At the ProVeg Incubator, we are able to see the growing number of women who are entering the plant-based market. It’s exciting for us that more and more female startup founders and entrepreneurs are joining this space – from all different backgrounds and working in all different positions. From CEOs to food scientists, to founders to product developers.
We are also really proud to be playing a part in supporting more women to succeed in this space. With every new call for submissions that we put out, we are receiving an increasing number of applications from female leaders. And, in fact, our most recent startup cohort had women in the majority for the first time. Of the 17 entrepreneurs in the group, 10 were women.
One common goal
The women who we work with share a common goal: they want to do something good for the world. This is a challenge, there’s no doubt about it. Plus, they have decided to embark on this journey knowing that, in this field, it is men who have traditionally occupied these leadership positions.
The world is changing, though, and we have come a long way. However, even today, men are still twice as likely to become entrepreneurs than women.
For this reason – and many others – we would love to share the stories of four plant-based startups founded by women. Hopefully, this could even encourage more women to start their own businesses.
Kaline van Halder and Marjolein Pleune – Let’s change the industry together
Kaline van Halder and Marjolein Pleune, from the Netherlands, fell in love with jackfruit during a trip to Asia. The duo already knew each other from college and had always considered starting a business together.
Then came the winning idea: to develop meat-alternative products using jackfruit. Since jackfruit naturally has a uniquely meaty texture, Kaline and Marjolein chose to focus on the creation of alternatives to popular products. Their range includes burger patties, sausages, and, of course, the traditional Dutch bitterballen.
