Vegan cheese producer Kinda Co. has been selected as the recipient of The Seed Fund 2019 – having been chosen by the start-up accelerator’s panel from 14 fledgling brands enrolled in The Seed Fund Academy programme – winning a year of business support and mentoring.
The London-based start-up, which was founded by Ellie Brown in October 2017, offers nine nut-based products, including Feta-inspired Greek-Style cubes, a cheesy Nacho Dip made with cashews and a Cheddar-esque Farmhouse block.
“I’m so delighted to have won!” says Brown. “The Seed Fund has been such an incredible experience and I’m so excited to have their continued help for the year ahead. The guidance and expertise offered throughout The Seed Academy has been invaluable, not only in shaping Kinda Co. in a practical sense, but also in terms of the support offered from both the mentors and my fellow classmates. Dairy-free cheese is a new concept for many people and changing perceptions can be tough. However I’m confident that with this wonderful prize I’m in such a great position to successfully grow Kinda Co., and show just how tasty dairy free cheese can be.”
Jayne Noblet of The Collaborators, founder of The Seed Fund, adds: “The standard of our Academy jumped up yet again this year, so it’s a huge achievement for Kinda Co. to have taken the top prize. Ellie has impressed across the board, from her devotion to the Academy, soaking up the knowledge and experience of our mentors like a sponge, to the quality of Kinda Co.’s product range. It’s no mean feat to create new products in a category that’s still in its formative years, and Ellie is one of those leading the charge for dairy-free cheese, winning fans among vegans and dairy consumers alike.”
Brown received the award at the Great Taste Golden Fork Dinner on Sunday 1 September.
