Community Spotlight: Lourdes Juan from Knead Tech
Meet Lourdes Juan: the unstoppable force behind Knead, a software solution aimed at tackling the global crisis of food waste.
Lourdes, a serial entrepreneur with a knack for creating impactful ventures, saw an opportunity to merge her passion for sustainability with technological innovation, leading to the creation of Knead. This platform isn't just a business; it's her manifesto against food waste, designed to empower food rescue organizations around the world to operate more efficiently and scale their impact.
With a journey that spans over a decade, including founding a spa and an urban planning consultancy, Lourdes's entrepreneurial spirit has been unwavering.
From Passion to Global Platform
The journey to Knead began 12 years ago when Lourdes’ first ventured into the realm of food rescue. Recognizing the logistical challenges of redistributing perishable food effectively, she saw an opportunity to leverage technology to make a tangible difference. This vision came to fruition within her food rescue charity, where the initial version of Knead's software was developed and tested. Realizing the potential to amplify her impact, she decided to share this innovative platform with the world.
Lourdes's entrepreneurial journey has been anything but conventional. From her initial foray into the wellness and urban planning sectors to her groundbreaking work in food security, her ventures reflect a deep commitment to driving positive change. With Knead, she is not just aiming to reduce food waste; she's redefining the future of food rescue.
What's Brewing at Knead
Currently, Knead is in an exciting phase of growth and development. Lourdes shares that they are a quarter of the way through a pre-seed fundraising effort, connecting with numerous social innovation and climate tech funds. Exploring the voluntary carbon market presents a unique opportunity to add a revenue stream and share profits with customers, further aligning Knead's mission with sustainable business practices.
The team is also preparing to pitch at the Future Food Tech conference in San Francisco, marking a significant step towards gaining international recognition.
The Road Ahead
Knead's roadmap is clear and ambitious. Lourdes is laser-focused on commercializing Knead's software by year's end, with pilot programs already making waves in Canada and the U.S. These initial successes are paving the way for Knead to scale its operations globally, promising a brighter future for food rescue initiatives worldwide.
Founder Industry Insights
Lourdes is particularly energized by the growing awareness and action against food waste. She notes:
"It's inspiring to see the issue of food waste gaining the attention it deserves. More people and organizations are committing to reducing waste, which is essential for our planet's future."
A Piece of Advice
Lourdes often reflects on the importance of guarding one's time, talent, and energy. She advises, "It's easy to say yes to everything, but it's crucial to protect your resources throughout your journey."
She emphasizes the importance of staying focused and not spreading yourself too thin, which can obscure one's vision and impact.
Lourdes also extends her heartfelt thanks to her team and the supportive community at Movement51, including a special shoutout to M51 for their invaluable guidance along her journey (and all the gratitude back to her for being such an active and key player in our community!).
Join Us in Celebrating Knead's Journey
As Lourdes Juan continues to drive Knead forward, M51 is honoured to support her mission to combat food waste through innovation and technology. Her story is a testament to the power of entrepreneurial spirit, vision, and the relentless pursuit of impactful change.
To learn more about Knead and how you can support their mission, connect on Linkedin or visit their website. Join us in making a difference in reducing food waste and nurturing a sustainable future.
