Magda Wolna, founder of SpareMeal

magda wolna headshot

Social entrepreneur Magda Wolna is a Researcher at the Nuffield Department of Medicine and founder of SpareMeal, a platform dedicated to ending food insecurity by connecting donors, restaurants, and beneficiaries. 

Through Magda's love for science and the desire to have direct interaction with people through her work, she developed her business idea by attending a number of entrepreneurship programmes and events, including the Ideas 2 Impact (I2I) and Oxford Venture Builder (OVB) programmes with the Entrepreneurship Centre at Saïd Business School, and #StartedinOxford Demo Night with EnSpire Oxford. These experiences opened her eyes to the world of entrepreneurship and the potential to serve society in a more direct and impactful way.

 

I am originally from Poland and grew up in a disadvantaged background. From a very young age, I knew I wanted to help others through scientific research, specifically in cancer drug discovery. This passion led me, along with my twin sister, to become the first in our family to attend university and pursue a career in science, focusing on research to make a positive impact on humanity.

I moved to Oxford in 2007, dedicating myself to scientific research to serve people. With over 15 years of experience in industry and academia, I have most recently worked on identifying novel combinatorial therapeutics to combat lung cancer.

sparemeal logo

I never set out to be an entrepreneur; it happened organically. The opportunity to create a social startup with a mission to combat food insecurity resonated deeply with my desire to help others. This transition from the lab to the entrepreneurial world allows me to follow my passion for social impact, creating solutions that can make a global difference. 

Entrepreneurship is about envisioning a better world, spotting hidden opportunities, and having the passion and determination to turn that vision into reality. It is about making a meaningful difference. 
 
I knew my idea was worth developing when my mentors gave positive feedback and recognized its value and potential impact.
 
Passion: Passion fuels the drive to innovate and persevere, providing the motivation to overcome challenges and stay committed to your vision.
Grit: Grit embodies resilience and determination, enabling entrepreneurs to push through setbacks and maintain focus on long-term goals despite obstacles.
Emotional Intelligence: Emotional intelligence is crucial for building strong relationships, understanding customer needs, and effectively leading and inspiring teams.
 
My favourite part of being an entrepreneur is the variety and constant learning. Every day is different, and I love the creativity involved in imagining a better world and solving real problems for people. Seeing the positive impact we make is incredibly rewarding.
 
Several companies inspire me, but the Saïd Business School is particularly special because they have been an essential part of my journey. Their support and resources have significantly shaped my entrepreneurial path and enabled me to pursue my vision of creating a positive social impact. Additionally, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation inspires me for their commitment to tackling some of the world's most pressing issues, such as global health, poverty alleviation, and education.
 
If I had 5 minutes with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, I would like to discuss their strategies for balancing large-scale impact with sustainable, community-driven solutions. I would also ask how they prioritize and select the initiatives they support and what advice they have for a social startup aiming to make a global difference.
 
My most satisfying moment in business was jumping into a new field and quickly learning both the technology and business aspects.
 
Luckily, there haven’t been any major mistakes. However, I have learned the importance of adapting to unexpected situations and being willing to test new ideas. Mistakes are valuable for learning quickly, as long as you don't repeat them. I also wish I had started this venture earlier. Resilience and careful initial analysis can prevent many potential failures.
 
So far, it is entirely self-funded, but I am now looking for investment to scale.
 
Oxford is incredibly inspiring, known for its international research and innovative spirit. The supportive ecosystem and local entrepreneur networks have been invaluable in starting my project. The vibrant academic environment and like-minded people make it a fantastic place for any entrepreneur.
 
If a new entrepreneur or startup based in Oxford came to me looking for entrepreneurship resources, I would highly recommend the following:
- Saïd Business School: The Ideas 2 Impact (I2I) programme is excellent for understanding key innovation and business concepts and expanding networks. The Oxford Venture Builder (OVB) programme offers great practical support in developing your business at the very early stages.
- Oxford Initiatives and Resources: EnSpire, the Skoll Centre, Oxford Seed Fund, OX1, OxLEP, OxWaves and Oxford University Innovation (OUI) provide valuable resources and support. Additionally, various local entrepreneur networks offer fantastic opportunities for learning and growth.
 
Be passionate about your work and see where it leads you.
 
You can keep up to date with Magda by following her on LinkedIn.

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