Petch’s Journey to Founding a Satellite AI Startup
- Beyond Digital
- Jul 15
- 3 min read
Updated: Jul 16
Ever imagined going from a scholarship student to co-founding a startup that uses satellites to track carbon emissions, predict natural disasters, and optimize solar energy?
Meet Petch, Pojchara Ounjaroen, a Stanford undergrad and master’s student, and co-founder of a startup that’s keeping an eye on Earth from above.
Petch is currently pursuing a 4-year coterminal program in Energy Science and Engineering (BS) and Management Science and Engineering (MS) at Stanford, thanks to the PTTEP-Royal Thai Scholarship.
🌍 How It All Started
Q: Can you briefly introduce yourself and share your journey as a founder?
It all started with a campus lunch at Stanford’s ASES summit, where he met Mind Wanicharoenchai. She later introduced him to Kolatat Katousano, founder of RIFFAI.
The trio hit the ground running with an idea to build a satellite-imaging AI platform that monitors Earth in real time. What began as a spark turned into a full-blown startup tackling challenges from carbon emissions to disaster forecasting, now with Petch as Chief Operating Officer (COO) overseeing investor relations in both Southeast Asia and Silicon Valley.
🇺🇸🇹🇭 Startup Culture: Bay Area vs. Bangkok
Q: How would you compare the startup ecosystems in Silicon Valley and Bangkok?
“In Silicon Valley, VCs are more flexible, they invest in ideas, not just fully formed businesses,” Petch notes. “Even professors at Stanford run VC funds and sometimes invest in students’ ideas.” Bangkok’s scene, by comparison, feels more cautious and less networked into global capital. But things are changing.
Through events like the Stanford Southeast Asia Business Conference, Petch has introduced RIFFAI to top-tier Southeast Asian VCs like SeaX, East Ventures, and Forge VC.
🌞 Hot Sectors: Energy + AI = Southeast Asia’s Next Big Thing?
Q: What trends or sectors offer the most promise for new founders in Southeast Asia right now?
Petch sees massive potential in the energy space, especially renewables like solar, wind, and geothermal. Pair that with AI, and you’ve got the recipe for scalable, regional impact. Think smart energy management systems, AI-powered efficiency tools for buildings, or optimized energy storage platforms. “We’ve got the sun. We’ve got the wind. We just need to harness it.”
🤖 AI + LinkedIn: The Next Phase of Personal Branding
Q: How do you see AI impacting marketing, personal branding, and communication?
Petch believes we’re entering the “agentic AI” era, where AI won’t just suggest what to say, it’ll take action for you. “Soon, AI won’t just help you write a LinkedIn message, it might send it for you, automatically identifying the right person to reach out to.”
✈️ Going Global: The Hard Truth for Thai Startups
Q: What are the biggest challenges Thai founders face when going international?
“The truth is, Thai startups often lose out due to credibility and lack of investor trust,” Petch explains. “It’s not about the talent, Thailand has plenty. But incorporating your company in a place like Singapore or the U.S. could open far more doors. It’s strategic, not disloyal.”
💸 Funding Realities: Bangkok vs. Silicon Valley
Q: How accessible is early-stage funding in Silicon Valley vs. Bangkok?
“In Thailand, funding is often limited and risk-averse. In Silicon Valley, it’s common to see angel investors writing $30K–$50K checks for just an idea,” says Petch. With a stronger startup culture and fewer regulatory hurdles, the Valley fosters bold bets and fast growth.
❤️ One Piece of Advice? It’s Not Just the Pitch
Q: If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring Thai founders, what would it be?
“Investors don’t just invest in startups, they invest in people,” says Petch. “Don’t worry too much about the perfect pitch. Focus on the first impression, the way you work with others, your passion, and your consistency. That’s what sticks.”
Interviewer: Mild Annita L. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/annital/)
Interviewee: Petch Pojchara Ounjaroen (https://www.linkedin.com/in/pojcharaounjaroen/)
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