Architecture Graduate Wins 2021/22 Young Innovator Award

Architecture graduate Tendai completed his studies in 2012 and went on to take an industrial placement before continuing on with further study. In 2019, three years into his career in the construction industry, he embarked on the development of the business idea for Veafy.

During this period, Tendai identified a gap in the market for a specialist meal delivery business, and took immediate action due to a limited window of opportunity. Launching in November 2020 under a different name, he transitioned the business to become Veafy in August 2021.

Using the designs skills he developed while studying architecture, his business concept caught attention, as well as his innovative approach to designing the branding, product packaging, website and logo for the business himself; also enabling him to make significant savings on start-up costs.

Veafy is an online food business which cooks and delivers African-inspired, 100% plant-based ready meals to households across the UK. After launching with two meals, Veafy has since extended its product range to nine meals, many of which are based on traditional dishes from across Africa. His company’s two missions are: to raise the profile of African cuisine across the UK and to encourage accessible ‘plant-forward’ eating habits.

Tendai’s successful application for a Young Innovators Award means that Innovate UK will be providing a grant of £5,000 to support the development of his idea.