Founder Spotlight: Kobi Regev (Pleese Foods)

Startup:
Pleese Foods

Business Description:
Pleese is a new innovative plant-based cheese made from white beans and crafted using traditional methods without any dairy. Pleese is all natural, non-gm, and allergen friendly making it safe for school or other public spaces.

Startup Stage:
Seed

What led you to where you are today?
As New Yorkers who happened to be vegan, we were frustrated with the vegan pizza options out there and how little existed. So, we made it our life mission to create the most perfect plant-based cheese for pizza. People couldn't believe our cheese was vegan, and after a few events we realized how big the demand was for Pleese.

What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
Being a full time entrepreneur in Manhattan is harder than most places because the rent is so high. I wish we moved to a more affordable apartment sooner, thought of taking a bank loan when I still had a high paying job, and before I maxed my credit cards. Starting an innovative food company from nothing is always harder in real life than on a piece of paper, determination is the only thing that can get you through the dark times and make it worth it.

What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
We'd love to coordinate and help host events with anyone in the community.

How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
Spread the word about Pleese! Help us get into your favorite pizzeria or restaurant from before you were vegan. Introduce us to potential angel investors — help us build a winning team to make Pleese a household name.

Fun fact about you:
My co-founder, Abev, was a police officer in Jerusalem. I was the answer to a question on a Science Channel game show. We have a toddler who speaks french although we do not.

Anything else you would like to share?
Pleese Foods was recently accepted into the Harlem Local Vendor Program because they believe that our company is among the best of what Harlem has to offer.