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Kiel Start-up Spotlight: MySpirulina – from accelerator to the TV Stage
A superfood with huge potential that has yet to make much of an impact in everyday life: spirulina. The Kiel-based start-up MySpirulina makes it possible to grow this microalgae at home – it’s simple, smart and available fresh every day.
MySpirulina was founded by Ben Schwedhelm, Sara Farzaneh, Jan Thode and Yannic Lott with the vision of making nutrition more sustainable and making it easier to access fresh superfoods. A lot has happened since our last Kiel Start-up Spotlight featuring MySpirulina in June 2025:
MySpirulina recently attracted particular attention following its appearance on the TV show "Die Höhle der Löwen" (episode of 30 March 2026), during which the team was able to present its vision and product to investors and the whole of Germany.
The team is currently also taking part in the second round of our accelerator programme, KielRegion.Accelerates, where they are continuing to work on scaling their idea and the next stage of growth.
With its smart farm, MySpirulina demonstrates how innovative food tech solutions from Kiel can open up new avenues for nutrition, sustainability and conscious consumption – a real boost for start-ups in Kiel!
We took the opportunity to speak to the team in more detail and asked them six questions specifically about their participation in KielRegion.Accelerates.
Why did you apply to KielRegion.Accelerates?
We applied in order to find targeted support and opportunities for collaboration here in the region as we take our next steps – particularly in the areas of scaling up and sales.
What lessons or insights have helped you progress the most so far?
The monthly meet-ups provided a good foundation. For us personally, the fundraising aspect was particularly interesting, as it gave us some useful ideas to take away for our own planning.
Was there a particular moment or piece of feedback that was a real game-changer for you?
We didn’t receive any classic ‘game-changing’ feedback in that sense. However, the unfiltered insights into the world of venture capital were both fascinating and valuable. It was made very clear to us once again that the VC route isn’t automatically the right fit for every start-up, and that in reality it often looks very different from what one might imagine from the outside.
What are you most looking forward to in the coming weeks leading up to the final?
We’re looking forward to a great finale at our joint closing event and, of course, to heading straight to the Waterkant Festival with everyone afterwards.
Would you recommend the accelerator to other start-ups – and if so, why?
Yes. The programme provides an excellent foundation for gaining a better understanding of the local network and connecting with relevant stakeholders.
Thanks to KielRegion.Accelerates, we’ve made valuable contacts who are helping us on the road to launch, clarifying key issues and consistently providing excellent feedback.
Ben Schwedhelm
Founder of MySpirulina
What kind of support would you like right now to help you continue to grow?
Now that our product is finalised, we are focusing entirely on sales and marketing. We are currently in the process of bringing on board suitable influencers and further expanding our sales channels. Anyone who can support us in this area with specific contacts or experience is always welcome.
Would you like to find out more about MySpirulina, or are you able to support the start-up with your network and expertise?
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