influenced by his experiences and mentors. “Treat people like people,” he says, recalling advice from a former sales manager. As a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, he is particularly sensitive to issues of oppression and inequality. “Helping employees unlearn their deference to authority and ensuring that everyone is treated equally is a constant effort,” he explains. “In places like India and Bangladesh, where we operate, it’s essential to create a culture of respect and equality.”

Ultimately, Alex’s goal is to leave a lasting legacy of positive change. “I want to go to my final rest knowing that I’ve made a difference, that I’ve accomplished the mitzvah I set out to achieve,” he says. With Applied Bioplastics, Alex Blum and his team are not only transforming the plastics industry but also setting a new standard for ethical, inclusive, and impactful entrepreneurship.