Techstars

Mercado Único is a B2B platform that connects suppliers and buyers in the consumer goods industry. It specializes in the distribution and management of near-expiration and slow-moving products, offering these items at discounted prices. The platform uses artificial intelligence to facilitate transactions between manufacturers/distributors and retailers/distributors, helping suppliers reduce waste and disposal costs.

Katapulte offers financial services tailored for small businesses, focusing on their working capital needs. The company provides loans, funding solutions, and financial advice, helping consumer packaged goods (CPG) businesses secure necessary funding without sacrificing equity in the early stages of growth. By comparing various funding options, Katapulte aims to facilitate equitable access to financial resources, enabling small businesses to scale effectively.

GroceryList is a B2B2C online grocery ordering platform that facilitates purchases for customers in Canada, the USA, and the UK, who wish to send groceries, household essentials, and personal care items to their loved ones in Latin America and the Caribbean. The company partners with local stores in these territories to offer a wide range of products, with real-time order tracking for convenience. Currently, the service is available in Jamaica.

Direct-to-consumer bedding brand

Saral is a comprehensive business platform designed to empower female homepreneurs by facilitating the marketing of their products from home. It connects these entrepreneurs, primarily in the fast-moving consumer goods sector, with local retailers through a matching algorithm that identifies suitable retail partners. Additionally, Saral offers support through dedicated sales and delivery teams, ensuring that homepreneurs can effectively complete the sales and fulfillment process. This approach enables women entrepreneurs to expand their customer reach while managing their businesses from the comfort of their homes.

Five Letter Foods specializes in producing innovative, nutritious dog food that prioritizes health and sustainability. The company offers a variety of whole foods, including probiotics and vegetables, while avoiding traditional ultra-processed kibble. Their products are designed to replicate the benefits of raw food without the ethical concerns associated with animal slaughter. By utilizing fermentation techniques, Five Letter Foods enhances nutrient digestibility, and employs cultivated meat to provide proteins and fats in a cruelty-free manner. This approach not only promotes the well-being of dogs but also significantly reduces the carbon footprint associated with food production. Through seasonal harvesting and the use of by-products from other food producers, Five Letter Foods aims to deliver fresh, healthy meals that meet the dietary needs of dogs while fostering a more sustainable food system.

Ourside is a Techstars portfolio company. Ourside is creating the fragrance house for the future and disrupting a $47B category. Scent for self-care and connection based on self-love and community.

Packworks is a Philippines-based company that offers an end-to-end platform aimed at supporting micro-entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia. By providing a comprehensive solution that integrates enterprise resource planning (ERP), fintech services, and data analytics, Packworks helps small businesses enhance their operational efficiency and resilience. The platform addresses various challenges, including sales monitoring, dispatching, and logistics, enabling users to gain insights into their operations and make informed decisions. With a focus on empowering micro-entrepreneurs, Packworks connects them with business tools, financial products, and fast-moving consumer goods companies, ultimately fostering growth and sustainability in their enterprises.

High Time Foods specializes in producing shelf-stable, plant-based meat alternatives designed for foodservice operators. Their initial offering is a moldable chicken substitute that does not require refrigeration, making it versatile for various cuisines. The company aims to provide nutritious and cost-effective options while addressing challenges faced by markets with limited cold supply chain infrastructure. By offering these innovative products, High Time Foods enables customers to adopt sustainable practices, ultimately contributing to a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.

Big Fan provides brand positioning and brand guidelines services. They also provide website development, app design, social media, research, website design, packaging, and retail services.

Femly LLC, established in 2016 and based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, specializes in manufacturing and distributing eco-friendly feminine hygiene care products. Its offerings include organic cotton tampons, day and night pads, menstrual cups, and related items, all designed to be environmentally sustainable and non-toxic. Femly provides direct-to-consumer services through a monthly subscription and online ordering platform, with home delivery options. Additionally, it supplies restrooms at various organizations, such as hotels, co-working spaces, and colleges. The company's products are available for purchase exclusively through its online platform.

Femly LLC, established in 2016 and based in Upper Marlboro, Maryland, specializes in manufacturing and distributing eco-friendly feminine hygiene care products. Its offerings include organic cotton tampons, day and night pads, menstrual cups, and related items, all designed to be environmentally sustainable and non-toxic. Femly provides direct-to-consumer services through a monthly subscription and online ordering platform, with home delivery options. Additionally, it supplies restrooms at various organizations, such as hotels, co-working spaces, and colleges. The company's products are available for purchase exclusively through its online platform.

UMA is a company that specializes in two distinct business areas. Primarily, it offers a range of skincare and wellness oil products. Additionally, UMA has developed a game-based learning platform, focusing on creating engaging educational experiences for pre-teens and teens. This platform currently offers a mobile game that teaches algebra and mathematical concepts in an applied and visual manner. UMA's long-term goal is to expand this platform to cover all core school subjects and critical skills through interactive gaming.

Packworks is a Philippines-based company that offers an end-to-end platform aimed at supporting micro-entrepreneurs in Southeast Asia. By providing a comprehensive solution that integrates enterprise resource planning (ERP), fintech services, and data analytics, Packworks helps small businesses enhance their operational efficiency and resilience. The platform addresses various challenges, including sales monitoring, dispatching, and logistics, enabling users to gain insights into their operations and make informed decisions. With a focus on empowering micro-entrepreneurs, Packworks connects them with business tools, financial products, and fast-moving consumer goods companies, ultimately fostering growth and sustainability in their enterprises.

Vervet is a manufacturing company that specializes in the production and distribution of craft canned cocktails. The company aims to provide consumers with bartender-crafted drinks that incorporate house-made bitters, vermouth, and Amari sourced from California farms. By offering these high-quality beverages in a convenient format, Vervet seeks to bring the experience of craft cocktail bars to a portable setting, allowing customers to enjoy their favorite cocktails on various occasions.

Milky Way AI specializes in developing computer vision-driven software that provides real-time store analytics for fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) and consumer packaged goods (CPG) companies. Their platform allows sales, marketing, and operations teams to swiftly access and act on crucial marketing and distribution insights. By utilizing innovative technology to gather shelf data, Milky Way AI enhances retail management processes, helping auditors save time and optimize product availability and merchandising. This capability enables brands and retailers to gain valuable marketing insights through the simple act of taking photos with the software, ultimately improving sales performance and operational efficiency in physical retail environments.

Pesky Fish is rebuilding the global seafood supply chain through technology and transparency. The company's platform sells fresh seafood that is purchased straight from fishermen's boats. It allows customers to buy nutritious, fresh meat and create a tasty meal at a low cost.

Curie London Ltd. is a skincare company founded in 2019 and headquartered in London, United Kingdom. The company specializes in providing an online platform that allows individuals to create personalized skincare products using natural, plastic-free ingredients. By promoting eco-friendly packaging, Curie aims to empower users to tailor their skincare routines to their specific needs while supporting sustainability. The brand attracts eco-conscious consumers who are interested in both the quality and the environmental impact of their skincare choices.

Fly By Jing Inc. is a food manufacturer based in Los Angeles, California, specializing in authentic Chinese flavors. Established in 2018, the company produces a range of products, including chili crisp, dumpling sauce, spice mixes, and other chili-based condiments. Fly By Jing emphasizes the use of high-quality ingredients to create flavorful sauces that reflect traditional Chinese street food while offering a modern twist. The brand aims to connect people through real food experiences, promoting a culinary journey that is both spicy and satisfying.

Arpalus is an Israeli startup based in Caesarea that specializes in enhancing the shopping experience for retailers and consumer packaged goods manufacturers through augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI). The company has developed a platform that utilizes computer vision to analyze store shelves and provides a smartphone app for staff to scan physical shelves. This app detects out-of-stock products, assesses planogram compliance, and categorizes products using AR, providing insights into individual product details and SKU levels. By enabling retailers to optimize shelf space and improve product placements, Arpalus helps enhance inventory management and ultimately boosts customer satisfaction and sales.

Slice of Sauce specializes in producing handmade, gluten-free, and non-GMO condiments designed to enhance various food items such as burgers, sandwiches, and wraps. The company offers a unique product in the form of thickened condiment slices that resemble and are packaged like American cheese. These individually wrapped condiment packets provide a bold flavor while utilizing all-natural ingredients, allowing consumers to enjoy their meals without the mess associated with traditional bottled condiments. By transforming conventional condiments into portioned slices, Slice of Sauce aims to deliver a cleaner and more convenient dining experience.

Gastrograph, developed by Analytical Flavor Systems, is an AI-driven platform designed to assist packaged food companies in navigating the challenges of a competitive market characterized by high product failure rates. By moving beyond traditional tasting panels, Gastrograph employs a flavor profile engine that predicts how new food products will perform across various markets and demographic groups. This sensory analytics software enables food producers to understand consumer preferences, refine their product development processes, and optimize production to minimize flaws. As consumer tastes evolve rapidly, Gastrograph provides valuable insights that help food and beverage businesses align their offerings with market demands, ultimately enhancing their chances of success.

Chef Connie is a Canadian meal kit provider founded in 2018 by Aidan Nulman. The company specializes in assisting kitchens by planning and publishing menus through an integrated tool. It offers a flexible menu system that frequently updates, often on a weekly or even daily basis, to cater to the diverse needs and preferences of diners. Additionally, Chef Connie has developed a conversational cooking assistant that helps users navigate recipes by answering questions step-by-step, either through screens or voice assistants. This innovative approach supports both home cooks and commercial kitchens in enhancing their culinary experiences.

Pesky Fish is rebuilding the global seafood supply chain through technology and transparency. The company's platform sells fresh seafood that is purchased straight from fishermen's boats. It allows customers to buy nutritious, fresh meat and create a tasty meal at a low cost.

Aunt Flow Corp. is a manufacturer and supplier of menstrual products, focusing on providing access to high-quality hygiene items for individuals who menstruate. Founded in 2018 and based in Columbus, Ohio, the company offers a range of products, including tampons and pads made from 100% organic cotton, as well as additional merchandise such as clothing and accessories. Aunt Flow emphasizes sustainability by producing biodegradable products and operates a unique model where for every tampon purchased, a tampon is donated to someone in need within the United States. The company sells its products directly to consumers online and partners with businesses and schools to make menstrual products available at no charge through free-vend dispensers, ensuring that all individuals have access to essential hygiene products.

Renewal Mill is an ingredients company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2016, that focuses on reducing food waste by upcycling byproducts from food manufacturing. The company specializes in transforming okara, a byproduct of soymilk production, into high-quality ingredients such as gluten-free flour, which is rich in protein and fiber. Renewal Mill also produces consumer packaged goods, including a vegan okara chocolate chip cookie. Its products are available for purchase online and are distributed in convenience stores and tech company offices throughout the Bay Area, with plans for nationwide distribution. By utilizing its proprietary technology and establishing partnerships with food manufacturers, Renewal Mill aims to create a circular economy in the food industry that enhances nutrition and combats health issues like heart disease and obesity.

Milkful, LLC specializes in the manufacture and marketing of nutritional snack bars designed specifically for nursing mothers. Founded in 2014 and based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Milkful produces lactation oat bars that are rich in natural ingredients known as galactagogues, including rolled oats, brewers yeast, flax seeds, black sesame seeds, and various nuts. These ingredients are selected for their potential to enhance breast milk production. The bars are sweetened with brown rice syrup and honey, ensuring a delicious taste while providing essential nutrients. Milkful’s products are available for purchase online, catering to the dietary needs of nursing moms seeking convenient and wholesome snack options.

ZEGO is an online marketplace that provides foods made from organic seeds and fruits that makes allergy and gluten safety. It provides ZEGO Bars, JustFruit Bars, and FruitChia Bars. ZEGO is a U.S.-based company that was founded in 2010 by Jonathan Shambroom and Colleen Kavanagh.

ZEGO is an online marketplace that provides foods made from organic seeds and fruits that makes allergy and gluten safety. It provides ZEGO Bars, JustFruit Bars, and FruitChia Bars. ZEGO is a U.S.-based company that was founded in 2010 by Jonathan Shambroom and Colleen Kavanagh.

Freshline is an eCommerce and fulfillment platform that facilitates direct-to-consumer sales for perishable food suppliers. Originally launched in 2016 as Coastline, a seafood marketplace connecting fish farms and fisheries to high-end restaurants, the company was developed over four years to establish seafood supply chains from regions such as Japan, Mexico, and Vietnam into North America. By achieving approximately $4 million in annual revenue, the founders identified an opportunity during the COVID-19 pandemic to pivot to Freshline. The platform aims to simplify the complexities of food supply chains, enabling suppliers of all sizes to compete effectively in a digital marketplace. Freshline's software enhances accessibility to quality food ingredients, helping sellers increase sales, streamline operations, and save time.

Hazel is a personal care brand focused on addressing the issue of female incontinence through innovative disposable underwear designed specifically for women. The company emphasizes fit, function, and aesthetics, utilizing new materials and techniques to create a product that resembles traditional underwear while offering the practicality of disposability. By incorporating natural fibers, Hazel aims to provide women with a discreet, fashionable, and functional alternative, ultimately enhancing their confidence. The brand is set to launch its products later this fall, catering to a growing market in the realm of women's health and personal care.

Gastrograph, developed by Analytical Flavor Systems, is an AI-driven platform designed to assist packaged food companies in navigating the challenges of a competitive market characterized by high product failure rates. By moving beyond traditional tasting panels, Gastrograph employs a flavor profile engine that predicts how new food products will perform across various markets and demographic groups. This sensory analytics software enables food producers to understand consumer preferences, refine their product development processes, and optimize production to minimize flaws. As consumer tastes evolve rapidly, Gastrograph provides valuable insights that help food and beverage businesses align their offerings with market demands, ultimately enhancing their chances of success.

Gastrozentrale is an online B2B marketplace specializing in kitchen technology and catering equipment. It serves a diverse clientele, ranging from small food stands to large canteen kitchens, by providing a wide array of products such as napkins, industrial refrigerators, and patio heaters. The platform simplifies the procurement process for caterers by offering a comprehensive selection of supplies essential for the catering industry, including necessary equipment like exhaust systems for canteen kitchens. Through its user-friendly online shop, Gastrozentrale facilitates efficient ordering and delivery, catering to the specific needs of its customers in the food service sector.

Foodzie operates as an online marketplace that enables consumers to discover and purchase food directly from small artisan producers and growers. The platform simplifies the online selling process for these small producers, allowing them to reach a broader audience. Foodzie specializes in gourmet and organic health foods, catering to consumers who seek high-quality and unique culinary offerings. By aggregating a diverse range of products, Foodzie creates an accessible space for food enthusiasts to explore and buy exceptional food items.