Manchester entrepreneur launches coffee-roasting startup with an East African twist

A Manchester-based entrepreneur and former psychological therapist has launched his own coffee-roasting and delivery startup.

Robel Iyassu has invested a five-figure sum into Boun Beans, a digital firm that combines his knowledge and love of coffee with traditional hand-roasting methods seen in households across Ethiopia and Eritrea, East Africa.

Operating from BounBeans.com, the company hand-roasts, grinds and delivers coffee to order and represents Robel’s first foray into the startup community.

Speaking to Bdaily, he commented: “We’re new and we want to bring the family culture that surrounds our coffee and our methods to the whole of the UK.”

Robel, who originates from Eritrea, explained that in Ethiopian and Eritrean households, mothers roast and grind beans for use in a coffee ceremony, during which the coffee is drank in three rounds from a traditional cup.

Speaking further, Robel said: “We’re roasting our coffee beans in the traditional East African way.

“This is my first business and I’ve basically gone into what I love. My main aim with Boun Beans is to share my love of coffee while distinguishing the brand from market leaders by maintaining lower prices without sacrificing quality.”

Now, Robel hopes to get the grow the business from a startup to a nationally recognised brand, expanding its operations further afield while creating jobs locally.