Investment Climate Podcast: Ines Sánchez-Castillo Velge of Beans How to Get Funded in 2025

In this episode of the Investment Climate Podcast, Alex Shandrovsky interviews Ines Sánchez-Castillo Velge, founder of Beans, a startup focused on tackling food waste by buying unsold inventory from major FMCG brands and reselling it at discounted prices. Through their conversation, they explore how venture studios helped de-risk their journey as first-time founders, the challenges Beans faced in terms of cash flow, and the process of raising €1.4M in funding after numerous rejections. Ines also shares insights on scaling a marketplace, building consumer trust, and the importance of resilience as a founder in the food tech industry.

Key findings from the podcast episode highlight the significance of venture studios in supporting first-time founders, the persistence required in startup fundraising as evidenced by Beans' 179 rejections before securing investment, and the emphasis on building customer trust through transparency and engagement strategies such as direct communication and social proof. The episode provides valuable insights for anyone interested in food tech, fundraising, and startup execution, making it a must-listen for those in the industry.