Exclusive interview with Sobatech founder Gilian Lekner

In this exclusive interview, Gilian Lekner, founder and CEO of Sobatech, shares his entrepreneurial journey, the origins of Sobatech, and his vision for advancing continuous mixing technology in the global food processing industry.

Meet Gilian Lekner - founder & CEO of Sobatech

Q: Can you introduce yourself and your role at Sobatech

My name is Gilian Lekner, founder and CEO of Sobatech. Although I hold the title of CEO, we operate with a flat organizational structure. I am actively involved in multiple departments, including R&D and sales, and I take on a leadership role only when needed. At Sobatech, collaboration and shared responsibility define our day-to-day operations.

A journey of innovation and entrepreneurship 

Q: When did you start your first business?

I launched my first company in 1984, at the age of 24. Back then, entrepreneurship was more accessible if you were willing to take risks and put in the work. Today, new businesses face more complex regulations and global considerations beyond just product development.

Q: What inspired you to become an entrepreneur?

Entrepreneurship, for me, is not a goal but a mindset. I was not driven by formal education or credentials, I was driven by a vision. That vision did not align with traditional paths, so I carved out my own by creating value through innovation and independent thinking.

How Sobatech Started: From Automation to Food Processing

Q: What led you to the food processing industry?

It happened by chance. My background spans industrial automation, machinery, and even sold airplanes for a while. My core technical expertise was in fail-safe electrical and hydraulic systems. While working in these sectors, I came across industrial bakeries and noticed a gap.

Q: How did you go from visiting industrial bakeries to founding Sobatech?

I realized that bakery production was largely batch-oriented, even though upstream processes were fully industrial and continuous. This mismatch motivated me to immerse myself in continuous mixing, a more automated, consistent, and scalable solution for food production. That idea became the foundation of Sobatech.

For over 17 years, I have been fully committed to Sobatech. I find food endlessly fascinating, ingredients behave like living organisms, changing daily. That variability demands a smarter, more controlled approach to mixing, which is exactly what we offer.

The core values that drive Sobatech

Q: How would you describe Sobatech's company values in two words?

At Sobatech, innovation is a fundamental priority. Operating in a high-cost region, we recognize that continuous innovation, advanced design, and cutting-edge technology are essential to remain competitive and deliver meaningful value to our customers. From the very beginning, this commitment to innovation has been central to our identity.

Equally important is the value of freedom. By this, we mean fostering a culture where team members have the autonomy to structure their work and take ownership of their responsibilities. As long as our collective goals are met, we trust our employees to determine how best to achieve them. This approach is supported by our flat organizational structure, something we are committed to preserving as we grow, ensuring that agility, collaboration, and independence remain part of our DNA.

Product development and technical inspiration

Q: Where did you find inspiration for developing your first products

I have always had a deep-rooted passion for engineering and a strong curiosity about how natural systems function. This interest naturally translated into a drive to create machinery that reflects and respects those principles. From the beginning, I have been highly motivated to push the boundaries of innovation, particularly in the field of food processing technology.

Interestingly, some of the best ideas came to me spontaneously, often during moments of travel. I remember sketching early concepts for Sobatech’s systems on air sickness bags while flying. Creativity often strikes in unexpected ways, and I have always tried to capture those ideas whenever and wherever they arise.

Lessons learned from a lifetime of innovation

Q: With the experience you have today, what advice would you give to your 25-year-old self?

While it is admirable to believe your product can make a positive impact on the world, it is essential to ensure it also delivers tangible value to the customer. A product, no matter how innovative, must address a clear and specific need in the market. Without that alignment, even the most well-intentioned developments are unlikely to succeed commercially.

Q: What milestones do you still hope to achieve in your career?

There is not a particular milestone that stands out. I have already experienced far more than I ever envisioned. That said, I strive to ensure that, when the time comes to reflect on my journey, I can confidently say I made the most of the knowledge and experience I was given, and that I used it to contribute meaningfully to the world around me.

Final thoughts: advice to future entrepreneurs

Q: What message would you share with aspiring entrepreneurs around the world?

Never take success, or opportunity, for granted. Life will inevitably bring both highs and lows. I have always taught my children that in times of prosperity, it is important to remember the effort and resilience it took to overcome moments of adversity.

True success is rarely the result of a single breakthrough. It is earned through dedication, hard work, and unwavering commitment to your vision. Stay focused, remain humble, and never lose sight of the persistence required to turn ambition into lasting impact.