Food Meets Climate Podcast with Simon Newstead

While working for a large dairy manufacturer, Sujala Balaji began to question just how sustainable the future of our food system really is. With over two decades of experience in the industry, it wasn’t long before she felt a strong sense of responsibility to make a difference. Now, Sujala is the cofounder and CEO of Rainfed Foods, an early-stage startup changing alternative dairy by tapping into the power of climate resilient crops such as millet. In this episode we chat more with Sujala about Rainfed’s mission and why millet, as well as the brand’s approach to marketing products, product development, and other projects.

Blog: Milk from Millet

From radical transparency to Guinness World Records, Planted is the alternative meat startup taking Switzerland by storm. In this week’s episode we chat to Christoph Jenny, one of Planted’s four co-founders, about his journey to starting the company and their approach to innovation. We also discuss their (literally) see-through production process, the benefits of having their own factory, and the power that can arise from being faced with a challenge.

Blog: Alt Meat Ambition

Alicia Robb, founder and CEO of Next Wave Impact is no ordinary fund manager. Describing herself as an 'accidental venture capitalist', her research with the Kauffman Foundation led her to found a fund with a current goal to diversify the investor base, helping to close existing gender and racial gaps, while supporting entrepreneurs pushing global solutions and having a positive impact. In this episode we cover the nuts and bolts of investing, delving deeper into Alicia's background and the research that led her on her path today, as well as what she looks out for in a good pitch and how you can come prepared. We also cover the ins and outs of her syndicate Vegan Investors, the value of a human network, and her journey navigating ethical qualms when it comes to choosing who to support in the startup world. Whether you're a founder looking to learn, or simply someone who wants to get more involved in the space, this episode is for you.

Blog: https://bitesociety.com/blogs/news/planting-seeds-next-wave-impact

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With over 15 years of experience working in hospitality, Jerome Pagnier is the first to understand and acknowledge just how wasteful the industry can be. From food waste to energy, as well as the abundance of animal products on the menu, it's a space that's overlooked by many when it comes to veganism and environmental resilience reform. Having a desire to change things, Jerome and his cofounder set up WiseFins, a company that aims to transform the hospitality industry, both by helping already-established businesses build a more purposeful and sustainable future for themselves, as well as a stealth project which sees to create self-sufficient living and hospitality complexes. We spoke with Jerome about his work at WiseFins and how the idea came about, as well as the importance of network and branding when it comes to entering the space. We also touched on who makes decisions when it comes to new products, and how to know if you have a chance at getting on the menu.

Blog: https://bitesociety.com/blogs/news/hope-for-hospitality-wisefins

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Get in touch on social @veganstartuppod or by email [email protected] or [email protected]

While working as a manager for Apple, Ashish realised he wanted to have a career that aligned with his values and was more mission-driven. With the combination of research and intuition, he landed on Vegancuts. Despite having no background in e-commerce, but a desire to make a difference, he set out on a journey to fulfil the potential he saw in the business. In this episode, he shares how he transitioned from tech and the learnings he brought with him into his new role. We also spoke about the whys and hows of Vegancuts' evolution as a brand, how the company selects products for their boxes, when you should do something in-house vs. hire externally, and the importance and process of establishing culture at a workplace.

Show notes: https://bitesociety.com/blogs/news/out-of-the-box-vegancuts

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Get in touch on social @veganstartuppod or by email [email protected] or [email protected]