Ecosystem Profile: From Scratch
Katharina Chiu & A-Chau Le - New Zealand
What Does Your Organisation Do?
“From Scratch is a community for early-stage female founders navigating the messy, uncertain first steps of building a business.
We create spaces where women can connect honestly, share real experiences, and learn from one another.
Our focus is on founders who are starting from zero, changing careers, or rebuilding after a move, pivot, or personal reset.”
What Is Your Origin Story?
“From Scratch was founded by Katharina and A-Chau who had both moved countries and found themselves rebuilding, personally and professionally.
While navigating new beginnings, we realised how isolating early-stage entrepreneurship can be.
We created From Scratch to offer the kind of honest, supportive community we wished we’d had at the beginning.”
What Are You Celebrating Now?
“We’re celebrating growing to over 100 engaged members, entirely through word of mouth.
What matters most isn’t the number, it’s how active and supportive the community has become.
Founders are showing up, asking real questions, and helping one another move forward. That sense of trust and momentum feels like a huge win.”
What Would You Say to Founders Wanting to Engage Your Organisation?
“You don’t need to have everything figured out to belong here. From Scratch is for founders who are curious, honest, and willing to learn alongside others.
If you’re at the beginning, feeling unsure, or simply craving connection with people who understand the journey, this community is here to support you - exactly as you are.”
How Do You Keep Your Energy Up On Tough Days?
“On tough days, we lean into the community itself. Hearing founders share progress, challenges, and small breakthroughs is incredibly grounding.
We also remind ourselves why we started: to reduce isolation and self-doubt for women building from the ground up.
That purpose, combined with rest, reflection, and mutual support, helps us keep going.”
Learn More
Who: Q&A with Katharina Chiu and A-Chau Le of From Scratch
HQ: Auckland, New Zealand
Web: fromscratchcrew.com
Be Featured
Startup founder, investor or supporter in Asia Pacific and like to appear here? Subscribe at apacinnovator.com and click “Be Featured”