With How I Like you get a refrigerator in the office that is filled with new food and beverages at least twice a week. Organic, vegetarian and vegan are all no problem. They call themselves “the healthy canteen on one square meter”. Sven Forgber (on the picture below right) told us how the idea came about. He is the managing director and co-founder of How I Like and from now on is revolutionizing the food offering in offices with the intelligent refrigerator.

Viking : How did the idea of ​​founding How I Like come about?

My co-founder and I had the problem in our previous job, that we had to provide ourselves with food during the work breaks and that there were poor or no opportunities in the area. We noticed that not only did we have this problem, but that many people in their workplaces do not have sufficient supply options. Be it due to a lack of space, the location of the workplace or because there are no healthy alternatives on site.

Viking : What obstacles were there to overcome?

You can now think again “What exactly are obstacles or challenges?”. Being a small team with big visions has been an obstacle for us. You start with limited resources, have a big goal in mind and then have the challenge of not being able to meet demand immediately. And finally, of course, partners, such as To convince producers or customers of the idea, especially with innovations like ours.

Viking : What has been the biggest success of your career so far?

That we can inspire others with our idea and thus get the right people on board. With our expensive hardware, we are of course dependent on investors. As a result, every new successful round of financing feels like a small win.

Viking : What is your favorite office item that you couldn’t do without?

When you think of office items, everyone thinks of paper clips, but for us, it is very clear Post-Its. Because we do a lot of brainstorming, bring the ideas into the room and then work with them. We just can’t do it without post-its.

Viking : Who is your business role model and why?

Maybe a bit typical, but Jeff Bezos. Not only because he created something revolutionary, but also stands for having sat in a small office. We also started the idea for How I Like in a 13 m² office. And just like he once said: “The common question that gets asked in business is, ‘why?’ That’s a good question, but an equally valid question is, ‘why not?’”, I ask myself and my employees too I like the question: “Why not?” I find it admirable to develop yourself as you can.

Viking : How do you switch off after a day at work?

I think my family is my most important balance. After all, women and children are also compatible with startup life. It doesn’t have to be either or. And I mean, what could be nicer than sitting on the terrace with your wife and child again soon, enjoying a good steak and a beer in your hand?

Viking : What advice would you give someone who wants to start their own business with an idea?

That’s two pieces of advice to be precise. First of all, I would seek the opinion of industry experts and experts. And then you should move on to action promptly. The best idea is useless if it is not implemented.

Viking : What future plans are there for How I Like?

Our vision is to revolutionize the nutrition of employees so that they can eat healthily and easily while work. In the next few years we would like to make this possible throughout Germany. And then we’ll see where we’re headed. I’m curious myself.