From UCL neuroscientist to food entrepreneur

Olivia Wollenberg (BSc Psychology, MSc Cognitive Neuroscience) founded Livia’s, the fastest growing free-from treat brand. Her indulgent snacks are stocked in Tesco, Waitrose and Sainsbury’s.

It was after Olivia completed her Cognitive Neuroscience MSc at UCL (a research-led degree programme looking at mental processes in the human brain) that her career took an unexpected path. Whilst she was studying, Olivia was diagnosed with severe food intolerances. Olivia’s new diet meant she could not eat the sweet things that were available in the shops. So, she started making her own.

In 2014, Olivia launched her startup, Livia’s. Livia’s was a pioneer in plant-based and natural foods and at the forefront of a burgeoning market. Today, product innovation remains the driving force behind Livia’s, and the business now has a turnover of over £1 million.

UCL has been proud to support Olivia’s entrepreneurial journey. She won £12,000 in seed funding while on a UCL Innovation & Enterprise business course and was awarded a place at the Hatchery, UCL’s startup incubator programme.

Learn more about Livia’s at www.livias.co.uk/