A day in the life of a drinks startup founder

Name

Guillaume Poncet

Age

33

Job title

Founder and director

Company and location

Juno Bamboo Water, London

Education

Undergraduate studies at HEC Geneva and then MBA at London Business School

Favourite food/drink

Have to go with cheese because, well, I'm Swiss after all—nothing beats a good cheeseboard! And for my favourite drink, it's Juno Bamboo Water (no bias, of course!) – refreshing, revitalizing, and packed with the goodness of ethical bamboo.

What inspired you to enter F&B?

From a young age, I was captivated by the hype surrounding a major energy drink. But the more I delved into it, the more disheartened I became by the unhealthy reality of mainstream sodas and energy drinks, loaded with caffeine, nasties and sugars. That's when I saw a chance to shake up the beverage scene and bring some real goodness to people's lives. My career led me to Asia, where I spent five years working in finance. Amidst the hustle, I stumbled upon the importance of traditional herbal remedies—a refreshing contrast to the corporate chaos. That's where bamboo, a natural powerhouse packed with antioxidants known to purify the body and boost immunity, caught my eye. This was the lightbulb moment: realizing that I could infused the goodness of ethical bamboo into a drink that's good for you and tastes great too. Juno Bamboo Water was born—a blend of natural wellness and a sprinkle of dreamy ambition to make every sip count towards a healthier, happier life.

Tell us about your role

As the founder of Juno Bamboo Water, my role is to bring a vision to life. I wear multiple hats: planning productions, optimizing unit economics, strategizing our second fundraise, and liaising with existing investors. Team coordination is key—I ensure that our new team members are at their best, both personally and professionally. From planning marketing events to solving problems, my role is dynamic and hands-on, driving our mission to create a healthier world, one sip at a time.

What does a typical day look like?

No two days are ever the same at Juno Bamboo Water, which I enjoy, even though it can be energy-consuming. A typical day starts with meeting Jamie – our new Sales Manager - in the office at 9am to discuss our short-term goals and align them with our long-term objectives. From there, I prioritize urgent tasks first. At the end of the day, I enjoy going for a long run to clear my mind. This dynamic, ever-changing routine keeps me energized and focused on our vision.

How did you get to where you are today?

A lot of perseverance and learning to ride and enjoy the startup roller coaster! Every twist and turn have taught me something new. Plus, I couldn't have done it without the amazing support from friends, family, investors, mentors, and advisors. Their encouragement and advice have been priceless, keeping the Juno Bamboo Water journey exciting and rewarding.

When you’re having a bad day, what cheers you up?

Startup life can be a wild ride, full of ups and downs! When I hit a rough patch, I remind myself of the journey we have been on and how far we have come. It’s all about perspective. I also find solace in our latest wins for Juno Bamboo Water—the new listings, the new contracts—they are like rays of sunshine on a cloudy day. It's acknowledging the tough times that make the victories taste even better.

What’s your favourite part about the food sector?

My favourite part is witnessing the power shift from major corporations to startups. Consumers are increasingly health- and sustainability-conscious, and this is driving a significant transformation in the F&B industry. Unhealthy and unethical products from established corporations are being swiftly replaced by innovative, healthier, and more ethical alternatives from disrupting startups, creating a more positive landscape. It's a refreshing change that's reshaping the way we eat and think about food and drinks, boding well for Juno Bamboo Water!

If you could change one thing about the F&B sector what would it be?

If I were to pinpoint one aspect to refine within the F&B sector, it would be the enhancement of accessibility and affordability of health-conscious and sustainable options, coupled with robust consumer education initiatives. By empowering individuals with knowledge on making informed choices, we can steer them away from unhealthy food and drinks, thus fostering a culture of wellness and sustainability.

What’s next for you/what’s the dream?

With a solid distribution network established in the UK and promising early leads overseas, our next step is gearing up for our second fundraise. We aim at investing actively in marketing efforts to boost sales and brand awareness, and at expanding our team with talented individuals who share our values. The dream? We are on a Mission to become the first recognized Bamboo Water globally, and to bring the goodness of ethical bamboo to as many consumers as possible. We're not just building a brand; we're creating a movement towards a healthier, more sustainable future.

In other news, Kellanova has announced plans to invest £75m into its cereal production facility in Wrexham.​​