The Ferm boosts their growth plans and fuels its economic success through engagement programme.
With support from JPMorganChase and Newable through the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch programme, the Ferm receives one-to-one mentoring and expands their operations.
The programme, launched by JPMorganChase in 2023, offers a valuable opportunity to connect diverse women-owned businesses in London with mentoring opportunities from JPMorganChase employees. As the partner helping to roll out this programme, we at Newable are committed to understanding and supporting the unique journeys of these businesses. By helping them build their goals, the programme aims to enhance their pitching skills, expand their networks and secure funding to support their investment plans.
The below case study demonstrates how Rebecca Ghim, Co-founder of The Ferm benefitted from being involved in the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch programme.
The Ferm: Innovative Fermented Food Producer
The Ferm is a pioneering food company that is revolutionising the way we approach food waste and sustainable consumption. Their mission is to transform commonly discarded byproducts, such as cauliflower leaves and broccoli stalks, into a wide range of fermented, probiotic-rich foods that are not only delicious but also highly nutritious.
At the heart of The Ferm’s vision is the creation of a circular economy within the UK food systems, one that is more self-sufficient and culturally diverse. By utilising all parts of the harvest, they aim to normalise the incorporation of often-overlooked ingredients into our diets, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
The Ferm’s core product line includes a diverse array of fermented delicacies, with a particular emphasis on their authentically crafted artisan kimchi. Handmade with love and expertise, their Korean pickles are a true celebration of flavours, combining the by products from restaurants and catering companies with traditional fermentation techniques to create gut-friendly, planet-loving and waste-hating delicacies.
Business growth opportunities
The Ferm’s innovative approach to transforming food waste into nutrient-rich fermented products has garnered significant attention and interest. However, as with any growing business, there are opportunities to seize to drive economic growth and improve access to opportunities.
This programme has brought together the resources to help business owners overcome obstacles such as capital, customers and connections.
One of The Ferm’s primary challenges was finding suitable manufacturers capable of producing their artisanal fermented products at scale. Together with negotiating favourable margins with retailers and wholesalers, sourcing larger and more efficient suppliers as demand for their products continues to grow, and finally, raising investment as they look to expand their operations and reach new markets.
In September 2023, Rebecca Ghim, Co-founder of The Ferm, applied to participate in the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch programme to help with her business growth and investment journey.
Throughout, The Ferm was supported by a Newable Business Adviser. “Their workshops and mentorship was game-changing!” said Rebecca. The company advanced to the final stage, where Rebecca pitched her business to a panel of JPMorganChase experts, an investor and a female entrepreneur. She ultimately won the competition with two others and gained a cash prize of £5k.
“The programme has connected me to brilliant and kind people who truly wanted me to excel, and it gave me the boost I needed to move forward with my business. The workshops and mentorship was game-changing”, commented Rebecca.
Impact of the programme
The programme unlocks the full potential of women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs who need support to grow their businesses. The Ferm built a strong financial future, drove its social mobility and increased its economic resilience by refining its pitch deck and gaining confidence in pitching in front of a wider audience. The mentoring from the JPMorganChase experts was extremely helpful in understanding the company’s direction and strengths.
Rebecca said “All of the insights were relevant and the network was also helpful. I was able to read the audience and mirror their energy during the pitch, which is just as important as delivering the content itself.”
Since attending the programme, The Ferm has continued to work with its JPMorganChase and Newable advisers to support its business journey and growth plans. The company has also found new premises and bought new machines to improve its margins when working with wholesalers.