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 Coffee

EcoBean

Non Equity Assistance in 2024
Ecobean developed a proprietary technology to process waste coffee grounds into sustainable raw materials and specialty chemicals. The company addresses a global problem with a scalable, deep-tech solution that decreases carbon footprint and creates significant economic value. Coffee is the second most valuable commodity traded globally and its waste is a rich source of compounds which require greater reuse.

Liquid Logical

Grant in 2019
Liquid Logical specializes in a patented heating technology that instantly brings water to its boiling point without the need for storage tanks. This innovative device provides a continuous supply of boiling water on demand, making it suitable for integration into various everyday applications, including kitchens, fridge doors, kitchen worktops, and commercial coffee machines. The technology presents scalable opportunities for consumers and businesses alike while contributing positively to global water-saving initiatives.

WHISKEY MORNING COFFEE

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Whiskey Morning Coffee manufactures and wholesales coffee products. They provide coffee filters, a campfire mug, a cafe vaqueros hat, and caffeine cowboy stickers. They also provide online shopping services.

Project Alianza

Grant in 2018
Project Alianza is dedicated to empowering women and enhancing community development through education and social sustainability initiatives. The organization focuses on providing educational programs for children working on coffee farms, employing a community-driven approach that collaborates with farmers, local communities, and government entities. These programs aim to create or rehabilitate public schools, fostering effective learning environments that improve educational quality. By offering a proven curriculum, Project Alianza equips children with essential skills for a future beyond the coffee industry, thus contributing to the overall betterment of the communities involved. Additionally, the organization provides on-site educational services at large coffee estates, further integrating its mission with the local coffee industry.

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.

Direct Coffee

Grant in 2017
Direct Coffee operates with a mission to create a lasting social impact in Africa by utilizing a business model centered on specialty coffee. The company imports coffee directly from smallholder farmers in Ethiopia and offers it in various forms, including biodegradable Nespresso-compatible capsules, whole beans, and ground coffee, primarily for the European market. Each purchase made by customers contributes to supporting the education and well-being of a child from a coffee-farming family through projects of their choice. Direct Coffee also provides a flexible subscription service for consumers, ensuring they have a consistent supply of quality coffee without interruptions. The company's approach not only simplifies the coffee supply chain but also promotes sustainability and social responsibility.

LeCycle

Grant in 2017
LeCyclec produce gastronomical oyster mushrooms from used coffee grounds, recuperated from local restaurants in Lausanne.

Taste Of Kenya

Grant in 2016
Taste of Kenya connects you directly with farmers in Kenya and provide you the best Kenyan coffee.Taste of Kenya is an online marketplace based in Europe that connects Kenyan farmers to coffee roasters in the EU through direct trade. This will ensure the supply chain is shortened resulting in a fairer price for the farmer whilst the roasters benefits through better traceability of coffee.

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.
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