Vini Mini

Vini Mini is an Amsterdam-based startup operating in the preventive child healthcare sector, specifically focusing on the early introduction of allergens to infants to prevent the development of food allergies. The company was co-founded by Laurie Lancee and Jozien Boersma, friends who met during their studies 20 years prior and who both have over 15 years of experience at established consumer brands like Heineken and Danone. The inspiration for Vini Mini stemmed from Lancee's personal and traumatic experience when her six-month-old son, Viggo, had a severe anaphylactic shock reaction to eggs. This event motivated the founders to create a solution to spare other parents from similar ordeals.

The company's business model is centered on the direct-to-consumer sale of nutritional supplements through its e-commerce platform, with plans for expansion into retail and international markets. Vini Mini addresses a significant and growing health challenge, as research indicates that up to 80% of food allergies can be prevented by introducing allergens to babies early and regularly. The target market includes parents of the five million babies born annually in Europe.

Vini Mini's product line consists of meticulously developed kits for introducing allergens such as peanuts, hazelnuts, cashew nuts, and walnuts. These products come in the form of powders in precisely dosed capsules or sachets, which can be easily mixed into a baby's food. The company offers "Startkits" for the initial introduction and "Follow-up kits" to ensure regular exposure over a six-month period. They also provide snacks as another method of administration. A key feature is a questionnaire, developed with a pediatric allergist, to help parents determine the appropriate introduction schedule based on their baby's risk profile (e.g., presence of eczema). This scientific and structured approach provides a safe and reliable method for parents, a stark contrast to the uncertainty of measuring allergens like peanut butter at home.

Founded in 2021, the company has achieved significant milestones, including securing a €500k seed funding round in early 2024 from investors such as Antler, the Donor Impact Investment Fund, and Rabobank. This followed a win at the FEM-START Up Awards in 2023. The funding is allocated to market expansion and strategic hires in sales and marketing. Vini Mini also demonstrates a commitment to social impact, setting aside 10% of its proceeds to make its products accessible to less affluent parents. Keywords: food allergy prevention, infant nutrition, allergen introduction, pediatric healthcare, baby food supplements, direct-to-consumer, e-commerce, nut allergy, peanut allergy, child wellness, early allergen exposure, infant health, food supplements, Dutch startup, female founders, impact investing, baby products, eczema, anaphylaxis prevention