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Alex Blum

Chief Executive Officer at Applied Bioplastics

Alex Blum is the Co-founder and CEO of Applied Bioplastics, a manufacturing technology startup that develops sustainable, plant-based plastic alternatives.12 Here are some key details about Alex Blum:

Background and Career

Alex was born in Houston and moved to Austin for college, where he has lived ever since.1 His career path includes:

  • Worked in enterprise software sales at companies like Amazon and WP Engine1
  • Held roles as Regional Sales Representative at Amazon.com, Enterprise Account Manager at WP Engine, and Enterprise Account Executive at ThousandEyes (part of Cisco)2
  • Made two unsuccessful attempts to become a city councilman, which sparked his passion for community impact1

Founding Applied Bioplastics

The turning point in Alex's journey came after receiving a substantial bonus from a successful deal at ThousandEyes:

  • Feeling unfulfilled by tech sales, he decided to donate his earnings to charity1
  • Traveled to Bangladesh during the Rohingya refugee crisis, becoming one of the first Americans on the ground1
  • Met Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan, who had developed a sustainable composite material using agricultural waste1
  • Bought the rights to the material, hired Dr. Khan, and founded Applied Bioplastics1

Mission and Approach

Alex's approach to business and leadership is shaped by several factors:

  • Driven by the Jewish concept of mitzvah (good deed) and a desire to make a positive impact1
  • Diagnosed with severe psoriatic arthritis, which has shifted his perspective on life and business goals1
  • Focuses on maximizing climate impact and building sustainable housing solutions1
  • Emphasizes treating employees equally and creating a culture of respect, particularly in regions like India and Bangladesh1

Education

Alex attended The University of Texas at Austin from 2008 to 2014, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree.2

Related Questions

What inspired Alex Blum to transition from tech sales to sustainable plastics?
How did Alex Blum's experience with Rohingya refugees influence his business model?
What challenges did Alex Blum face while developing Applied Bioplastics?
How does Alex Blum's approach to leadership differ from traditional methods?
What role does Dr. Mubarak Ahmad Khan play in Applied Bioplastics?
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Experience

Chief Executive Officer at Applied Bioplastics (November 2022 - Present)
Co-Founder & Chief Impact Officer at Applied Bioplastics (November 2018 - Present) Leadership Council Member at National Small Business Association (December 2020 - Present) Inaugural Member at Greent at Amazon.com (2011 - 2013)

Education

Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) from The University of Texas at Austin (2008 - 2014)

Location

Austin, Texas