Meet the Entrepreneurs
PAC Regenerating Energy November 2013
Access to Markets
pac regenerating energy
Developing Eco Solutions for Air Conditioning and Water Heating
CONTACT INFORMATION Bangkok, Thailand +66(2)23470447
atchara@pac.co.th
www.pac.co.th
Atchara Poomee, Managing Director, Thailand
CHALLENGE Air-conditioning and water heating are processes that require a lot of energy, and represent a high share of electricity consumption in countries like Thailand. With a growing population, energy consumption is booming and so is the need to develop energy efficient technologies to reduce the amount of energy required. Furthermore, energy efficient technologies can reduce carbon dioxide emissions, as well as reduce energy consumption costs for individuals, companies and governments.
IDEA PAC’s main concept is the regeneration of energy with a “Heat Recovery Water Heater System” in order to save energy costs involved in air-conditioning and water heating. Atchara Poomee, the founder, is a young entrepreneur with a background in marketing and business management. Her family has been in the airconditioning business for many years, and when the Asian financial crisis hit the country, she decided to develop her own business. PAC was founded in 2003 with the support of her father and a technician who developed the initial technology. After further improvement through R&D, in collaboration with the engineering department of her university, the idea was patented and registered in Thailand. Four years later, she discovered that similar technologies were present in other countries, which led to further product development and involvement with Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency and its incubator to improve the product and design. As a result, PAC devices now reduce the energy spent on water heating by 100% and on air-conditioning by 20%.
BUSINESS MODEL PAC manufactures a range of different products based on the concept of generating hot water from different heated and cooled water systems including air-conditioning units, water heaters, and heat recovery air conditioners. PAC found its first customer, a hotel in Phuket, by participating in Thailand’s architect expo. Today, most customers are those in the service sector, including hotels and spas, among others. PAC’s first international customer is a hotel in the Maldives. The company was financed primarily by the founder’s personal capital, and the first retained earnings were then reinvested in the company. Further investment was provided by private banks. At the moment, they are considering venture capital for the next stage of expansion, internationalization, and growth. To date, PAC counts on a team of 20 full-time employees.
“PAC AIMS TO REDUCE ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION THROUGH HEAT EXCHANGE.”
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ENTREPRENEUR’S INSIGHTS
NEXT STEPS
WORKING WITH infoDev
Speed up the company’s growth by expanding to local, national, and international markets
• HAVING PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE in the sector is often a key factor in ensuring the success of a new venture.
Secure venture capital Attend next infoDev internationalization workshop for continued learning
• NETWORKING WITH OTHER ENTREPRENEURS IS CRUCIAL, as learning from peers is the fastest way to gain new perspectives.
Participate in infoDev women’s entrepreneurship programs, such as the Mekong Women’s Entrepreneurship Challenge (MWEC) which itself is rooted in networking and peer learning
• EXTERNAL FINANCE is required, such as venture capital or comparable equity investments, for subsequent expansion and international growth.
PROGRAM: Coimbatore Internationalization Workshop 2013 SUPPORT PROVIDED: Internationalization training delivered by infoDev specialists MAIN BENEFITS FROM ENTREPRENEUR’S VIEW: • Gaining an international business perspective by meeting and networking with other entrepreneurs during the workshop • Learning how to find partners and enablers in other markets to expand the business • Funding opportunities with international investors from the Indian Angel Network Bangalore were negotiated during the Internationalization Workshop
KEY OUTCOMES VALUE FOR USERS Energy saving and cost reduction: on air-conditioning and water heating for residents, businesses, and the government. Climate change mitigation: by reducing electricity and power consumption, carbon dioxide emissions will in turn be reduced. “Green” alternative: with low-cost devices for consumers.
BUSINESS FACTS REVENUE GENERATED
USD1.2 million (2013)
NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES
20
GROWTH PREDICTION
20%
AWARDS
if venture capital is secured
- International Invention and Innovation Exhibition Award, Malaysia, 2013; - Thailand Eco Design Award 2012; - Thailand Energy Award 2011; - Pool Asia Environment Award 2011
Supported by:
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twitter: @infoDev