
The foundation of this business is deeply personal. As a mother of five, I’ve navigated the baby food selection process countless times and consistently found that commercial options rarely meet the standard of what I’d make at home. Feeding a child highlights the importance of setting the stage for lifelong healthy habits, making freshness and organic quality essential.
It’s hard to overlook that many baby food products on store shelves, whether labeled as organic or not, are often older than the babies themselves and sometimes predate pregnancy. These products are typically cooked at high temperatures, which strips them of nutrients, natural flavors, and textures, while potentially increasing sugar content—a worrying factor amid rising childhood obesity. Little Tummy offers precisely what I felt was missing in the market.
As an angel investor, I quickly recognized the potential of this venture to transform daily routines for parents. Little Tummy’s founders, Dr. Sophie Niedermaier-Patramani and Nadine Hellmann, have a vision that I fully support. Their aim is not just to provide a high-quality product but to foster a supportive community for mothers. I’m honored to contribute both as an investor and actively, sharing my insights and experiences as both a mother and an entrepreneur.
Cooking is an activity I only take on with my children. It becomes a joyful, collaborative experience, especially when making favorites like Pel’meni, Russian ravioli. My daughter Neva is the patient one, while her brothers prefer making desserts we can decorate together. These moments aren’t just about food; they’re the ideal setting for discussions on healthy habits, helping to establish those from an early age.
Realistically, though, I know how difficult it can be for working parents to prioritize these moments regularly. Although studies suggest parents have less time than ever, there’s a resurgence in home cooking, perhaps a renewed recognition of the importance of personally preparing healthy meals.
Being a mother is both a constant challenge and a continuous joy. Each day brings new discoveries, and my children’s varying ages mean I experience all stages of growth simultaneously. Each phase, with its unique dramas and triumphs, ensures our home is never dull. Though I always dreamed of a big family, my love for babies has been a central part of my life. Their openness, enthusiasm, and the simple, honest connections they form with others bring irreplaceable joy.
Living in Paris adds a special dimension. It’s a city that combines coziness with a global atmosphere—ideal for raising children. There’s always something engaging to do, and my kids benefit from friendships with peers worldwide. For this, I am grateful to Paris; it truly enriches their lives.
Becoming a young mother meant sacrifices. I missed out on certain personal milestones and had little time to explore my individuality. Yet, each of my children has added to my life rather than taken from it. The love, fulfillment, and pride I feel as a mother are unmatched, despite the complexities.
Parenthood is a journey that encourages self-improvement. You grow every day, but for mothers, time is the constant adversary—something we all wish for more of. This is a significant reason why I support Little Tummy, to make motherhood as enriching as possible.
In addition to my efforts with Elbi, a platform championing global charities, I recently joined the board of Flo, a health-tracking app for women that’s now the world’s largest online community for women’s health. With Little Tummy, I felt it was time to support mothers in a more direct way, providing a convenient solution for fresh, nutritious baby food they might not have time to prepare. My focus remains clear: investing in female-centered businesses and using technology to offer women, mothers, and children spaces that nurture and represent them fully.