UpWaste Australia is a unique, tech-driven food waste brokerage and management service that helps businesses to recover value from surplus food and by-products. It takes the burden of finding environmentally and financially sustainable solutions for food waste off agrifood and beverage businesses so they can focus on their core business.
Why did you apply for the HARVEST program?
I applied for HARVEST because it seemed like a very targeted business accelerator program that would help me grow my business, UpWaste, which is a B2B trading and management platform for food waste and agricultural by-products. My background is in research and education so I was looking for a program that would address a lot of my knowledge gaps in scaling a start-up – particularly questions I had around private investment, how to pilot with early adopters, and refining my value proposition. I’m glad to say that HARVEST has filled these gaps, helped me to formulate a realistic strategy, and confidently execute it.
What was the main challenge you were facing in your business before HARVEST?
I had only just begun developing the concept and business plan for UpWaste when I applied for the HARVEST program. I felt overwhelmed with the dual tasks of learning how to establish a start-up while doing. As a solo founder with no previous tech experience – but a lot of knowledge about the problem I wanted to solve, and who my customers were – I felt frustrated that I couldn’t move quicker to develop a tangible solution.
How did the HARVEST program help address this challenge?
From the very first bootcamp we attended, Tash and the facilitators provided invaluable insights, structured frameworks, and honest, direct feedback that were relevant to many, critical aspects of my business.
HARVEST helped me to refine my product/market fit, develop realistic strategies for funding and growth, and most importantly, taught me how to communicate my value proposition clearly and concisely to customers and investors.
What were the main benefits you got out of the program? Both for your business and you personally?
Above all, the confidence and connections to grow my business. The Agristart network is remarkable and has helped me to make connections with important contacts that would have taken me years to develop on my own. The benefits of participating in the program included consultation and guidance from industry experts, including feedback on strategy, direction, and opportunities which have been invaluable.
Any major achievements for your business since completing HARVEST?
I have made more progress in the few weeks since finishing up the program than I did in the months prior to participating. Significant wins include acquiring my first seed funding from an early adopter and acquiring a handful of mid-size to large customers.
What does the future hold for your business?
Steady growth in the food waste space! However, I also have plans for UpWaste in other areas of waste and resource recovery which I am excited to develop (without getting too ahead of myself).
