Founder Spotlight: Uche Jumbo (CHOPUTA)
Meet Uche Jumbo
Company:
CHOPUTA
CHOPUTA is the first hot breakfast cereal made with fonio, an ancient African supergrain. We’re redefining breakfast with a nourishing, minimally processed alternative that delivers real sustenance, bold flavor, and cultural connection.
Location:
Chicago, Illinois, USA
When did you launch the business?
2022
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Startup Stage?
Bootstrapped, early revenue, in-market with retail and DTC distribution.
What led you to where you are today?
Fonio is a culturally significant, nutrient-dense ancient grain, and I became increasingly interested in why it remained largely unknown outside of West Africa. As a food quality and regulatory leader in the CPG industry, I also saw how disconnected many modern breakfast options are from true nourishment. CHOPUTA was created to bring this overlooked grain into a modern, accessible format that supports both people and the planet.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
I wish I had fully understood how long it takes to educate consumers when you’re introducing a new category. I assumed that a breakthrough product would drive immediate adoption, but real momentum comes from consistent education and trust-building over time. That realization reshaped how I think about growth, focus, and patience.
What is the most difficult decision you've had to make regarding your business so far?
The most difficult decision has been choosing focus over opportunity. As a founder, there are constant invitations to expand, partner, or pivot, but not all of them move the core business forward. Learning to prioritize what truly builds long-term value has been essential.
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
I can share practical insights on building and scaling a food brand with integrity, especially around quality systems, regulatory readiness, and navigating early retail and DTC growth. I’m also happy to support founders introducing new or underrepresented ingredients and categories, where education and trust-building are critical.
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
I’d love to connect with founders, operators, and partners who are building in food, wellness, and sustainability and value collaboration over competition. Community feedback, shared learnings around category education, and potential retail or partnership connections are always welcome.
Fun fact about you:
I’m building a cereal brand around an ancient grain most people have never heard of and loving the education journey.
Anything else you would like to share?
I believe the future of food is rooted in whole ingredients, cultural respect, and transparency. I’m excited to be part of a community that’s pushing plant-based innovation forward with intention.
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