Their entrepreneurial journey began in 2017 when they took over their parents’ agriculture and forestry business – and today Julia and Martin Weitschacher can claim that they are one of the very few family startups out there that has established a truly sustainable product in a niche have. With Ecolets they have found a way in which excess sheep’s wool can be usefully turned into something in demand – an ecological fertilizer and water storage for plants.
The two spoke to the Startup Interviewer about Ecolets and their future plans:
What do you do at Ecolets?
We produce pellets from 100% natural, untreated sheep’s wool, which are used as organic natural fertilizer and water storage for plants (vegetables, herbs, flowers, bushes) in the garden, raised beds, pots and buckets.
What is the story behind the startup? How and why did you start?
After we took over our parents’ farm, we hired five Valais blacknose sheep to graze on a pasture. After the first shearing, we looked more into the topic of sheep’s wool and what usually happens to sheep’s wool and what products it is processed into. During our research we discovered that, firstly, a lot of wool is produced every year and that it is either transported across Europe for further processing, or is otherwise thrown away or even has to be disposed of at a cost. However, sheep’s wool naturally contains very valuable nutrients and has been used as fertilizer in the garden for generations.
What differentiates your startup from the competition? What makes you unique, what is your USP?
We produce and sell a 100% natural, untreated product of the highest quality, which provides the user with significant added value through its use. In addition, our product is certified multiple times and has already received several awards. In addition, the product is packaged in 100% natural grass cardboard packaging. 100% regional added value and sustainability!
© Ecolets
What technologies do you use or what in-house tech have you developed?
We use existing technologies and systems and have adapted them to our special processing requirements. In addition, our product is absolutely sustainable from the beginning to the end of the value chain and is 100% part of an ecological cycle.
Who is your target group and how do you reach them?
Our target group is primarily private individuals or the end customer who attaches great importance to the ecological and sustainable cultivation and care of their own vegetables and flowering plants. But also commercial customers for using the fertilizer in their own production. We reach the target group through direct sales (web shop, trade fairs, sales events, etc.), editorial media articles, public relations work, cooperation with partners and public institutions, local sales partnerships, etc.
What about previous financing? Are there already investors?
The project was partly financed with equity capital, but predominantly with debt capital. There are currently no investors.
What are the next steps for your startup? Do you have specific goals for the future?
Both to further expand sales in Austria and Germany and to create and offer additional products
Do you have any tips for other founders?
Be courageous, ambitious and don’t let yourself be dissuaded from your plan if you are passionate about your idea!
© Ecolets
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