Munich Startup: What does your startup do? What problem are you solving?
Sarah Schlingloff, Justake: Our startup develops an innovative and sustainable mushroom-based meat alternative. Meat consumption, particularly beef consumption, is one of the largest causes of greenhouse gas emissions and biodiversity loss. Despite growing demand for plant-based substitute products, there are currently few or no convincing alternatives. Our goal is to solve this problem by offering a healthier, more delicious, and more cost-effective product than anything currently available on the market. This way, we can both reduce our ecological footprint and preserve the taste and texture of meat.
“It’s a completely novel product”
Munich Startup: But that already exists!
Sarah Schlingloff: No, it’s a completely novel product. We’ve already filed a patent application for our innovative technology. The mushroom steak is not only suitable for people with allergies, but also for meat lovers and people who want to take care of their health. It’s completely cholesterol-free and contains many valuable vitamins. Compared to conventional meat or other meat substitutes, we offer a taste experience that can be enjoyed completely guilt-free.
Munich Startup: What’s your founding story?
Sarah Schlingloff: The technology was developed as part of the IGL #9 Innovation Competition for Beverages and Food at TU München. This competition gave us the opportunity to intensively work on a founding idea and tackle various challenges in the food sector. We were able to draw on the university’s numerous resources to further develop our idea. With our mushroom steak, we won the competition in the “Food” category.
Currently, our team consists of two founders and one employee. I met my co-founder at a “Speed Dating” networking event organized by Bits & Pretzels. We plan to officially found the company mid-next year, as we are currently applying for the EXIST grant.
Prejudices about women’s leadership qualities
Munich Startup: What have been your biggest challenges so far?
Sarah Schlingloff: Balancing a startup, jobs, and studies at the same time. Building a company alongside my studies is definitely a challenge, but TUM as an entrepreneurship university also offers many opportunities for resources and networking.
As a young woman in business, I also often face the challenge of asserting myself in a male-dominated industry and dealing with prejudices about my leadership qualities. However, I see each of these hurdles as an opportunity to prove myself and drive change.
I’m convinced that women often bring alternative perspectives, empathy, and extraordinary communication skills to business – qualities that are essential for the success of young companies. Fortunately, I have a fantastic team that fully supports me, as well as the German startup ecosystem, which increasingly supports women in entrepreneurship.
It’s personally important to me that I face these hurdles, because in doing so, I’m not only setting standards for myself, but also paving the way for the next generation of successful entrepreneurs.
Munich Startup: Where do you want to be in one year, where in five years?
Sarah Schlingloff: In one year, we will have founded our company and successfully launched a product on the market.
In five years, we will be available throughout Europe and the USA and actively contribute to achieving the 2030 Agenda. This global initiative with its 17 Sustainable Development Goals promotes peace, prosperity, and the protection of our planet. With our diverse and international team and our sustainable and accessible idea, we can have a positive impact on this.
Our product promotes health through its high vitamin and protein content. Our company places special emphasis on equality and fair working conditions. The mushroom steak supports responsible consumption because it’s produced in a resource-efficient manner. It actively contributes to climate protection by reducing CO2 emissions compared to animal products. This is not just a step toward more sustainable communities, but also contributes to the preservation of land ecosystems and the promotion of biodiversity.
Courage for something new
Munich Startup: How have you experienced the Munich startup location so far?
Sarah Schlingloff: Very well! There are many networking events and a variety of open and helpful people. This makes the founding process much easier. The Munich ecosystem offers many opportunities here, which we are happy to use.
Munich Startup: Risk or security?
Sarah Schlingloff: Risk. You have to dare, have the courage to try something new, approach people, and pitch in a room full of potential business partners, investors, and listeners. Nevertheless, we always act according to a clear plan, with conviction and passion, to achieve our goal.
