In this episode of Born to Build, Sam speaks with Fabio Rappenecker, co-founder and CEO of TenX Nutrition, a social enterprise in Kenya that is transforming the traditional street snack, Mandazi, into a nutritious food option to combat malnutrition. Fabio shares his journey from Germany to Kenya, the challenges of bootstrapping a startup, and the importance of understanding local culture and consumer needs. The conversation delves into the innovative approach of fortifying Mandazi with essential nutrients, the strategies for distribution, and the metrics for measuring impact. Fabio emphasizes the significance of nutrition security and the potential for future product expansion, all while providing valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Chapters:
(00:00) Introduction to TenX nutrition and its mission
(01:08) Fabio's journey to Kenya and passion for nutrition
(03:10) Transforming mandazi: a traditional snack into a nutritional powerhouse
(06:48) Nutritional balance and market viability of Mandazi Power
(10:02) Understanding nutrition security vs. food security
(11:46) Distribution strategies: roadside shops and consumer engagement
(14:42) Initial market entry and growth strategies
(18:47) Team dynamics and cultural integration in Kenya
(22:26) Bootstrapping challenges and scaling confidence
(24:20) Expansion plans and operational logistics
(26:33) Measuring impact: success metrics for TenX nutrition
(28:44) Future aspirations: expanding product lines
(31:07) Advice for entrepreneurs: embrace action and learning
(32:35) Rapid fire questions and closing thoughts
About Born to Build:
Born to Build is a podcast featuring conversations with the builders, founders, and pioneers driving change from the ground up. Each episode highlights the real stories of SME owners - how they started, what they've overcome, and what keeps them building their business. It's honest, practical business insight from those shaping their industries one bold move at a time, equipping you with the tools to build and grow YOUR business.