Adrienne Agueci is the founder of Levitate, an innovative plant-based protein offering Canada’s first lupin-based CPG product - Lupin tempeh. Whole food, soy-free, gut-friendly, and packed with protein, this product is truly one of a kind.
What drew you to entrepreneurship?
My entrepreneurial adventures started at 12 years old, when I founded LA Babysitting and plastered posters all over the neighbourhood. Fast forward to my second venture, a decade-long tutoring business which I scaled to 30 students and 4 tutors. Watching my dad grow his network as a real estate agent showed me the power of relationships and a flexible lifestyle, which are two aspects that became important to me.
What problem are you solving, and what is your unique approach?
The protein obsession is in, but ultra-processed foods are out. Soy is the only high-protein legume that is currently offered as a minimally processed plant-based convenience protein (i.e. tofu, tempeh). But many consumers avoid soy due to allergies, taste, or isoflavone content. With Levitate, we are offering variety to the market by introducing Canada’s first Lupin tempeh. Higher in protein compared to soy, with low net carbohydrates and fats.
How did you come across this problem, and why did it appeal to you?
Through this venture, I am solving a problem that I myself have experienced as a plant-based eater. There is extremely polarizing evidence on soy consumption, so I constantly feel hesitant to choose it, yet I know that protein consumption is so important for many different physiological functions. The other legumes offer much less protein and much more carbohydrates. There didn’t seem to be a perfect choice. Until now. I feel fortunate that my mom came home one random Tuesday with a jar of lupini beans - something we ate growing up in our Italian household. I was stunned to see the incredible nutritional value, and knew that it had a place in the market. It’s a complete and significant source of protein, low in carbohydrates, and tastes incredible.
What are you hoping to accomplish for your start-up at the Western Accelerator?
We are at an exciting stage where we will be launching our product mid-accelerator. I am hoping to leave the Western Accelerator with a crystal clear brand voice and value proposition that resonates with my target customer.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned so far during your time at the Western Accelerator?
The biggest lesson I’ve learned so far is the importance of knowing your team, their personalities and communication styles, as well as the importance of knowing yourself. Applying this knowledge is critical for effective teamwork and will be a central part of Levitate as we grow our team.