Startups @ HSWT | Part 59: apeice

Julia and Joshua Bischoff from Munich founded the organic ice cream catering company apeice and serve guests at events with ice cream from their Piaggio Ape three-wheeler. Their philosophy focuses on sustainability and quality. Their tip for aspiring entrepreneurs: Dare to believe in your own idea.

What makes apeice's offer 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 contain real Bourbon vanilla and real chocolate, and we avoid artificial flavors, flavor enhancers, and other unnecessary additives. Some of our customers have complained that the ice cream doesn't taste artificial enough. But that's precisely where the difference lies, the difference that's so important to us: natural ingredients, no chemical additives.

What role does HSWT play for your startup?

Thanks to HSWT and FSIWS , we've had the opportunity to experiment with our own production alongside our organic ice cream catering business. The infrastructure available to us here has allowed us to purchase our own machinery and install it in the technical center. We wouldn't have dared to take this step so soon after founding the company on our own. Thank you!

What other plans do you have for apeice?

Thanks to our production facilities and in-house machinery, we are developing our own product, which we intend to position primarily through retail channels rather than direct sales in the long term. We are currently working intensively on the appropriate packaging and aim to begin production soon. We plan to launch in 2026 and then be available through our first distribution partners.

What lessons would you like to share with other founders?

Dare to believe in your idea. Don't let skeptics and opposition discourage you. Taking the step to start your own business means leaving the "normal" and familiar path most people take. Often, outsiders can't initially relate to your personal development or self-realization – naturally, you might encounter some resistance at first. But see it as motivation and seek out people who think like you. Networking with other startups at FSIWS was a real confidence booster for us.