TOKYO/MANILA -- The Philippines frequently finds itself in the path of powerful typhoons, and a Japanese startup is working on wind power equipment that can stand up to the storms.
Challenergy, the startup, is betting there will be high demand for typhoon-proof turbines on remote Philippine islands that often take direct hits and lack sufficient power infrastructure. The company has formed a joint venture in the Southeast Asian nation with a local partner, after raising about 500 million yen ($4.5 million) by selling shares to four Japanese backers in a private placement.
