Leif Johansen

From the Kitchen Line to the Code Line

Leif Johansen’s journey to founding Plately wasn’t a straight line—it was a collection of experiences that all pointed to a single problem. His career began where many of our customers are today: in the demanding, fast-paced world of restaurants. Working in the heat of the kitchen, he gained a deep respect for the craft and a firsthand understanding of the immense pressures that owners and chefs face daily.

But Leif's curiosity extended beyond the kitchen. Armed with a Bachelor's degree in Marketing & Communications, he moved into the world of marketing and video production. Here, he learned the art of storytelling and saw how a powerful narrative and stunning visuals could transform a brand. He later honed this craft further, earning a Master's in Film Production, mastering the techniques that capture an audience's attention.

His path then led him through several tech startups, where he saw how innovative technology could solve complex problems and empower businesses. To bridge his vision with reality, Leif dove headfirst into a coding bootcamp, mastering the fundamentals of software development.

The "Aha!" Moment

It was at the intersection of these three worlds—food, storytelling, and technology—that Plately was born. Leif along with his co-founder Erika Man realized that food businesses were masters of their craft but lacked the time, budget, or marketing expertise to compete online. He saw a clear need for a tool that could combine compelling storytelling with intelligent technology, specifically for the food industry he knew so well.

Today, as the co-founder of Plately, Leif uses his diverse background to guide the company's vision. His experience gives him a unique empathy for our customers' challenges, ensuring that we are not just building software, but creating a genuine solution that gives restaurateurs their time back and their voices a platform. He remains driven by a love for technology and a passion for solving problems for the creators, chefs, and entrepreneurs who make the food world so vibrant