As 2024 comes to a close, we find ourselves reflecting on what has been a year full of challenges, lessons, and milestones. It’s incredible to see how far we have come as a company, and we’re excited to share the highlights – and struggles – of our journey with you.
THE LONG ROAD TO THE RIGHT PRODUCT
When we started developing Kahviklapi, we had no idea how complex the process would be. What began as a seemingly straightforward idea turned into a marathon of innovation. Over the past year, we have tested more than 300 prototypes, each bringing us one step closer to our ultimate goal: a log that lights fast, burns efficiently, generates more heat, and leaves minimal ash.
The journey has been anything but easy. Every failed prototype felt disheartening, but it also taught us invaluable lessons. Each mistake pushed us closer to understanding the ideal combination of ingredients, durability, and performance.
We’ve collaborated with universities, professors, and industry professionals, tapping into their expertise to refine our process. Their insights, combined with our persistence, have driven us forward. Now, after countless trials, we’re finally approaching a breakthrough – a product we’re proud to deliver to our customers.
BUILDING A TEAM THAT MOVES US FORWARD
This year, we also learned the importance of having a great team. After finishing our incubator program and winning the FRUSH competition, we realized that no business can thrive without the right people behind it.
Expanding our team marked a turning point for us. With fresh talent and new perspectives in marketing and product development, we’ve been able to take significant steps forward. Building Kahviklapi wouldn’t have been possible without the dedication and creativity of our team members.
WINNING STARTUP COMPETITIONS AND GAINING EXPERIENCE
This year, we attended countless events, from summits to networking meetups. Startups thrive on connections, and every handshake, conversation, and critique has played a part in shaping Kahviklapi.
One of the highlights of 2024 was participating in – and winning – several startup competitions. The wins in competitions like Frush, Road to Start Summit, and Taaleri Bioindustry pitching competition in 2024 weren’t just about the prizes – These events pushed us to sharpen our pitching skills, connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, and gain invaluable feedback on our product and vision.
Of course, not every encounter was smooth. At one summit, a seasoned entrepreneur bluntly told us he didn’t like the idea. While it wasn’t easy to hear, it was a valuable lesson. Feedback like this has been instrumental in helping us identify blind spots and refine our approach. It’s a reminder that differing opinions can be just as valuable as validation. Not everyone will agree with our vision, and that’s okay.
BUILDING THE FOUNDATION
2024 was also a year of laying groundwork. From designing factory machinery in collaboration with students and universities to launching our website and growing our social media presence, we have been building the infrastructure that will carry Kahviklapi forward. We are really grateful for the amazing work and dedication the students and universities gave to Kahviklapi. These inputs gave us fresh ideas and helped us in building our foundations.
We have also had the opportunity to engage with several companies in the Uusimaa region, and their support and enthusiasm for coffee waste recycling has been incredibly encouraging.
A significant part of this process was receiving funding from ELY Centre, which has been crucial in helping us move closer to our production goals. This funding has allowed us to accelerate our development and invest in the tools and resources needed to bring Kahviklapi to life.
We also took the formal step of registering the company – something that might seem small, but to us, it marked an important milestone in making this dream a reality.
WHAT’S NEXT?
Looking ahead, we’re more motivated than ever. 2024 was a year of persistence, growth, and resilience. We’ve faced challenges head-on, learned from our mistakes, and celebrated every win – big and small.
As we enter 2025, our goal remains the same: to deliver a superior product that make our customers’ life easier and more sustainable.
Thank you to everyone who has been part of this journey so far: our team, our collaborators, and the community cheering us on. We can’t wait to share what’s next with you. Cheers to 2025!