Start-ups @ HSWT | Part 59: apeice
In this series, HSWT showcases start-ups affiliated with the University of applied sciences and the FSIWS. The series introduces the companies, their product ideas and how they operate.
Julia and Joshua Bischoff from Munich founded the organic ice-cream catering business apeice and serve ice cream to guests at events from their Piaggio Ape three-wheeler. Their philosophy is centred on sustainability and quality. Their advice for start-up founders: have the courage to believe in your own idea.
What makes apeice’s offering special?
Julia and Joshua: At apeice, we place particular emphasis on high-quality, natural, organic ingredients. These values are also important to us when selecting our suppliers. For example, our products are made with real Bourbon vanilla or real chocolate, and we avoid flavourings, flavour enhancers or other unnecessary additives. Some of our customers have even complained that the ice cream doesn’t taste artificial enough. But this is precisely where the difference lies – the difference that is so important to us: natural ingredients, no harsh chemicals.
What role does the HSWT play for your start-up?
Thanks to HSWT and the FSIWS, we’ve had the chance to experiment with our own production alongside our organic ice cream catering business. Thanks to the infrastructure available to us here, we’ve been able to buy our own machines and set them up in the technical centre. On our own, we wouldn’t have dared to take this step so soon after setting up the business. Thank you for that!
What are your future plans for apeice?
Thanks to the production facilities and our own machinery, we’re working on our own product, which we intend to position in the retail sector rather than through direct sales in the long term. We’re currently working flat out on the right packaging and aim to start production soon. We want to launch before the end of 2026 and then be available through our first distribution partners.
What lessons would you like to share with other founders?
Have the courage to believe in your idea. Don’t let sceptics and headwinds put you off. By taking the step to start a business, you’re leaving the ‘normal’ and familiar path that most people follow. Often, outsiders don’t really understand your personal development or self-fulfilment at first – naturally, you might encounter some resistance initially. But see it as motivation and seek out people who think like you. Networking with other start-ups at the FSIWS has really given us a boost here.
