Nine US-based start-ups selected to join the new program focused on accelerating growth in well-being snacking
SnackFutures, the Mondelēz International, Inc. innovation and venture hub, has announced the nine start-ups selected for the inaugural class of the CoLab start-up engagement program.
Each of the well-being snack brands will participate in a 12-week program designed to help them accelerate their growth. Participants will also receive a $20,000 grant.
SnackFutures will provide participating start-ups with tools, technologies and access to networks and industry expertise, while also gaining insights, capabilities and prospective investment opportunities.
It’s also yet another demonstration of SnackFutures’ mission to create a snacking world that is good for people, kind to the planet and deliciously fun by bringing “big and small” together.
The application and interview process resulted in a diverse group of snack brands with different formats, well-being propositions, revenue and distribution footprint.
The 2021 CoLab class participants are:
- Better Bites Bakery: An allergen-free bakery line founded by Leah Lopez
- Chasin’ Dreams Farm: A popped sorghum snack founded by Sydney Chasin to bring more options and flavours to gluten-free snacking
- Elite Sweets: A Keto donut brand run by founders Amir and Amin Bahari
- LOVE, CORN: A crunchy corn brand made with simple, non-GMO ingredients
- Numa: It was created by “Numa” duo, Jane Xie and Joyce Zhu, to honor heritage through healthier versions of their favorite childhood candies from Asia.
- NuSkool: A low-sugar snacking platform co-founded by Joe Christensen and Kevin Healy.
- Snacklins: Snacklins are plant-based crisps are like a vegan take on pork rinds.
- Sourse: Jenne Moore and Andrew Remlinger came up with vitamin-infused candy, starting with dark chocolate.
- 12 Tides: A nutrient-dense, ocean-friendly snack made from kelp sourced from regenerative ocean farms.
The CoLab program will begin in June with initial programming taking place virtually.