Melly Ling, CEO and co-founder of Mole.
At first glance, a digital business card company might not seem groundbreaking. The concept feels like just another tech tool in a crowded field. But Mole, a startup founded by Melly Ling, is more than just an app for exchanging contact details—it’s a thoughtful reimagining of how we form and nurture professional relationships.
In a world where countless startups are leveraging AI to automate and replace human interactions, Mole swims against the current. Its AI isn’t designed to reduce the need for human connection—it’s built to enhance it. By using AI to help people remember, reconnect, and cultivate meaningful relationships, Mole stands apart as a tool that prioritises humanity in an increasingly impersonal tech landscape.
The Problem Mole Solves
For anyone who’s attended networking events, the routine is all too familiar: shaking hands with dozens of people, collecting stacks of business cards, and then—despite the best intentions—forgetting who’s who. Follow-up emails remain unwritten, and promising connections are often lost.
Most people shrug this off as an unavoidable reality of networking. Mole, however, is betting on a different future.
Mole’s solution doesn’t just digitize business cards—it transforms networking into a seamless, intentional process. The app captures contact information instantly for both parties, integrates contextual notes, and allows users to set reminders for follow-ups. It even helps users prepare for future meetings by recalling details from previous interactions.
Melly Ling and Haziq Faris, CTO and co-founder of Mole.
“You don’t just walk into a meeting blind,” Melly explains. “Mole can remind you where you met someone, what you discussed, or even what their interests are. It’s like having a personal assistant ensuring you’re always prepared.”
By automating the tedious aspects of networking, Mole allows users to stay present in the moment. “The problem isn’t just about losing cards,” says Melly. “It’s about missing opportunities for real, lasting relationships because people are bogged down by logistics.”
The Story Behind the Idea
Interestingly, the concept for Mole began with dating apps. Melly was inspired by how these platforms lowered barriers to initiating conversations—especially for introverts—and created structured opportunities for connection. However, Mole’s deeper motivation came from a much more personal place.
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Melly spent months caring for her father during a prolonged hospital stay. As she navigated that challenging time, she observed how difficult it was for people—patients, families, and medical staff—to communicate effectively.
“Instead of giving me his card, the doctor tore off a small piece of paper and wrote down his number by hand,” Melly said, surprised by how inefficient and unprofessional it was.
Despite being surrounded by others, people often felt isolated. This experience left a lasting impression on her and shaped her understanding of connection and loneliness.
“That time taught me the value of intention,” Melly says. “Every meaningful connection starts with a first step, but for many, that step feels impossible. Mole is here to make it easier.”
Struggles of Women in Tech
Building a company in the tech industry is never easy, but Melly, as a woman founder, has faced unique challenges. The startup world, especially in Malaysia, can be a daunting environment for women, with biases and obstacles that male counterparts rarely encounter.
“You’re often underestimated,” she shares. “It’s not just about proving the value of your idea; it’s about proving your worth as a founder in a space that still isn’t equal. It’s exhausting, but it also pushes me to work harder and stay focused on my mission.”
Despite these challenges, Melly is determined to lead by example, showing that women not only belong in the tech world but can also redefine it with ideas that challenge the status quo.
A New Way Forward
Mole’s vision goes beyond improving productivity. It aims to foster what Melly calls “kind capitalism,” blending the transactional nature of business with a genuine human touch. Its AI capabilities are not about replacing people but supporting them—whether by making first interactions easier, organizing follow-ups, or creating a more personal connection.
Whether it’s helping a user remember a CEO’s hobbies before a big meeting or reducing the stress of approaching strangers at an event, Mole empowers professionals to focus on what really matters: human connection.
“Networking isn’t just about collecting contacts,” Melly explains. “It’s about creating moments that matter. And with Mole, those moments can turn into meaningful relationships.”
In a world that often feels more disconnected than ever, Mole offers a counterpoint: a tool that doesn’t just digitize our interactions but humanises them. It might have started as a digital business card, but Mole is shaping up to be much more—a bridge between human intention and authentic connection.
