TFGxclusive - BioHide in the hot seat!

We have the exciting opportunity to speak with Nadica Desanova from Leather & Hide (BioHide) and here’s the full conversation with her, exclusively for you, the Hidden Intel community.

Read on!

Meet the team

I’m Nadica Desanova, one of the three founders of Leather & Hide (BioHide), where we’re breaking new ground in sustainable materials with our kombucha-based bio-leather.

My background in mechanical engineering and mechatronics has been essential in shaping the technological aspects of our production. Alongside me are my talented co-founders: Bisera Popovska, our main technologist, who brings a robust combination of marketing savvy and biotechnological expertise, and Angelina Serafimovska, a skilled biochemist and sales expert who ensures our production processes are both innovative and eco-friendly while driving our sales efforts.

Together, we've turned a novel idea into an award-winning startup that’s recognized for its commitment to sustainability and innovation - Leather & Hide is changing the world one SCOBY at a time.

To kick off the journey, what was the ‘a-ha‘ moment that drew you into entrepreneurship?

The defining moment that propelled us into the world of entrepreneurship came during an ordinary day spent experimenting in the kitchen.

We were fascinated by the properties of SCOBY, the symbiotic culture used in brewing kombucha, and began to explore its potential beyond just beverage production. As we experimented with various methods and techniques to enhance and strengthen the material derived from SCOBY, we realized we weren’t just playing with an interesting byproduct; we were on the brink of developing a revolutionary sustainable material.

Each successful test revealed more about the versatility and durability of this kombucha-based material. It was during these experiments that we had our 'a-ha' moment—recognizing that what we had could do much more than we initially imagined.

It was not just a novel idea but a viable alternative to traditional leather, offering a sustainable solution with significant environmental benefits. This realization was exhilarating and marked the beginning of our journey with Leather & Hide (BioHide), driven by the belief that we had indeed struck a goldmine, capable of making a substantial impact in the materials industry.

What are some key takeaways from your startup’s participation in the Founder Games?

Participating in the Founder Games was a transformative experience for Leather & Hide, providing invaluable networking opportunities, mentorship, and exposure to a diverse set of ideas and perspectives.

Engaging with other entrepreneurs and mentors challenged and refined our views, particularly during pitch presentations where we honed our message and learned to effectively communicate our sustainable leather alternative's value.

The most valuable experience was the mentorship from Gligor Dacevski, whose insights were instrumental in fine-tuning our business strategies, especially in areas like scaling. These interactions not only tested our resilience but also bolstered our adaptability, crucial traits for any startup.

Overall, the Founder Games significantly increased our visibility within the startup community, validated our business model, and left us better equipped to navigate the complexities of the startup ecosystem, reinforcing our commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable material innovation.

As the winners of the first season of The Founder Games, BioHide emerged as the most innovative startup among 20 competing teams. What does being the winner of TFG mean for you and your team, both personally and professionally?

Winning the first season of the Founder Games represents a monumental achievement for my team, both personally and professionally. Personally, it's an affirmation of our dedication and hard work, providing us with the emotional and motivational boost that our efforts are not only recognized but also celebrated. It reinforces our belief in our mission and enhances our resolve to push forward even when faced with challenges.

Professionally, this victory is a testament to the potential of our business. It signals to investors, potential partners, and the broader industry that we have a compelling value proposition and the capability to execute our vision effectively. This accolade not only elevates our standing in the competitive landscape but also opens doors to new opportunities, collaborations, and resources that can accelerate our growth and expansion. 

What is BioHide doing now?

Since wrapping up at the Founder Games, we’ve been riding a wave of momentum at Leather & Hide. We're currently in exciting discussions with potential investors from Poland, which could significantly boost our project by funding our scale-up plans and enhancing our R&D capabilities. It's a thrilling time, and securing this investment could catapult our vision onto a global stage.

On another exciting front, we’ve nailed down our first major partnership with a well-known Macedonian brand, set to launch this fall. This collaboration is a real milestone for us—it's our chance to introduce our sustainable kombucha-based leather to the mainstream market.

We believe this is just the beginning of demonstrating how our innovative materials can make a difference in the industry.

Back to the journey, what does a day in the life of BioHide look like, from sunrise to sunset?

Our day starts early with a quick team meeting where we outline our tasks and set our priorities for the day. Following the meeting, we head straight into the production area to check on our kombucha fermentation process, ensuring that our bio-leather is developing correctly and maintaining quality. In the laboratory, our mornings are dedicated to R&D, experimenting with techniques to enhance the properties of our leather.

By early afternoon, we shift our focus to external relations, engaging in discussions with potential clients and partners or following up on ongoing negotiations. Strategy sessions also take place in the afternoons, where we brainstorm marketing initiatives and discuss long-term business strategies to penetrate new markets effectively.

As evening approaches, we gather as a team to review the day's progress and address any immediate challenges. We conclude our day by reflecting on what was accomplished and identifying areas for improvement, all while staying grounded in our mission to innovate sustainably.

What has been your biggest win as a startup so far?

Our biggest win so far has been the incredible journey of winning multiple awards and securing several grants, all within our first year as a startup.

This early recognition and financial support have been both affirming and empowering. They've not only validated our vision of sustainable leather alternatives but also energized our team to push even harder.

Each award and grant feels like a vote of confidence in our mission to revolutionize the leather industry, providing us with crucial resources to expand our research and enhance our production capabilities. It's been a remarkable ride, and these achievements drive us to continue making a significant impact with our eco-friendly solutions.

On the contrary, what has been your biggest mistake as a startup founder so far?

One of our biggest mistakes has been underestimating the time and resources needed for product development. Initially, we were overly optimistic about how quickly we could bring our kombucha-based leather to market. This led to setting unrealistic timelines for our team.

The experience taught us the importance of careful planning and setting more realistic expectations. It was a tough lesson in the complexities of scaling a product from an idea to a commercially viable solution, especially one as innovative as bio-leather.

Learning to allocate sufficient time for research, testing, and iteration has been crucial for our ongoing success 

What are the top 3 lessons or tips you would give to aspiring entrepreneurs thinking about starting a startup?

Starting a startup is a thrilling yet demanding journey, and from our experience, we’d offer aspiring entrepreneurs these top three tips:

First, thoroughly validate your idea—ensure there's a genuine demand for your product by engaging potential customers, using surveys, and testing a minimum viable product in the market.

Second, maintain flexibility in your business plan; the startup landscape is dynamic, and being able to pivot your strategy based on market feedback and trends is crucial.

Lastly, focus on building the right team; your startup’s success greatly depends on having a diverse group of individuals who not only share your vision but bring a range of skills and perspectives. 

What's one piece of content every entrepreneur should read or watch?

For entrepreneurs eager to absorb valuable business insights through engaging content, two must-watch series are "Shark Tank" and HBO's "Succession."

"Shark Tank" is an invaluable resource for understanding effective business pitching, valuation, and negotiation with potential investors, showcasing real-life entrepreneurs as they present their ideas to a panel of seasoned investors.

On the other hand, "Succession" offers a dramatized yet insightful look into the intricate dynamics of a large, family-run media empire, delving into themes of corporate governance, leadership struggles, and the complex interplay between family and business.

While vastly different in tone, both shows provide profound lessons on strategic thinking, communication, and leadership in high-stakes environments, making them essential viewing for any entrepreneur looking to deepen their understanding of the business world.

When will North Macedonia see its first homegrown unicorn? What's your perspective on the local startup ecosystem?

Predicting the arrival of North Macedonia's first unicorn startup is like forecasting a solar eclipse—challenging, but with the right conditions, definitely within sight.

The local startup ecosystem here is buzzing with potential, driven by a cocktail of enthusiastic young entrepreneurs, increasing governmental support, and a significant shift toward innovation.

The community is small but tight-knit, creating a perfect ground for collaboration and growth. Yet, the path isn't without its hurdles, scaling beyond the early stages remains a formidable challenge due to limited local funding options, and there's a thirst for more seasoned mentors to shepherd these young ventures.

As the ecosystem matures, with these young companies drawing on both local and international resources, the prospect of a homegrown unicorn becomes increasingly likely. The anticipation is mounting, not just for the economic milestone it represents but for the validation of North Macedonia’s growing role on the global tech stage. The real excitement lies not just in the achievement, but in watching the unfolding story of a small but mighty startup scene.

Where do you see yourself and BioHide in 10 years?

In ten years, I see BioHide not just thriving but leading the charge in the revolution of sustainable materials.

Our vision is to expand our footprint globally, making our innovative kombucha-based bio-leather a staple in industries ranging from high fashion to automotive interiors, and even home decor. We aim to operate production hubs across continents, seamlessly blending local artisan traditions with our cutting-edge sustainable practices, ensuring that each piece of Leather & Hide material carries a global story with a local touch.

Beyond the material, Leather & Hide will become a beacon for the sustainable living movement. We envision our brand as a platform that not only sells products but also educates and inspires a global community about the benefits of sustainable living.

end of interview

⏭️ BONUS

Check out BioHide’s dossier through the lens of The Founder Games: