Meet Our Founders

Jurian Wijnheijmer

🧪 A Scientist at Heart

My journey began in the world of microbiology. I am a molecular biologist heavily immersed in academic research, I study how microorganisms respond to antibiotics and stress. During my PhD I screened fungal extracts to find and develop new antibacterial drugs.

🍄 Enter the Mushroom

That’s when I started uncovering an astonishing range of bioactive compounds hidden within fungi—molecules with potential not just as antibiotics, but as neuroactive agents, immunomodulators, metabolic regulators, and more.

The deeper I went, the more fascinated I became. I fell headfirst into the rabbit hole of fungal chemistry, captivated by their evolutionary ingenuity and biochemical diversity. It was like discovering a hidden world—one teeming with solutions to problems in medicine, agriculture, nutrition, and sustainability.

Lion’s Mane, in particular, stood out to me. Brain-like in shape and function. Mysterious. Functional. Delicious. It was the perfect flagship species—one that connected everything I cared about: science, health, food, and nature.

🧱 Building MOGU's Mushroom Lab

With a modest investment and a lot of experimentation, I set up the first version of MOGU’s Mushroom Lab in the cellar of a restaurant in Amsterdam. I partnered with the restaurant owner to create a space where fungi could flourish—and where local chefs and curious customers could experience fresh, gourmet mushrooms straight from the source.

Our space is small (for now), but it’s mighty: a clean, climate-controlled cellar where we grow Lion’s Mane, run workshops, do research, and host mushroom lovers from around the city.