Munich Startup: Who are you and what makes you powerful? Please introduce yourself briefly!
Frank Matthiesen, Powerful: I, Frank Matthiesen (36), am the founder of Kraftvoll – Plastic-Free Organic Superfoods from Germany. I'm a trained banker. After studying business administration, I worked as a controller for the past few years. But somehow I felt like something was missing. For many years, I've been interested in healthy eating and love cooking. Preferably with seasonal and regional organic foods. And so one thing led to another, and now I've founded my own startup for regional organic superfoods.
Munich Startup: What problem does your startup solve?
Frank Matthiesen, Powerful: Kraftvoll stands for 100 percent vegan, plastic-free, and sustainable organic superfoods from Germany! Not only are they produced in Germany, but they're also sourced from small organic farmers in Germany. No genetic engineering, flavorings, or preservatives you can't even pronounce. Pure, unadulterated taste! Honest products from nature!
Of course, like most other superfood suppliers, I could have imported goods from all over the world. But why? When we have the best things right on our doorstep! Quinoa doesn't have to be transported 10,000 kilometers from Peru or Bolivia to end up on our plates. Goji berries, aronia berries, quinoa, and many other great organic treasures already grow here. I also offer the organic superfoods in plastic-free packaging. This is made from biodegradable wood cellulose. Our shipping boxes are also made from grass paper. These are the first truly sustainable superfoods! True to the motto: Good for you and good for the environment!
Plastic-free and sustainable organic superfoods from Germany
Munich Startup: But that's been around for a long time!
Frank Matthiesen, Powerful: The topic of superfoods has been a trend for some time now. Many suppliers are already offering organic products in stores. However, plastic-free and sustainable organic superfoods from Germany simply do not exist. And especially not with our extensive range.
Munich Startup: Has there ever been a point where you almost failed?
Frank Matthiesen, Powerful: A year ago, I wanted to open a plastic-free organic store in Munich. Unfortunately, that didn't work out because I couldn't get financial support from the banks. So, I had to either get discouraged and give up on the idea of my own business, or start with another idea. As you can see, I chose the second Variante.
Munich Startup: How are things going?
Frank Matthiesen, Powerful: I've been launching Kraftvoll online since July 1st of this year. I realize it's not that easy to become known online. So I'm currently trying out some strategies on Facebook and Instagram. I've also already collaborated with a few Instagram influencers, with varying degrees of success. I'm also already stocked at the first organic store in Munich's Sendling district, the cute little organic store around the corner—Naturkost Hollerbusch. So, after such a short time on the market, I can't really say how business is going, except that there's room for improvement.
Powerful seeks support
So, if you know someone who can support me with marketing expertise for a small fee, I'd be delighted. Or, if you know someone who's familiar with basic programming with Shopify, please feel free to contact me.
Munich Startup: How do you rate Munich as a startup location?
Frank Matthiesen, Powerful: Munich is a pretty good startup location. There are many places to turn to, including lectures and Events at the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Munich Business Start-up Office (MEB), Munich Startup Night, various founders' get-togethers, and the Business Start-up Fair. I can only advise every founder to network.
Munich Startup: Public transport or bicycle?
Frank Matthiesen, Powerful: When the weather's nice, cycling is clearly the top priority! Otherwise, only wear a face mask on public transport.
