MassChallenge

MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs from various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in countries such as Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, and Texas, MassChallenge operates a non-equity model, allowing startups to retain full ownership while benefiting from expert guidance and connections. The accelerator conducts various programs tailored to specific sectors, such as MassChallenge HealthTech and MassChallenge FinTech, which facilitate partnerships between startups and established enterprises to drive innovation and market growth. Through its extensive global network, MassChallenge aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and empower high-potential startups to create meaningful impact.

Cait Brumme

Acting CEO

Siobhan Dullea

CEO

Kiki Mills Johnston

Managing Director, Boston

Matt Lashmar

Managing Director

Camila Lecaros

Managing Director

Yonit Serkin

Managing Director

Devon Sherman

Founding Director, Head of MassChallenge FinTech

Michelle Williams

Vice President and Head of Texas Strategy

Past deals in Beverages

Angry Camel

Non Equity Assistance in 2024
Angry Camel is a food tech that aims to disrupt the traditional snack and beverage industry by developing snacks and drinks on the go from chickpeas.

Milkify

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Milkify specializes in breast milk freeze-drying services designed to help mothers address challenges related to the storage and transportation of breast milk at home and in the workplace. The company produces breast milk powder, which, similar to powdered formula, can be stored for years without refrigeration. This innovation allows nursing mothers to preserve their breast milk in a safe and convenient powder form, which can be easily reconstituted by mixing with warm purified water. Through its services, Milkify aims to provide a practical solution for mothers seeking to maintain their breastfeeding routine while managing their daily responsibilities.

Grain4Grain

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
Grain4Grain is a San Antonio based food-tech startup. A couple years ago, we developed a patent pending process that allows us to dry and mill byproducts, specifically brewers spent grain, into a low carb, high protein flour. Spent grain is the number one byproduct from breweries and for over 100 years, breweries have been trying to develop a way to capitalize on this resource--think whey protein from cheese making. Our innovative methodology allows us to dry and mill brewers spent grain in under 20 minutes, down from the conventional 6 hours--allowing us to provide this incredibly healthy and sustainable ingredient at affordable prices to consumers and product makers. Since launching 10 months ago, we have been able to upcycle 120,000 lbs of wet spent grain, and have launched 2 CPG products in nearly 200 HEB stores. We are now in the works of developing contracts with product makers, bakeries, and even a dog food company!

Ful Foods

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
FUL Foods is a Netherlands-based startup dedicated to creating food and beverage products that positively impact the environment by reducing carbon emissions and conserving resources. The company has developed a proprietary carbon-negative ingredient derived from microalgae, known as FUL, which addresses challenges related to taste and solubility. FUL Foods offers a range of sustainable and nutritious beverages, with its flagship product being a refreshing drink that combines natural nutrition, plant-based protein, and immune-boosting properties. The company's mission emphasizes superior health benefits, convenience, and overall satisfaction for consumers while promoting a planet-positive approach to food and beverage production.

Amore Congelato

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Amore Congelato provides food and beverage services. They offer products that include dessert, food, dairy-free, chocolate, vegan, plant-based, and dark chocolate.

Goba Tea

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Goba Tea created the first low-calorie and shelf-stable boba tea.

Uproot

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Uproot, founded in 2018 and based in New York, specializes in providing healthy and sustainable plant-based milk solutions for food services, including college dining and coffee shops. The company addresses the increasing demand for diverse plant milk options, such as oat milk, soymilk, and chocolate pea milk, by offering innovative dispensers that streamline operations and minimize packaging waste. Uproot's products are designed for health-conscious consumers and aim to lower greenhouse gas emissions and water usage compared to traditional dairy and existing plant milk alternatives. By focusing on sustainability and convenience, Uproot supports food service providers in meeting the evolving preferences of their customers.

Hempfy

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Hempfy focuses on innovative food and beverages, based on proprietary cold infusion technology for harvesting and processing THC-free hemp plants, compliant with Swiss legislation. All their products are 100% Swiss made : they grow Hemp, produce and develop their products exclusively in Switzerland from bottom to top. Their production is based on bespoke quality, starting from selecting the best seeds, clearest spring water till final production by the very "Swiss way of doing things".

FOODUNITE

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
FoodUnite is a food and beverage company that provides customers with tasty food.

SINGLE BAKED SWEETS

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
SINGLE BAKED SWEETS provides pre-measured dry ingredients, bakeware, and simple instructions along with bake-at-home dessert kits. They also provide sugar cookie with sprinkles and dark chocolate cookie with white chocolate chips.

Proud pour

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Proud Pour the organic wine selection also includes craft cider, pinot noir, sauvignon blanc, syrah, and rosé. 22 environmental NGOs that safeguard bees, soil, wild oysters, sea turtles, and coral reefs are supported by their wines and ciders.

IQ Bar

Grant in 2018
IQ Bar, Inc. is a food and beverage company that specializes in producing and selling nutrition bars and hydration mixes. Founded in 2016 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, IQ Bar offers its products in a variety of flavors. The company markets its items through distributors and retailers across the United States, as well as through online platforms.

COLLETTEYS COOKIES

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Collettey's Cookies is a maker of food and beverages. Their products include gluten cookies, oatmeal raisin cookies, and peanut butter cookies. They provides wedding, trade show, and conference services.

AKUA

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Akua Inc. is a New York-based company that specializes in manufacturing plant-based snacks using ocean-farmed kelp. Founded in 2017, Akua aims to shift the perception of sustainable seafood by utilizing seaweeds that grow along coastlines worldwide. The company offers a range of vegan, gluten-free, and soy-free products that are low in calories, catering to health-conscious consumers. Akua sells its snacks online, providing customers with an affordable option for healthy and flavorful snacks derived from sustainable sources.

WarmUp Nutrition

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
WarmUp Nutrition specializes in producing high-protein coffee made from organic and nutritious ingredients. The company aims to offer a healthy beverage option that provides an energy boost, ideal for morning routines or pre-workout sessions. Its all-natural coffee is designed to be free from unnecessary sugars, carbohydrates, and fats, allowing consumers to maintain their health and fitness goals while enjoying a flavorful drink.

Better Juice

Grant in 2017
Better Juice was founded in 2017 by a team of prestigious food industry professionals: a biochemist and microbiology academician with extensive experience in product development. The company is supported by The Kitchen FoodTech Hub – Strauss Group’s incubator, whose goal is to nourish promising food-tech ventures that can disrupt the global food system – making it more productive, more affordable, more sustainable and healthier. ​ Better Juice gives consumers what they are looking for: simple ways to reduce sugar in their diets. Popular juices such as orange and apple juice have 6 teaspoons (25 grams) of sugar per 1-cup serving (250 ml). Grape juice has up to 14 teaspoons. The Better Juice solution lets industrial juice producers lower or eliminate sugar in one simple step.

Pulp

Seed Round in 2016
We all enjoy a good wine, but choosing a bottle we really like in a shop or restaurant is always a confusing task. Here's the thing: You don't need to be a sommelier to figure out the right wine for you. That's why we are here. With Pulp, you get the most diverse selection of wines from independent producers. You rate the wines in our app and we send you the most accurate personalized wine recommendations tailored to your taste.

Buttery

Grant in 2016
Buttery​ is the best way to discover, find and order wines, spirits & beers from local stores. Using your phone or the web, order your favorite beverages in just a few taps and get deliver​y​ or reserve for pick up. On Buttery, you will find the best liquor stores in your area carrying a vast selection of wines, whiskies, beers & spirits from all over the world. You have access to the store's entire catalog and pay the same price as ​you would while ​in the store. No mark ups! Download the App: https://appsto.re/us/AJlO0.i AREAS WE SERVE: Boston, Beacon Hill, Chinatown, Back Bay, Brighton, Allston, East Boston, Brookline, Newton, Lexington, Waltham, Winchester, Andover, Stoneham, Reading, Woburn, Burlington, Needham, Norfolk, Natick, Framingham, Dover, Wellesley, Newburyport and more.

Archer Roose

Grant in 2016
Archer Roose is a clean wine brand focused on providing affordable and sustainable wine options to modern consumers. The company produces canned wine and other beverages, emphasizing transparency and sustainability in its packaging. By utilizing cans and kegs, Archer Roose aims to make wine more accessible while appealing to a new generation of wine drinkers. Their global portfolio reflects a commitment to quality and innovation, catering to diverse lifestyles and dining experiences.

Farmer Willie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer

Grant in 2016
Farmer Willie's Alcoholic Ginger Beer based on the secret, homemade recipe of Farmer Willie Fenichel.

Baacco

Grant in 2015
BAACCO is the ultimate new way to search, discover and shop for top-quality and affordable wines; whilst connecting with specialist wine merchants around the UK. You can search for available wines across hundreds of merchants and transact in a matter of clicks. BAACCO disrupts the traditional e-commerce model by helping you discover quality wines from emerging sellers by connecting you directly with specialist wine merchants. Our mission is to offer unrivalled quality wine to everyone, everywhere. Our savvy community is ahead of the curve and is fast making BAACCO the go-to destination for wine.

Ajiri Tea

Grant in 2015
Ajiri Tea is a company rooted in the community of western Kenya, specifically the Kisii District, where it sources its black tea from small-scale farmers. The name "Ajiri," meaning "to employ" in Swahili, reflects the organization's commitment to creating job opportunities, particularly for women who handcraft the product labels. The company specializes in offering flavored, all-natural black tea and roasted coffee, utilizing unique ingredients such as dried banana bark. Profits generated from sales are directed to the Ajiri Foundation, which provides educational support by paying school fees for orphans in the region. Through its business model, Ajiri Tea not only promotes sustainable agricultural practices but also fosters social impact by empowering local communities and contributing to the education of vulnerable children.

Feed Me Pronto

Non Equity Assistance in 2015
A healthy lifestyle is extremely important and something many strive for on a daily basis. High quality options are limited, especially during the work week or when trying to meet your family's needs. We decided to change that. Our driving force is #dontslowdownforfood. At Feed Me Pronto, we carry quality grab and go meals created by a chef whose passion is nutrition and career has encompassed award winning prepared food. We also provide hundreds of snacks for adults and kids, have amazing self-serve beverage options and carry eco-friendly sundries for urban city dwellers. And all of this lives in a unique eco-friendly retail enviornment.

Oto Beverages

Grant in 2014
Oto Beverages is a company focused on providing alternative hydration solutions to traditional bottled water. It has developed a reusable beverage-making bottle that incorporates healthy flavor pods, allowing consumers to quickly create fresh drinks while on-the-go. This innovative product eliminates the need for messy flavor packets, as the flavor pods are conveniently stored within the bottle. By enabling users to mix their beverages using locally sourced water, Oto promotes a healthier lifestyle while also reducing waste, making it easier for individuals to make environmentally conscious choices.

onthebar

Grant in 2013
Onthebar is a marketing platform designed for the bar industry, providing a unique service that transforms bar staff into effective brand advocates. The platform enables bartenders to communicate with their regular patrons in real-time, informing them about their schedules and events at the bar. This service allows bar-goers to stay connected with their favorite bartenders and friends, while also accessing exclusive menus and making informed decisions about where to socialize. Onthebar has gained traction with prominent brands in the beverage industry, enhancing their marketing efforts by leveraging personal interactions within bars.

DrinkSavvy

Grant in 2013
DrinkSavvy is a Boston-based company that manufactures and distributes drinkware such as plastic cups, straws, and stirrers. Its products feature a proprietary, patented technology, integrating indicators into barware in order to provide consumers with a colorimetric indication of the presence of illicit drugs such as GHB, Ketamine, and Rohypnol in their drink. DrinkSavvy was founded in 2009 and is based in Boston, M.A.

Arbsource

Grant in 2012
Arbsource specializes in wastewater treatment systems tailored for the food and beverage industry. The company focuses on transforming wastewater into a valuable resource by employing microbial electrochemical cell technologies. This innovative approach allows food and beverage companies to effectively reduce their water and power expenses. By providing efficient wastewater treatment services, Arbsource aims to address the high costs associated with water usage and energy consumption in this sector.

Biba Beverages

Grant in 2011
Biba Beverages offers all natural hydration beverages designed for healthy active lifestyles.

Greenbean Recycle

Grant in 2010
Greenbean Recycle operates a technology-driven recycling system that incentivizes consumers to return beverage containers through reverse vending machines (RVMs). These machines are connected to the internet, allowing users to receive cash rewards, typically 5 cents per container, directly to their bank accounts, PayPal, or charitable organizations. By creating an online account, users can track their recycling activities and their positive environmental impact. Greenbean enhances user engagement through social and gaming elements, as well as marketing promotions, and aligns well with retail loyalty programs. The company also provides corporate partners with detailed data analytics, including information on the brands of recycled beverages, to promote more effective recycling strategies. With a vision to modernize beverage recycling, Greenbean aims to address the significant issue of waste, as over 100 billion bottles and cans end up in landfills each year. Their goal is to establish GB-enabled RVMs in various locations, such as residential complexes and convenience stores, to encourage widespread recycling participation.
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