"We trade to aid" — Three Munich-based social entrepreneurs embarked on this mission last summer to ensure real local impact through fair trade with economically and socially disadvantaged countries. And to supply us with select gourmet products from countries like Palestine and Morocco. We wanted to know exactly how they do it, so we asked them seven questions:
1. Who are you and what do you do? Please briefly introduce yourself and your company!
We Traid supports fair trade with delicatessen products, farmers, and cooperatives in socially and economically disadvantaged regions. The resulting profits are also intended to support social projects in the producing countries. We strive for more than just fair trade; we trade to help (trade to aid = traid). As long-time friends with the recurring question of how best to contribute to a better world, we—Souhail Kahla (32), Bachelor of Science in Economics, Romano Conradi (32), human resources manager, and Mourad Atig (25), graphic designer—decided to put this idea into practice through social entrepreneurship.
2. But that's been around for a long time!
Not so tasty, and certainly not so fair! Sure, social entrepreneurship exists, and in our opinion, there can never be enough of it. The way global markets are managed in the age of globalization urgently needs a change of direction!
3. What has been your biggest challenge so far?
Time management! In addition to expanding sales and everything else that needs to be done in the office, we also need to select trustworthy partners with whom we want to implement our planned social projects. Because we are aware of the responsibility, we don't want to simply transfer donations to an account; we also want to get a first-hand impression of the situation on the ground.
4. Let’s get down to business: How is business going?
It's a bit early for facts and figures. We were founded on July 4, 2017, pre-financed everything privately, and are head over heels in the scaling phase. We're recording our first sales through our e-commerce channels and expanding our network of mobile market stalls. These stalls offer our customers not only the opportunity to taste and purchase our products, but also the chance to see our work firsthand. 2018 will be our year! Then you'll find our products in the first stores and see the first progress of the social projects supported by our work.
5. What does Munich mean to you? Is there anything you miss about this startup hub?
In addition to its excellent economic location (Germany, Austria, and Switzerland) and its young social startup scene, Munich also offers us ideal conditions thanks to its many cosmopolitan residents. Great locations and the mountains right on our doorstep are conducive to a good work-life balance. Home is home!
6. How will your startup become the next unicorn? Or will we see you soon at Epic Fail Night?
Many people are changing their minds; quality, sustainability, and fair trade conditions are more important to them than simply the lowest price. We Traid offers more than just delicacies: You treat yourself to fine food, support farmers and cooperatives through fair trade, and at the same time do something for a good cause. Whether our company succeeds or not will only become clear over time. However, we'll never see each other at Epic Fail Night, because no bankruptcy can take away the success of having helped people through our work.
7. Schwabinger 7 or Bob Beaman?
We prefer to spend the little time we have outside of work with our family. Therefore, the answer is unanimous: neither!
