SocialFeedia’s vision is to use technology to return the supermarket margin to the farmer, eliminate food waste and food fraud, and supply fresh food
Mel Clohesy is founder of SociaFeedia, a farm to fork platform for consumers who want fresh, traceable, unprocessed produce directly from local farmers. Mel participated in both Phase 1 and 2 of New Frontiers at SETU. He explains how participation has helped him get where he is today.
Business/industry sector AgTech
Where is your business based? Kilkenny
Explain your business/product SociaFeedia is a farm to fork platform.
Audience/market Consumers who want fresh, traceable, unprocessed produce directly from local farmers.
Experience of New Frontiers
When did you participate in the New Frontiers Programme 2017
Did you take part in Phase 1 or Phase 2 or both? Both
Where did your business idea come from? My idea came from 8 years of research at the University of Liverpool and University of Manchester. I did not have a lightbulb moment, instead my idea was developed through University research.
How has the New Frontiers Programme helped you to get where you are today? The big word I would use would be focus as the programme from Phase 1 makes you strip you idea down until you have a clear focus on what it is. The programme opens doors for you to meet industry experts in your area. I found this to be especially valuable in developing my company.
What age were you when you started on the New Frontiers programme? 33
What advice would you give to those considering the New Frontiers programme? I would say that Phase 1 is a brilliant opportunity for anyone with even a early stage idea to get advice and tutorials. Phase 1 is one evening per week over 6 weeks and I got excellent coaching and tutorials on the lean canvas, marketing, and how to pitch your concept. The programme is delivered through workshops instead of lectures so it has a very informal atmosphere. The progress I made just on the Phase 1 programme enabled me to be shortlisted for the AIB Academy and I won Young Entrepreneur of the Year in Kilkenny.
What's your vision for the business for the future? SocialFeedia’s vision is to use technology to return the supermarket margin to the farmer, to eliminate food waste & food fraud and to supply the consumer with fresh food with provenance.
For more information and to make an application see www.wit.ie/newfrontiers