Startup Of The Week : Valupa

This edition’s highlight, Based in Berlin/Brandenburg, valupa creates 100% bio-based, compostable trims for the fashion industry — made from organic waste from food and textiles. With modular, fashion-forward designs and a truly circular approach, we’re helping shape a sustainable future for fashion and beyond. Already working with the Zalando Design Academy, VORN, and our first international clients, we’re now entering our next funding round and seeking strategic investors & partners to scale our impact.

1. Tell us about your company. 

We are the Berlin/Brandenburg-based startup valupa, which develops 100% bio-based and compostable trims for the fashion industry. By creating our own bio-material made of organic waste from the food and textile industries, combined with our fashion-forward, modular product-designs, valupa offers a circular product that is actively helping to move the industry towards a future of across-the-board sustainability.

Founded by Ulrike Böttcher and Sarah Jankowsky, valupa is currently entering its next funding round and is seeking strategic investors as well as promising connections. We are already collaborating with the leading fashion hubs Zalando Design Academy and VORN, and working with our first international fashion clients. Given the potential of our proprietary material innovation, we are also in talks with representatives from other industries, such as automotive, to explore additional market opportunities for our material technology.

2. What made you become an entrepreneur? 

Ulrike: As a founder I get to build something that matters. I thrive on turning ideas into real solutions — especially when they contribute to a more sustainable future. Being a founder allows me to work for a cause, not just a paycheck, and to shape my own working environment in a world that’s constantly changing.I welcome change. I seek adventure. I create the conditions I want to work in. I believe that big visions aren’t red flags — they’re roadmaps. As a female founder, I’m committed to taking women seriously, including myself. And the best part? I make my own decisions, keep learning, and grow every single day.

Sarah: One of my biggest values has always been freedom. In my professional life, I’ve only worked three years as an employee. The rest of the time, I’ve been a freelancer — evolving from a solo entrepreneur into running a company alongside co-founders. already knew in university that I want to do something with longlisting value and impact with my time, becoming a founder, allows me to put my knowledge, creativity, and whole self into something I truly believe in. Another core value of mine is lifelong learning — and it’s one that perfectly aligns with the life of a founder. You’re constantly learning and growing, meeting inspiring new people, and being challenged in ways you never expected.

3.What is the most challenging part of running your own startup?

Being a founder means facing tough challenges every day. As someone once said, it’s about constantly and rapidly finding solutions to problems. It also means adapting to each challenge at a very fast pace. At the same time, you’re making tough decisions that directly affect others — especially your team. As a founder, you’re not only responsible for the product but also for the people who help build it. Balancing what’s best for the company with empathy and fairness is one of the most mentally and emotionally demanding — and crucial — parts of the job.

4. What is the biggest challenge you have faced when looking for funding? 

One of the biggest challenges is adapting to the constant shifts in trends and focus areas within the investment landscape. It can be difficult to understand why hardware and projects with real, tangible impact often aren’t prioritized today. Additionally, as a female founder, you face challenges that often go unnoticed. I believe that women don’t need to become more masculine in their approach — instead, it’s about standing up confidently for ourselves and our vision.

5. What is the most rewarding aspect of entrepreneurship? 

When your product is recognized — not just for what it is, but for how it's made and the values it carries. It's incredibly fulfilling to know that what you do matters, especially when your work has a real, positive impact. And when your network celebrates those milestones with you, it’s a reminder that you're not building something alone — you're building something meaningful together.

Learn more about the company: https://www.valupa.de/