Q: What does your startup do?
A: Daily Dough provides healthy, pliable gluten-free bread options that empower individuals with dietary restrictions. Our journey began by observing the struggles faced by my university students, who tirelessly searched for satisfying gluten-free bread options. Witnessing their frustrations and disappointments fueled my determination to make a difference, not only in their lives but also in the lives of countless others facing similar challenges.
Q: What is one of your biggest achievements in your entrepreneurial journey, and what lesson did you learn from it?
A: Driven also by the economic crisis, lockdown periods, and lack of many raw ingredients in the market, I embarked on a personal mission to experiment in my kitchen, explore alternative flavors, and develop gluten-free bread. A bread that not only met dietary restrictions but also delighted the senses with its taste, texture, and nutritional value.
Among gluten-free products available in the Lebanese market, we noticed a big lack and need for gluten-free bread. Our gluten-free bread is a great solution for those seeking an alternative to wheat bread where they still enjoy the same characteristics, taste, pliability, and caloric content as our gluten-free bread. Gluten sensitivity is increasing among populations, and thereby the gluten-free market is expected to have significant growth for the upcoming ten years.
Q: Why did you apply to the Agrytech program and what were you able to achieve through it?
A: Our entrepreneurship journey started with Berytech programs and specifically with Agrytech’s acceleration and incubation phases. Due to financial support, we now have our own facility with all industrial equipment and tools to produce our gluten-free breads.
Our team is from a scientific and business background, but we did not have any previous experience in startup business. With the Agrytech program, we were able to acquire much expertise in business development and build a successful business model. We developed our MVP product, validated our product, acquired our brand identity and packaging, tested our product shelf-life analysis, and studied market dynamics and competitors.
Applying to the Agrytech program was the best investment we have ever made. It allowed us to access structured learning, funding, networking, resources, credibility, and community support to start our business. In fact, we achieved more than we hoped for from the program. The motivation and team encouragement helped us reach milestones that accelerated our business.
Q: What are your long-term goals as a startup?
A: Our long-term goals are to have a successful industrial company that develops many products (gluten-free breads, gluten-free healthy wraps, gluten-free snacks). We are also aiming to expand our market.
Q: What’s something you enjoy most about being an entrepreneur?
A: Switching from an academic mentality to a business mindset has been a significant and enjoyable part of our entrepreneurial experience. Bringing innovative ideas to life, turning a concept into a tangible product that can positively impact people’s lives, is both exciting and rewarding.
Another aspect we appreciate is autonomy, freedom, and control over our work. As entrepreneurs, we can set our own goals, make strategic decisions, and steer the business in a direction that aligns with our vision and values. This level of ownership and responsibility is empowering and motivating.
Q: What advice would you give to someone joining the next batch of the Agrytech Accelerator Program?
A: Our advice for the next batch of the Agrytech Accelerator Program is to be well-disciplined, consistent, listen carefully to expert feedback, follow all expert workshops and clinics, and discuss all your concerns and challenges with the team. They will support you and cover all aspects needed to start a successful business.
About Agrytech
Berytech designed and developed the Agrytech Accelerator Program to make sure Lebanon has the most competitive companies that are sourcing, solving, growing and transforming food, as well as feeding the world from Lebanon. The Agrytech Accelerator Program launched by Berytech and funded by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Lebanon to enable the Lebanese entrepreneurial ecosystem and stimulate innovation and startup creation in the agriculture, food, and clean technology sectors.
