MassChallenge
MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, established in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries, including technology, healthcare, and social impact, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Texas, and the UK, MassChallenge connects high-potential startups with industry experts and investors to foster innovation and facilitate growth. The accelerator operates on a non-equity model, allowing entrepreneurs to maintain full ownership of their companies while benefiting from strategic partnerships and tailored training programs. Through its diverse initiatives, such as targeted accelerator programs like MassChallenge HealthTech and FinTech, the organization aims to drive impactful change and enhance the global innovation ecosystem.
Past deals in Coffee
EcoBean
Non Equity Assistance in 2024
EcoBean specializes in transforming waste coffee grounds into valuable, eco-friendly products. The company's proprietary technology processes these grounds into sustainable raw materials and specialty chemicals, addressing a significant global waste issue while reducing carbon footprint. EcoBean collects spent coffee grounds from cafes and offices using designated bins and bags, then repurposes them into various bio-products such as briquettes, pellets, biodegradable flower pots, coffee capsules, oils, and fragrances. This approach not only decreases environmental impact but also creates economic value by providing sustainable alternatives to traditional fuel materials.
Liquid Logical
Grant in 2019
Liquid Logical specializes in innovative heating technology that instantly brings water to its boiling point without requiring storage tanks. Their compact device, roughly the size of a drink can, offers continuous on-demand boiling water, suitable for various applications like kitchens, appliances, and commercial settings. This patented technology presents significant global potential and substantial environmental benefits through reduced water waste.
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 focused on empowering women and children through educational initiatives and social sustainability within coffee-producing communities. The organization operates on coffee estates, offering educational programs aimed at improving the futures of children who work on these farms. By employing a community-driven approach, Project Alianza collaborates with farmers, local communities, and governmental bodies to create and rehabilitate public schools. Their efforts seek to enhance the learning environment and provide access to a proven curriculum, equipping children with essential skills for success beyond their circumstances in the coffee industry. Additionally, Project Alianza promotes community development through various services, emphasizing the importance of education in fostering long-term social change.
Tiny House Coffee Roasters
Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Tiny House Coffee Roasters is an Austin-based micro-roastery that focuses on producing specialty coffee, particularly direct-trade Nicaraguan varieties. The company is committed to delivering sustainable and ethical beverages to both individuals and local businesses. It is known for its signature nitro cold brew coffees and teas, crafted in small batches to enhance flavor and quality. By prioritizing affordability, Tiny House Coffee Roasters aims to provide customers with exceptional coffee that they can feel good about consuming.
WarmUp Nutrition
Non Equity Assistance in 2018
WarmUp Nutrition is a manufacturer of healthy beverages, specializing in high-protein coffee crafted from organic and nutritious ingredients. The company aims to provide an energizing beverage that supports health and fitness, making it suitable for morning routines or pre-workout consumption. Their products are designed to be all-natural, free from unnecessary sugars, carbohydrates, and fats, thereby promoting a healthier lifestyle for consumers.
Direct Coffee
Grant in 2017
Direct Coffee is dedicated to creating a lasting social impact in Africa by utilizing a business model focused on sustainability and community support. The company imports specialty coffee directly from smallholder farmers in Ethiopia, offering products in biodegradable Nespresso-compatible capsules, as whole beans, or ground coffee. Each purchase contributes to initiatives that support the children of coffee farmers, allowing customers to choose specific projects to fund. Additionally, Direct Coffee provides a flexible subscription service for B2C customers, ensuring they always have access to quality coffee while fostering a direct connection between consumers and the farmers who cultivate their beans.
Eat Your Coffee
Grant in 2016
Eat Your Coffee is a company that produces innovative coffee-based energy bars aimed at providing a nutritious and caffeinated snack option. Founded by coffee-deprived college students at Northeastern University, the company combines organic, Fair Trade coffee with real ingredients to create energizing snacks. Their product line includes flavors such as mocha latte, coconut mocha, and caramel macchiato, appealing to consumers seeking a natural alternative to traditional caffeinated options. By crafting energy bars that taste like real coffee, Eat Your Coffee seeks to energize lives while promoting a healthier snacking experience.
Taste Of Kenya
Grant in 2016
Taste of Kenya is an online marketplace based in Europe that connects Kenyan coffee farmers directly with coffee roasters in the European Union through direct trade. By shortening the supply chain, the company ensures that farmers receive fair prices for their products while providing roasters with better traceability of the coffee they source. In addition to exporting coffee, Taste of Kenya also focuses on roasting and selling fresh coffee domestically, which creates additional income opportunities for Kenyan farmers. This model allows consumers to access quality Kenyan coffee at affordable prices while supporting the livelihoods of local farmers.
Ajiri Tea
Grant in 2015
Ajiri Tea is a company dedicated to producing high-quality black tea sourced from small-scale farmers in the Kisii District of western Kenya. The name "Ajiri," meaning "to employ" in Swahili, reflects the company's commitment to creating job opportunities for women in the region, who handcraft the product labels. The tea is all-natural and comes in various flavors, including unique blends incorporating local ingredients. Profits generated from the sales of Ajiri Tea are donated to the Ajiri Foundation, which funds education for orphans in Kenya, thus linking the company's commercial activities to meaningful social impact.
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