Bringing Startup Value through IP

What if the future of coffee starts with a different kind of bean?

Ghent-based foodtech startup Koppie is rethinking one of the world’s most familiar drinks by transforming locally available legumes into coffee-like ingredients through fermentation and roasting. At the heart of the company is its patented flavour-modulation technology — making Koppie a fascinating example of how intellectual property can help turn food innovation into a scalable business. 

Pascal Mertens is co-founder of Ghent-based foodtech company Koppie, which he founded together with Daan Raemdonck in 2022. Koppie has developed an innovative technology that transforms locally available legumes, including yellow peas, into a sustainable coffee alternative through fermenting and roasting. The result can be enjoyed on its own or blended with traditional coffee to create hybrid coffee products.

At the heart of the company is a patented flavour-modulation technology designed to recreate the characteristic taste experience of coffee. This combination of technology, intellectual property and market potential makes Koppie an interesting example of how IP can contribute to the value and scalability of a foodtech startup.

Pascal will share Koppie’s entrepreneurial journey and his insights into how intellectual property can help build and protect startup value during the “From Start to Scale” afternoon session at FXT26 on Thursday, 24 September, from 15:00 to 18:00. His session: “Bringing Startup Value through IP.”