What inspired you to start your company?
The idea for The Planted Way came from my experience scaling mission-driven businesses and seeing firsthand how food systems are overlooked in the broader sustainability conversation. With food contributing nearly a third of global greenhouse gas emissions, I saw a massive opportunity to create real, scalable impact. I wanted to build something that gave food service providers the tools to make meaningful environmental changes—without disrupting operations or compromising on quality. That’s what inspired me to start The Planted Way.
What is your core product/service offering and what gap in the market are you trying to address?
At The Planted Way, we offer a platform designed specifically for food service providers. It combines:
- Expert-led chef training
- AI-powered menu optimisation
- Real-time carbon and sustainability analytics
We’re addressing a clear market gap: while many food companies have sustainability goals, very few have the culinary tools, data, or operational support to actually achieve them. Our platform brings together training, technology, and insights to help teams reduce emissions, cut waste, and meet evolving sustainability standards.
Is there a particular sustainability-related issue that your business is trying to solve?
Absolutely. Our main focus is on reducing the environmental impact of food service—especially carbon emissions, food waste, and sourcing practices. The food system is a huge driver of climate change, yet it’s often overlooked. We’re changing that by making it easier for operators to understand their impact and take action that aligns with their sustainability goals.
What motivated you to apply to the Accelerate Green programme?
The timing was ideal. We’re in the middle of closing our seed round and onboarding our first wave of pilot customers, so I saw Accelerate Green as a chance to sharpen our strategy, connect with peers, and learn from industry leaders. I was especially drawn to the programme’s focus on sustainability and the opportunity to build relationships with investors and organisations who understand the urgency and complexity of the problems we’re tackling.
How important is professional networking for you as you grow your business?
Networking isn’t just about opportunity—it’s about building long-term, values-aligned partnerships. Whether it’s with customers, tech collaborators, or investors, the right relationships are key to scaling both our business and our impact. I see it as a core part of our growth strategy.
What’s your long-term vision for the company?
My vision is for The Planted Way to become the go-to sustainability platform for the food service industry. I want sustainable food choices to be the default, not the exception. That means empowering chefs and decision-makers with the tools and data they need to cut emissions, reduce waste, and source smarter—without sacrificing quality or profitability. Ultimately, I believe we can help transform how the food industry contributes to climate solutions, not just locally, but globally.