Two female founders of New Zealand-based alternative protein companies have been named on the Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia 2025 list.
Mrinali (Milli) Kumar, co-founder and CEO of EatKinda, was recognised in the Arts category, while Emily McIsaac, co-founder and COO of Daisy Lab, was named in the Industry, Manufacturing & Energy category.
About EatKinda
EatKinda is claimed to be the world’s first cauliflower ice cream brand, and was co-founded by Kumar and plant-based chef Jenni Matheson. It upcycles cosmetically imperfect cauliflower into a frozen dessert free of dairy, gluten, nuts, and soy.
EatKinda launched at New Zealand supermarkets in 2023, gaining national distribution and international interest. The products are packaged in 100% home-compostable tubs.
The brand is now scaling into the US market, and is currently working to secure manufacturing, retail, and investment partnerships to bring its products to American shelves. EatKinda is backed by investors including WNT Ventures and Better Bite Ventures.
“It’s an honour to be recognised alongside Emily,” said Kumar. “We’re both building from New Zealand with global ambition, and this recognition is a sign that the world is ready for kinder, climate-conscious alternatives.”
About Daisy Lab
Daisy Lab is a food and biotech startup producing dairy-identical proteins such as beta-lactoglobulin and lactoferrin through precision fermentation. These proteins have the same functionality as traditional dairy, enabling the production of more sustainable dairy alternatives.
Daisy Lab has received funding from local VCs such as Icehouse Ventures and Outset Ventures, and is focused on partnering with dairy processors to scale a climate-resilient protein supply.
“Alt-protein isn’t a fringe category anymore,” said McIsaac. “This recognition is a reminder that science-led solutions, even from a small country like New Zealand, are now shaping the future of global food systems.”
