Pascal Bieri: what I wish I knew before starting Planted

26.08.2024 14:15, Rita Longobardi

Founding a startup is not always a piece of cake. The journey from a brilliant idea to a successful product is often fraught with bottlenecks and challenges. In this summer series, we sit down with industry leaders to get the inside scoop on the challenges they wish they’d avoided - and how to navigate the same pitfalls like a seasoned chef. We spoke to Pascal Bieri, Co-Founder of Planted. Learn more about his experience with a foodtech startup and what he would do differently to avoid getting into a pickle.

Founded in 2019, Planted combines proprietary structuring and fermentation technologies to produce meat from plant proteins, focusing on delicious taste, and meaty and juicy texture, while only using natural ingredients. Planted was ranked among the TOP 100 Swiss Startups from 2020 to 2023 and won the final stage of Venture Kick in 2020.


What is one piece of advice you wish you had received before starting your business?
One piece of advice I wish I had received before starting my business is the importance of balancing a solid plan with flexibility. While having a well-thought-out plan is crucial, being open to change and making tough decisions promptly can be just as important. Don’t hesitate to adapt when necessary; it can make all the difference.

Can you share a significant challenge you faced early on and how you overcame it?
Early on, we faced the challenge of winning over consumers who get about 50% of their protein outside the home. To connect with them, we built strong partnerships with chefs, food service providers, and restaurants. These collaborations allowed us to create initial touchpoints and quickly build a loyal fan base.

What is a common misconception about starting a business that you would like to disprove?
A common misconception about starting a business that I’d like to debunk is the belief that you need to have everything perfectly figured out from the start. Many people think you need a flawless plan, substantial funding, and a perfect product before you can even begin. It’s much more about trial and error, hard work, and a willingness to listen and adapt. Success often comes from continuously learning, making adjustments, and being open to opportunities as they arise. Timing and a bit of luck play a significant role too.
 

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In retrospect, what is one strategic decision you made that significantly impacted your business's success?
In hindsight, one of the most impactful strategic decisions I made was prioritizing customer-product fit above all else. By truly understanding and meeting our customers' needs, we were able to focus on a multi-channel sales strategy—retail, food service, and our webshop—which played a crucial role in driving our business's success.

How do you think Venture Kick helped you in your path?
Venture Kick played a very important role in our journey. The financial support was of course helpful; however, we also appreciated the mentorship and access to a network of experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. The structured program and feedback from Venture Kick's jury helped us sharpen our pitch, improve our value proposition, and better understand our market. This not only boosted our confidence but also made us more attractive to investors and partners.

What advice would you give to entrepreneurs about maintaining a work-life balance while growing their business?
Maintaining work-life balance while growing a business is challenging, but when you're passionate about your work, it often feels like more than just a job. For long-term success, it's crucial to set boundaries, delegate tasks, and trust your team. Learn to say no when needed, and seek support from trusted mentors or co-founders to share the load!