This sustainability start-up has funded itself via Startnext

Leef Point, a manufacturer of biodegradable tableware, was looking for money and started a campaign on Startnext. There he has now exceeded his first funding goal.

Leef Point is a socially oriented start-up from Göttingen. Together with 22 volunteer students, founder Krishna Pantakani is working on biodegradable tableware made from the leaves of the Siali plant. In 2019, the company was founded together with Enactus, a student initiative. The team has been seeking donors on Startbase for the production launch.

In total, Leef Point was able to collect 8,014 euros via Startnext. The first funding goal of 5,000 euros was thus reached. This should cover the costs, pay employees and ensure delivery. Leef Point runs a manufactory in Andhra Pradesh in India, where it employs twelve residents. They are responsible for harvesting the leaves sustainably and are paid fairly, according to the company. "By paying fairly for the raw material, we additionally create an economic interest in the protection of the rainforest and thus preserve it from clearing or exploitation, for example," project manager Antonia Sophie Gedig tells the online magazine Vegconomist

Leef Point's plates and bowls are vegan, stable and have a water-repellent surface, making them well-suited for liquid foods, the start.up advertises. The young company claims that the disposable tableware is biodegradable within a very short time. The disposable tableware is supposed to be a better alternative to plastic, which will be banned EU-wide from the middle of the year.