Reinventing steak with a mushroom – that's the mission of Sarah Schlingloff and her team at Justake. The food technologist, together with her co-founders Tim and Timo, is developing an innovative meat alternative made from mushrooms. The young team is on the verge of launching its company and is currently working on its market-ready MVP while still at university.
Pitch & People Episodes
PITCH & PEOPLE Episode 11: Justake
"We wanted to create a meat alternative that is not highly processed, but natural, healthy and delicious,"
says Schlingloff in the video podcast Pitch & PeopleThe result: a juicy mushroom steak with a high protein content and a unique character.
From superfood to steak
What is special about Justake The raw material is Lion's Mane, also known as Lion's Mane or Pompom Mushroom. It has been valued as a medicinal mushroom in Asia for centuries, and its beneficial properties have also been scientifically proven. Schlingloff emphasizes:
"This mushroom has a great nutritional profile. It is not only healthy, but also offers a great texture and a unique taste."
While many plant-based meat alternatives are based on highly processed, textured plant proteins, Justake takes a different approach.
"Our product is minimally processed and utilizes the natural properties of the mushroom. You can taste the difference."
This is also confirmed by Pitch & People presenter Kyrill Ring, who tries the mushroom steak in an interview with the founder.
From idea to prototype
The idea originated as part of an innovation competition for beverages and food.
"I'm totally crazy about mushrooms. I was mushroom picking and thought: There's so much untapped potential in them."
What began as an experiment evolved into an award-winning project – and ultimately into a business idea.
Today, the team is working on optimizing its product: The protein content is to be increased to 20 percent, and a slight bitter note is to be eliminated. Certifications are being pursued simultaneously to make the steak ready for market. Tastings – for example, at the CSU Summer Lounge – have already shown that the product is a success.
“Many wanted seconds right away,”
told Schlingloff proud.
Authentic instead of imitation
Despite its steak shape, Justake is not intended as a classic meat substitute, but as an independent alternative.
"We don't want to completely eliminate the mushroomy aspect. It is a mushroom, but one that can be prepared like a steak."
This very balance between the familiar and the new has been the biggest challenge: The team is exploring how best to position itself between imitation and innovation. Schlingloff receives support from mentors at the UnternehmerTUM and through direct customer interactions.
Support, Female Founding and Perseverance
Financially, Justake is currently relying on grant funding: the Startup Booster Grant of €45,000 and the EXIST start-up grant, which the founders have already been awarded. Schlingloff is still pursuing her master's degree and is investing a significant amount of her own capital and passion into the project. This also means that she has to make an upfront financial commitment.
As a young female founder, Schlingloff So far, I have had mostly positive experiences in the Munich startup scene:
"Munich is a great environment. I believe the bigger challenge will come with the investments."
Grand vision: Mushrooms instead of beef
Justake's vision is ambitious:
"We want to replace half of the beef consumed with our mushroom products. If we can enjoy something good for people, animals and the planet, then that is our goal."
The team aims not only to reduce meat consumption but also to contribute to environmental and climate protection.
