Eric Schnell’s Post

Would you like to see the upcoming pitch from Founder, Douglas Everest, from WATTSHOT? We are thrilled to showcase WATTSHOT and their pitch at the "Drinkpreneurs Collective Pitch Lounge” (Thursday, 2nd May | 6-8 PM UK-time UTC+1) on Zoom! *** Pitching Startup: WATTSHOT WATTSHOT is a premium shot company at the forefront of the industry´s innovation offering consumers an opportunity to enjoy a new way of drinking shots. Presenter:  Douglas Everest, Co-Founder Deal summary: Seeking investment of 2,000,000 EUROS with an exit strategy - 2028 EBITDA at €79,000,000 Valuation. Other motivations: WATTSHOT ́s ambition is to sell to a larger company such as Diageo, Pernod Ricard and Barcardi. Given extensive research to brands that have sold in the past they believe a 15x multiple of EBITDA is achievable. *** To observe this month´s live Drinkpreneur pitches, please click “Attend” on the LinkedIn event page and register on our website via the link on the event (also in the comments below). https://lnkd.in/gDna6nP7 *** The event series is co-produced by Sascha Dutta (nee Taylor) from Marketing Strategiser and me from Pitch Lounge with ongoing support with branding and digital strategy from Meiraj A.I., growing US and UK and wider drinks industry community building experience from Neeraj Singh, MBA and Emile Ward. *** Want to observe? ☑️ Great! It’s free/donation*-basis. *Donations are welcomed and safeguard the future of our events (but are not mandatory). https://lnkd.in/gDna6nP7 Want to pitch? ☑️ Please email your investor pitch deck to [email protected] *** Subsequent pitch event dates: 16 May | 30 May | 6 Jun | 20 Jun | 27 Jun | 2 Jul | 4 Jul | ETC. *** F&B founder, investor, consultant/buyer, or general foodie? ☑️ Join our LinkedIn group and introduce yourself: “Food & Beverage Pitch Events” https://lnkd.in/dJ4CiXg *** In 50 months of startup-investor events, the co-producers have hosted 300+ startups from pre-Seed to Series C. We're thrilled to host such varied and innovative startups and to deliver the following value: ☑️ EXPOSURE: to a vast network of investors, buyers, and channel partners ☑️ SUPPORT: live feedback from a panel of experts that includes active investors ☑️ CONNECTION: sector experts, investors and other sources of funding and support *** The event team invites you to join them! Sascha Dutta (nee Taylor), Meiraj A.I..i, Aaron Duke, Emile Ward, and Neeraj Singh, MBA, and me. Thanks for the branding from Meiraj A.I. and the promotions support from Sivakar Naidu K, Yash Annamalla, and Arjumand Fatima and our amazing interns Sima Almahrous and Anjum Fatima from Pagoda Projects. #Beveragestartup #Drinkindustry #Drinkpreneur #PitchEvent #BeverageBusiness #Investor #dubaievent

The Harsh Reality of Food Startups and How to Deal with It. If you are a food startup founder, you know how hard it is to succeed in this competitive and challenging industry. You may have read my previous post about the best practices to thrive as a food innovator. But what if things don't go as planned? What if your venture fails, or you have to sell it to someone else? You may think this is an uncomfortable topic, but I believe it is crucial to plan and prepare for the worst-case scenario. Because the truth is, about 90% of startups will fail within the first five years, and one of the main reasons is running out of money. Planning for failure can help you avoid common pitfalls, make smarter decisions, and ensure a smooth transition if you have to exit the market. In this post, I will share some valuable insights from Christopher Cain, an expert in corporate law, M&A, private equity and venture capital, on how to fail gracefully as a food startup founder. He suggests that food and beverage startups should: ✅Have all legal documentation in order ✅Enter into clear, fair, and well-negotiated business agreements ✅Protect their intellectual property rights ✅Have an agreement with contract manufacturers outlining contingency plans ✅Avoid giving exclusive rights to any third party I also recommend checking out a recent post by Miyoko Schinner, who shared her personal experience as a founder. She has some great insights and feedback from other founders as well, and don't forget to read through the comments. You can find the link to her post in the comment section below. I hope this post helps you prepare for the inevitable challenges and uncertainties that come with being a food startup founder. Remember, failure is not the end, but an opportunity to learn, grow, and start again. #foodstartups #foodinnovation #failureisfeedback #plantbasedfoods #foodindustry https://lnkd.in/gpbv5Mmi

From Cake to Cloud: My Entrepreneurial Journey Through Innovation and Partnership A look back to February 2020, on the brink of monumental global changes due to COVID, Ivi Gabales and I embarked on an entrepreneurial adventure by launching All Purpose Cake Co., a venture born from audacity and a dream. Without any prior experience in baking, we plunged into entrepreneurship. This beginning showed us that novice minds could indeed give rise to incredible creativity and innovation, encouraging us to embrace unconventional thinking and turn our inexperience into our most valuable asset. From the outset, our journey was characterized by venturing beyond conventional limits. Collaborating closely with a Food Scientist for more than a year, we transformed our concept for multi-allergen (gluten-free, dairy-free, sugar-free, flour-free, keto friendly) cakes into a scalable reality within a commercial kitchen. Our collaboration transcended mere product development; it represented a pivotal shift, underscoring the significant role of teamwork in bringing innovative ideas to fruition as tangible, market-ready offerings. COVID compelled us to pivot swiftly to a new reality, by establishing a partnership with a reseller partner, we found the vehicle to scale our operations across the United States within six months, transitioning from retail to doorstep! In the face of adversity underlined the critical importance of adaptability and partnership in the world of startups. “From Cake to Cloud” symbolizes more than a journey of transition from tangible products to exploring the vast potential of digital innovation. It encapsulates the essence of entrepreneurship, where starting with a blank canvas and a novice mindset paves the way for extraordinary creativity and groundbreaking innovation. Our story, particularly our rapid adaptation during the early days of COVID, serves as a compelling testament to the power of strategic partnerships and an open-minded approach in overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities. As we forge ahead, the lessons learned, the partnerships forged, and the pivots navigated remain foundational to our approach, reminding us that innovation thrives on collaboration, adaptability, and the courage to dream big. Let our journey inspire others to embrace their beginnings, no matter how novice, to recognize the transformative power of partnership, and to boldly venture into the unknown, turning visions into reality. #Entrepreneurship #StartupJourney #Innovation #CreativeThinking #DreamBig #FoodTech #Foodinnovation #partnerships #womanentrepaneurs #strategicpartnership #growthmindset

In today's bustling food delivery landscape, standing out can be a real challenge. But don’t worry, we’ve got your back at Hungry Foods. Collaborate with us to create eye-catching marketing campaigns Get featured on our platform to reach a wider audience. Leverage dynamic routing And more Hungry Foods is here to support you every step of the way. DM for more details. Follow us and visit www.hungryfoods.ae to experience the future of food delivery #FoodDelivery #MarketingCampaigns #Collaboration #BusinessGrowth #DigitalMarketing #RestaurantPromotion #DynamicRouting #FoodTech #Startups #Entrepreneurship

We’re excited to announce the launch of Batch One of the C&C Gateway Incubator — A regional first, collaborative program designed to empower craft & artisan liquor brands to successfully enter and thrive in the dynamic markets of the #MiddleEast. What is Craft & Culture Gateway? • Strategic Market Entry: Our incubator is specifically designed to help you navigate the complexities of accessing Middle Eastern markets. From understanding cultural nuances to navigating regulatory landscapes, we provide the strategic guidance, resources & route to market. • Comprehensive in Region Resource Support: Selected BATCH ONE brands will unlock in region support from the Craft & Culture team of industry experts and local partners who act as an extension of your brand to build a solid foundation for success in the region. • Tailored Resources: Each brand will benefit from a dedicated resources in country who build a bespoke strategic plan that includes market entry, localised marketing campaigns, and operational support. Setting you up for success and sustainable growth. What to Expect in Batch One: • Collaborative commercial approach – Risk minimised market entrance designed to ensure shareholder satisfaction. Fully transparent commercials and aligned incentive structure. • Market Expertise: A decade plus of regional and industry knowledge • Mentorship & Networking: Dedicated resources in region who have a strong track record of successfully establishing brands in the Middle East. • Operational Excellence: Fully managed logistics, distribution, and legal frameworks to ensure compliance and efficiency in your new market. JOIN BATCH ONE : Batch One of the Gateway Incubator is an unique opportunity for ambitious brands to establish themselves in one of the world’s most promising regions. @craftculture_uae will be hand selecting brands based on a strict suitability criteria. Whether you’re looking to expand your brand’s reach or enter the Middle East for the first time, C&C Gateway Incubator will equip you with the tools, knowledge, and connections to succeed. Apply now by reaching out to us via [email protected] or via DM’s #Entrepreneurship #BusinessInnovation #StartupSuccess #ScaleYourBusiness #EntrepreneurLife #BusinessOpportunities #BusinessInspiration #Startups #BrandExpansion #Innovation #GatewayIncubator #MiddleEastExpansion #MarketEntry #GlobalBusiness #BusinessGrowth #InternationalBusiness #GlobalExpansion #MarketAccess #StartupIncubator #BatchOne #EmergingMarkets #MiddleEastBusiness #GCCMarkets #BusinessStrategy #GlobalTrade #BusinessMentorship #BusinessIncubator #StartupGrowth #MarketStrategy #BusinessDevelopment

Two weeks ago, I landed in Timișoara to start a short journey along Via Transilvanica (highly recommend exploring it if you get the chance!), coinciding with the announcement of Tazz joining the largest food delivery company in the world. This trip brought back memories of my first flight to Timișoara five years ago to meet the Eucemananc team (soon to be Tazz) – a startup in which eMAG had just invested.  Today, Tazz stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when entrepreneurship, a vibrant ecosystem of founders, and supportive investors come together. I’ve had the privilege of being close to Tazz and Alin Serban over these past five years, witnessing their journey from a team of literally a dozen people working out of a small apartment shared by three friends. Fast forward to today, and Tazz has grown into a team of over 200 people, with 10,000 partners and an impressive over 150x business growth. This is, to me, a true example of entrepreneurship: identifying a big opportunity and seizing it fully. During this journey, I’ve watched the people of Tazz grow alongside the company, experiencing firsthand what it means to work within an agile organization where the time from idea to execution is remarkably short. Each step has been a testament to the resilience of Alin and his team as they adapted to both favourable and challenging conditions. And none of it would have been possible without the investment ecosystem that believed in and supported the team’s vision. Today, Tazz has not only scaled rapidly but has also maintained a unique organizational culture that fosters continuous growth and development. They’ve built a relatable, local brand with a friendly, rebellious spirit that resonates deeply with consumers and within organizations. Reflecting on this journey, here are some key takeaways that stand out to me: • 𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗲𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 – Tazz exemplifies the ability to identify a market need at the right time, take risks, mobilize resources, and adapt at an impressive pace. • 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗲𝗻𝗰𝗲 – Alin and his team adapted remarkably well through both highs and lows. • 𝗕𝗿𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 – Tazz quickly built a relatable, local brand with a rebellious edge. • 𝗢𝗿𝗴𝗮𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 – Tazz has preserved a growth-oriented culture with a “can-do” spirit, even amid rapid scaling. • 𝗜𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗘𝗰𝗼𝘀𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺 – This journey was made possible by the trust and support from multiple rounds of investors. It’s been an inspiring journey, full of stories and lessons. I hope that someday, someone with a talent for storytelling captures them all. For now, I’m grateful to have been part of this adventure with Tazz and I look forward to seeing where they go next. 🚀

₹160 Cr revenue run rate from just 15% of stores… and Zepto is just getting started! The crazy part isn’t just Zepto’s success. It’s the huge opportunity quick food delivery presents. We’ve all watched dark stores and micro-warehouses shake up retail. Now, imagine a whole wave of fast food stores delivering everything from chai and poha to coffee and samosas in minutes. This could change the game for how we get our food, fast. But here’s the real question: Will smaller businesses get in on the action, or will we see a few giants dominate the space? Quick food delivery isn’t just about speed—it’s about how we experience convenience. But can it scale without compromising quality? 💭 What do you think? How do you see this impacting local restaurants or food startups? Let’s chat below 👇 #QuickCommerce #FoodDelivery #RetailInnovation #StartupTrends #entrepreneurship #zepto #startup

The Journey of Juicero: A Tale of Vision and Missteps In 2013, Doug Evans founded Juicero, a startup with a vision to revolutionize the way people consumed fresh juice. The concept was simple yet innovative: a Wi-Fi-connected juicer that would press pre-packaged juice packs to deliver fresh juice at the push of a button. The company quickly garnered attention, raising over $120 million in funding from top investors like Google Ventures and Kleiner Perkins. Juicero’s product was sleek and promised convenience, but soon, the cracks began to show. Priced at $700, the juicer was seen as a luxury item that many consumers couldn't justify. The tipping point came when it was revealed that the juice packs could be squeezed by hand, making the expensive machine redundant. This revelation led to a public backlash, with many questioning the product's value and the startup's credibility. By 2017, just four years after its launch, Juicero announced that it was shutting down. The company offered refunds to its customers and ceased operations. The story of Juicero serves as a cautionary tale in the startup world. Despite having a visionary idea and substantial financial backing, the company overlooked a fundamental aspect—delivering genuine value to the consumer. Key Takeaway: Juicero’s journey teaches us that no matter how innovative or well-funded a startup may be, understanding the real needs of the market and providing authentic value is crucial for success. It's a reminder to entrepreneurs that the core of any successful business lies in solving a genuine problem for the consumer.

How We Helped P&G Foods Stand Out on Market. Inspired by these designs? Your brand could be next! #branding #logodesign #logoconcepts #digitaltransformation #foecht #startups #brandidentity #portfolio #logodesigns #creativity #linkedinpost #linkedinindia #business

Happy to be back with Orange Owl's #UnicornChronicles Series. Today let's talk about 5 Lessons Every Entrepreneur should learn from Zepto’s Success Story Imagine it’s a late night. The clock strikes midnight, and you’re surrounded by textbooks, project notes, and an empty coffee cup. The pressure of deadlines, competitions, and academic challenges fills the room. It’s not just about finishing the work—it’s about finding that breakthrough idea, the one insight that will make all the difference. Much like Zepto’s founders, Aadit Palicha and Kaivalya V., who dared to reimagine convenience and efficiency in India’s bustling grocery market, you too are on a quest—not for faster deliveries, but for faster solutions. You’re seeking the key to success amidst the chaos, navigating complex case studies and business analyses, just as Zepto navigates city streets to fulfill a 10-minute delivery promise. As Zepto's founders turned their ideas into reality through rapid execution, you too can turn late-night inspiration into actionable insights by learning from their entrepreneurial journey. 👉 Here are the 5 lessons: 🌟 Focus on a Niche Market Before Scaling Zepto's hyperlocal dark store model has allowed it to master rapid grocery delivery before expanding. Targeting a well-defined market segment can lead to faster, more efficient scaling. 💡Invest in Technology for Operational Excellence By leveraging data analytics and machine learning, Zepto has optimized inventory, delivery routes, and customer satisfaction. Technology can streamline operations, reduce costs, and provide a competitive edge. 🎯 Customer-Centric Innovation Zepto's 10-minute delivery is more than a marketing strategy—it's a direct response to consumer needs. Understanding and addressing customer pain points builds loyalty and sets your brand apart. 💰 Scalable Business Models Attract Investors With a clear vision and proven business model, Zepto has secured significant funding, enabling rapid growth. A solid strategy is crucial for attracting investors and scaling effectively. 🌍 Sustainability as a Priority Incorporating eco-friendly practices isn’t just a trend—it's an expectation. Zepto’s exploration of sustainable delivery options reflects the growing demand for responsible business operations. 👉 Link to the full story in the comments below. What’s your biggest takeaway from Zepto’s inspiring journey? Share your thoughts in the comments! 👇 #Entrepreneurship #RapidoSuccessStory #StartupLessons #Innovation #GrowthMindset #MarketingWithVG