Founder Spotlight: Tobi Straube (Vutcher)
Meet Tobi Straube:
We handcraft premium seitan in Byron Bay using only natural ingredients. Passionate about what we eat, we put love and care into every batch, creating delicious, sustainable, and wholesome vegan food for our community.
Location:
Byron Bay, Australia
When did you launch the business?
2020
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Startup Stage?
Bootstrapped
What led you to where you are today?
What led me to where I am today was my curiosity and passion for finding a healthier, more natural alternative to the vegan meat substitutes on the market. When I first discovered plant-based meats, I tried every option available but was often disappointed by the additives and preservatives used in most products. I wondered if it was possible to create a delicious, high-quality plant-based meat using only natural ingredients. That question sparked my journey, and it’s been the driving force behind my commitment to handmade, additive-free seitan made with love and care in Byron Bay, Australia.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
One thing I wish I had known before starting my business is just how long the hours would be and how slow everything can feel when you're working solo. It’s easy to underestimate the amount of time and energy it takes to manage every aspect of the business on your own—especially in the beginning. While it's incredibly rewarding, it’s definitely a journey of patience and persistence.
What is the most difficult decision you've had to make regarding your business so far?
The toughest decision so far has been not knowing when the right time to grow was. Two years ago, I decided to stay small because I was worried about biting off more than I could chew. It was a tough choice, as part of me wanted to expand, but I knew that growing too quickly could compromise the quality and care I put into each product. Balancing ambition with caution has been one of the hardest but most important decisions I’ve had to make.
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
I'm happy to help the community by sharing tips and answering any questions about crafting seitan. Whether it's troubleshooting a recipe, offering advice on techniques, or providing insights on working with natural ingredients, I'm always excited to support others who are interested in making their own plant-based foods. I also have some secret marinades that really elevate seitan to the next level—just ask, and I’ll be happy to share!
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
by spreading the word that there’s a small business in Byron Bay that truly cares about what you eat. We’re dedicated to making premium seitan using only natural ingredients, and every share or recommendation helps us reach more people who value quality and sustainability in their food.
Fun fact about you:
I love all vegetables, but if there’s celery in the room, I leave 😂.
Anything else you would like to share?
We’ll grow in 2025 and we’re looking for people who’d like to be part of the journey. Whether it’s people in the kitchen and production, business developers, or investors. Shoot me a message if Vutcher sounds like a sustainable business to you.
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