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Siete, founded by Miguel Garza, Veronica Garza, and Aida Garza, has raised $91 million to date. It has also gone through the SKU accelerator as part of its portfolio of consumer products goods companies. The company has 132 employees.

SKU provides an ecosystem that creates lasting change in CPG by providing all the resources founders need to accelerate the growth of their brands. SKU’s world-class program is driven by a community of the nation’s top CPG leaders, successful founders and industry experts. Their intensive programs offer best-in-class education, hand-picked teams of mentors and access to retailers and investors, all dedicated to building brands that change lives.

mia, Bala Enzyme, Foraged & Found, Kif & Co., Long Table, Modica, Peace Love Hormones, and The Bloody Buddy are the cohorts joining SKU’s Fall ’24 Track. SKU’s 12 week program, which begins Sept. 4, will provide brands with resources to scale businesses.

SKU, the consumer product accelerator, announced the seven brands selected for its Spring ’24 Track. Each of these brands was inspired by founders fueled by their desire to fill an unmet need in the market.

SKU, an accelerator program for consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industries, has announced seven brands selected for its Spring ‘24 Track. Included in its latest track is pet wellness brand Wellnergy Pets.

Breaking into the saturated pet nutrition market as a startup can be daunting, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t resources available for accelerating early-stage brand growth. SKU is one such resource, and in 2023 the organization offered its first-ever accelerator track dedicated to pet care startups.

As the new executive director of nationally-known consumer packaged goods startup accelerator SKU, he’s on to his next challenge – helping dozens of CPG startups build successful brands at a time when venture dollars are scarce.

SKU has hired veteran consumer-product leader and SKU mentor Buff Greebe as executive director of the nation’s leading CPG accelerator.

Consumer Products Accelerator Appoints Buff Greebe as Executive Director.

SKU, a consumer product accelerator, is launching its first Petcare Track and a cohort centered on Women and BIPOC founders’ brands. The four brands selected for each cohort.

SKU, the trailblazing consumer product accelerator, this month launches its first pet care track and a cohort centered on women and BIPOC founders’ brands. The four brands selected for each cohort showcase creativity, passion and true innovation – from functional foods to ease painful periods to hip-hop inspired pet treats.

At textured hair digital destination NaturallyCurly, co-founder Michelle Breyer took a problem she was passionate about—that people with curly hair weren’t celebrated and couldn’t find products right for them—and addressed it by building a lucrative business.

The U.S. accelerator for consumer packaged goods brands has selected the cohort for the first-ever Food & Beverage mentorship program.

Founders of the six brands that participated in this year’s Food & Beverage cohort will celebrate the culmination of the program with an in-person event on May 23. The Showcase Pitch Day will take place from 4:30-9 pm CT at the Native Hostel in Austin, Texas.

SKU, the Austin, Texas-based consumer packaged goods accelerator, and BeyondBrands, a natural products consulting agency in New York, are encouraging food and beverage startups to apply for the next BeyondSKU program, which begins in September.

BeyondSKU, a leading accelerator for consumer-packaged goods, is accepting applications from CPG companies for its fall cohort. The ideal applicants are innovative, market-validated food, beverage and wellness brands in hot categories with passionate founders.

SKU, the nation’s first accelerator for consumer-packaged goods (CPGs), has announced the organization’s first-ever dedicated Petcare Accelerator track. The 12-week hybrid program kicks off this August and participating brands can expect a curriculum tailored to the petcare industry along with mentorship from a customized team of executives and founders hand-picked to meet their needs.

SKU, the nation’s first accelerator for consumer-packaged goods (CPGs), has announced the organization’s first-ever dedicated Petcare Accelerator track. The 12-week hybrid program kicks off this August and participating brands can expect a curriculum tailored to the petcare industry along with mentorship from a customized team of executives and founders hand-picked to meet their needs. Brands can apply to participate in the specialized track through June 4, 2023.

SKU, an accelerator program for consumer-packaged goods (CPG) industries, shared the launch of its first pet care-dedicated accelerator track. The program will provide pet industry brands with tailored mentorship to further their growth.

Texas-based CPG accelerator SKU announced today the first cohort of six food and beverage brands for its upcoming Food & Beverage Accelerator track.
Founded in 2011, SKU was created with the mission of transforming startup brands into household names.

Texas-based CPG accelerator SKU announced today the first cohort of six food and beverage brands for its upcoming Food & Beverage Accelerator track.

SKU, an accelerator for consumer-packaged goods (CPGs), selected six companies for the upcoming Food & Beverage Accelerator track. The six brands encompass a wide range of food and beverage brands, from the functional beverage brand, Leisure Project to the gourmet cookie brand, Wunderkeks, with each brand founded by family members, including a father and son to sisters.

Tyla-Simone Crayton, founder and chief executive officer of Sienna Sauce, snagged a deal on the television show “Shark Tank” two years ago. The Texas-based teenage entrepreneur, alongside her mother, Monique, accepted a bid on their bottled sauce business by fashion designer Kendra Scott, appearing on the program as a guest investor.

Founder and Chef Kirsten Sandoval of Mesa de Vida says that having a digital presence has been key to her success — her Instagram account has proven to be a valuable resource for getting her brand noticed.

Paul Voge, founder of Aura Bora, shared marketing advice for bootstrapped brands.

Applications are open for up-and-coming food & beverage, women & BIPOC-owned and petcare brands.

Some, like Springdale Ventures, see an opportunity in funding early-stage companies in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space. The venture capital firm invests in everything from food and beverages to durable goods and from emergency preparedness to subscription books for kids.

Founders of the six brands who participated in the second cohort of SKU Elevate (formerly the SKU M/O Track) will celebrate the culmination of the program with a virtual pitch event. The showcase will debut on August 25 at 12 pm CT.

Now it’s announced its third lineup of CPG startups. All female-founded, they Brands in SKU’s 3rd cohort range from sexual wellness and body product company to a California-based Vietnamese cold-brew coffee brand.

SKU, the Austin, Texas-based consumer packaged goods accelerator, has selected five female-owned businesses to participate in the third cohort of SKU Dallas.

The path to creating a successful brand is rarely a straight line. It can have twists and unexpected turns along the way. It is not uncommon to see companies rebrand, reposition and pivot multiple times.

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SKU, the Austin-based consumer packaged goods accelerator, has named six startups to participate in the second cohort of SKU Elevate, formerly SKU M/O, beginning in June. The program was developed to build a more inclusive industry and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs of color.

Austin has become a world-renowned place to launch new brands and consumer packaged goods.

And a big reason is that Whole Foods is based in Austin and H-E-B is based in San Antonio.

Central Texas is an incubator for new products and one of the accelerators behind scaling those products is SKU, which this week announced its 10 cohort of startups since it launched in 2011.

A food scientist with a passion for health and wellness, Lauren Jans leads research and development at SmartSweets, a brand of reduced-sugar candy. Previously she was a product and process developer at Mondelez International, Inc.

Less than a year after joining a SKU program focused on helping underrepresented businesses flourish, Funky Mello LLC has moved into its own production facility, launched its plant-based marshmallow cream in Austin-based Whole Foods Market Inc. and doubled monthly revenue.

In the premiere episode of Accelerating Brands — a new video series from ForceBrands in partnership with SKU — go behind the scenes of Tend Prenatal with Co-Founder Behzad Varamini, Ph.D. as he shares the story behind the company, advice for fellow founders, and how he’s leveraging data to empower business decisions.

SKU, the Austin-based consumer packaged goods accelerator, is seeking startups to participate in the second cohort of SKU Elevate, formerly SKU M/O, beginning in June. The program was developed to build a more inclusive industry and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs of color.

SKU, the nation’s first accelerator for consumer-packaged goods (CPGs), is accepting applications from CPG companies around the country for the third cohort of SKU Dallas 2022.

SKU has worked with more than 100 alumni, including a variety of innovative and successful brands, including EPIC Provisions, Siete, DUDE Wipes and Seaweed Bath Co.

SKU, the Austin, Texas-based consumer packaged goods accelerator, is seeking startups to participate in the third cohort of SKU Dallas, beginning in August.

Participants will receive education, mentorship, networking and funding during the program. Brands are selected based on market traction, innovation and founder story and must have annual revenue of more than $500,000. The 12-week program culminates in a pitch event in November.

A new brand identity can yield powerful results for a food or beverage company, but there are many factors to consider. Founders should understand the risks associated with rebranding, said Andy Kurtts, founder and creative director of Buttermilk Creative, a brand and packaging design studio.

SKU, the nation’s first accelerator for CPG companies, is accepting applications from consumer brands around the country for the third cohort of SKU Dallas 2022.

Ideal candidates are market-validated companies with compelling founders and innovative products in hot categories. Brands can be from a wide range of areas in CPG, including food, beverage, apparel, personal care, and household products. Companies interested in applying for SKU Dallas 2022 can apply here.

SKU, the nation’s first consumer packaged goods (CPG) accelerator, will kick off the second cohort of SKU Elevate in June 2022. This groundbreaking program was created to foster a more inclusive community in the CPG industry.

“Because of last year’s overwhelming success, we have a ton of momentum moving into 2022 with this mission-critical program to support diverse CPG founders,” says Emily Kealey, Managing Director of SKU. “We’re seeking diverse founders who want to be on this exciting second track and mentors, sponsors, and partners who want to be a part of this program that is now nationwide.”

The pandemic has precipitated supply chain challenges for companies across the food and beverage industry. Ben Greene, founder of Strive Logistics and Greene Capital Partners and SKU mentor, weighed in on how early-stage brands may navigate the crisis.

Austin-based consumer packaged goods accelerator SKU announced that Kirstin Ross has stepped down after three years leading the organization as executive director. Filling the role is Emily Kealey, who joined SKU last year as program director of its Dallas-based program.

Outsourcing production to a co-manufacturer offers numerous advantages. It is cheaper than purchasing equipment or building a manufacturing facility. It also is more efficient than producing batches in a commercial kitchen.

Twelve startups have been selected to participate in consumer packaged goods accelerator SKU’s upcoming cohorts in Austin and Atlanta. Participating brands receive funding and mentorship from dozens of entrepreneurs, industry experts, executives and investors. Two concurrent 12-week programs will culminate in pitch events and include a curriculum covering such topics as mission and vision, branding, channel strategy, supply chain and innovation.

SKU, the nation’s first accelerator for consumer packaged goods (CPG), has selected the brands that will participate in its two upcoming tracks in Austin and Atlanta.

This is the first year that SKU will run two concurrent tracks, tapping into mentor talent in two regions and enabling a larger number of brands to participate in the accelerator’s acclaimed program. Both cohorts will be hybrid programs with both online and in-person programming — a model SKU first adopted during the onset of the pandemic.

SKU, the nation’s first accelerator for consumer-packaged goods (CPGs), has selected the brands for companies for its two upcoming tracks in Austin and Atlanta. This is the 10th Austin track for SKU, which got its start in Austin in 2011. SKU Austin includes companies and mentors from the Texas and the Midwest.This is the first cohort for SKU Atlanta. It draws from the region’s vibrant ecosystem of CPG talent.

Ayurvedic haircare brand Shaz & Kiks has big omnichannel aspirations that will be bolstered by a $500,000 round of funding from friends, family and angel investors.
About half the funding is from Concept to Co, a firm led by Divya Gugnani, CEO and co-founder of Wander Beauty, that’s invested in beauty brands such as Tower 28 and Topicals, and Fab Ventures, the backer of Good Light, Bloomi, Dr. Elsa Jungman, Bubble and Veracity founded by ex-Lancôme CEO Odile Roujol.

Consumer packaged goods accelerator SKU is expanding to Atlanta in a partnership with the Coca-Cola Co. SKU Atlanta will provide resources and relationships to startups across the southeast United States beginning early next year. Participating brands will receive $20,000 in funding and mentorship from dozens of entrepreneurs, industry experts, executives and investors. The 12-week program culminates in a pitch event and includes a curriculum covering such topics as mission and vision, branding, channel strategy, supply chain and innovation.

Aura Bora, a maker of craft sparkling water featuring herbs, fruits and flowers, raised $2 million in a seed round. Consumer product accelerator SKU and venture capital fund Balanced Breakfast participated in the round, along with Leon Chen of Tiff’s Treats, actor Scott Eastwood and musician Marley D. Williams. Aura Bora will use the funds to expand its team, support expansion and double down on its direct-to-consumer channel.

Starting and growing a company is hard – especially in the highly competitive food and beverage industry, but Austin, Texas-based accelerator SKU is tipping the odds of success in favor of entrepreneurs with its “proven blend of mentorship, community,” unique programming and industry connections.

n the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, Austin’s only consumer packaged goods accelerator has continued to add staff and expand its programs throughout the country.

Part of SKU’s success may be attributed to the sustained growth of the Texas capital’s CPG sector, further cementing its status among the nation’s most significant hubs for startups and founders in that arena.

n the face of the Covid-19 pandemic, Austin’s only consumer packaged goods accelerator has continued to add staff and expand its programs throughout the country.

Part of SKU’s success may be attributed to the sustained growth of the Texas capital’s CPG sector, further cementing its status among the nation’s most significant hubs for startups and founders in that arena.

Austin-based SKU, which calls itself the country’s first accelerator dedicated to entrepreneurs in consumer packaged goods, has chosen six startups for the second iteration of its Dallas cohort.

In September—at a time when the CPG industry was facing extraordinary challenges amidst the pandemic—Dallas-Fort Worth welcomed SKU, which combined in-person and virtual programming to give founders access to industry experts, investors, and serial entrepreneurs

SKU, an accelerator for consumer packaged goods (CPGs), has selected six companies for the second cohort of SKU Dallas. The startups represent a range of categories, including a cashew vegan queso, inventive mocktails and a subscription company that provides unique games for couples to connect.

SKU, the nation’s first CPG accelerator, is expanding into Atlanta in Spring 2022 to help serve as a catalyst for the Southeast’s dynamic consumer products industry.

SKU, the nation’s first accelerator focused on consumer packaged goods (CPG), is seeking experienced consumer-product leaders for SKU Dallas to mentor the next generation of brands. Mentors can apply at mentors@sku.is.

Mentors for SKU Dallas do not need to be based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. SKU Dallas is supported by DFW CPG, a local group working to foster growth and connection within the region’s food and beverage industry.

A lot goes into starting a company – time, capital, resources. For a natural foods entrepreneur, this can get overwhelming, fast. Most want to get their products on retail shelves, but the path to shelf isn’t often paved.

SKU Dallas and BeyondSKU are looking for CPG leaders, serial entrepreneurs, and investors who want to help shape the next generation of consumer product brands as mentors.

The second track of SKU Dallas, which focuses on later-stage emerging brands with revenues of $500,000 and above, kicks off in August and runs through November. Mentors do not need to be based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

These programs offer a crash course—and funding help—to entrepreneurs who need a lift to get their companies off the ground or take them to the next level. This is the place where many entrepreneurs today are getting their start to see how viable their brands are before going all in. It’s also a great way for retailers to get their hands on new products before the brands find their way into national distribution.

Patrick Schwarzenegger’s professional portfolio includes actor, model and angel investor, and now he’s backing Charlotte-based startup HA!

Earlier this week, HA!, founded in 2017 by Justin Wiesehan, launched a new crowdfunding campaign. With it came the announcement that Schwarzenegger had invested in the company. Schwarzenegger first invested in HA! in January, though the amount was not disclosed.

SKU announces its third lineup of all female-founded brands, ranging from a Brooklyn sexual wellness and body product company to a California-based Vietnamese cold-brew coffee brand.

SKU, the consumer packaged goods accelerator, along with Naturally Austin, have selected ten companies to participate in its SKU M/O track that focuses on diversity and inclusion. The accelerator provides education and mentorship to diverse founders. It’s a combination of Naturally Austin’s Fellowship program and SKU’s accelerator curriculum.

Six companies consumer products companies have earned a spots in a startup accelerator cohort. The ImpactSKU ’21 program is run by consumer-packaged goods accelerator SKU.

SKU, an accelerator for consumer packaged goods (CPGs), announced six companies that will participate in the upcoming track of the Minneapolis program, ImpactSKU ’21 kicking off June 1. Each was selected based on the basis of product innovation, market traction, and the passion of founders. This second track follows last year’s 8-week ImpactSKU Preview – a shortened virtual program created when COVID-19 forced a pivot.

Ten companies are part of the initial cohort at M/O, which focuses on supporting and accelerating minority-owned CPG startups. The program has the backing of two powerful organizations in the entrepreneurial ecosystem: SKU and Naturally Austin.

Today, there are hundreds of food businesses that call Austin home, in part because of several organizations that help launch and support them. But after last summer’s protests brought attention to the lack of diversity in many industries across the country, SKU’s chief operating officer Michelle Breyer started working with Emily Kealey, then the executive director of Naturally Austin, an organization founded in 2019 to support local CPG companies in the natural foods and wellness space, on a program that would specifically support and accelerate businesses owned by people of color.

The sparkling water category has experienced explosive growth in recent years as consumers seek healthier alternatives to traditional soft drinks. But about two years ago, Paul Voge and his wife, Madeleine, noticed a gap in the market for premium options featuring elevated flavor profiles. Months of experimentation with a carbonation machine, essential oils and fresh herbs led to the creation of Aura Bora.

Twin Cities-based cities-based ImpactSKU will kick off its second cohort in June to accelerate the growth of purpose-driven consumer-product (CPG) startups.
Applications are currently being accepted for startups with market traction and annual sales of $100K and above.

ImpactSKU, an accelerator program for purpose-driven consumer product startups, is accepting applications for its second cohort beginning June 1.

Early-stage brands with market traction and annual sales of $100,000 or more are encouraged to apply. Applicants must demonstrate business practices promoting environmental sustainability, fair labor practices, ethical supply chains and healthy communities.

SKU Dallas set up shop in North Texas in 2020, partnering with DFW CPG as a local arm of the Austin-based CPG-focused accelerator. It’s graduated 12 companies since then, including local plant-based jerky brand All Y’alls Foods, along with Texas-based mmmpanadas and Meli’s Monster Cookies. Now it’s announced its third lineup of CPG startups.

M/O blends hands-on learning opportunities with one-to-one connections to peers and mentors to expedite learning and assist in the acceleration of BIPOC-owned small businesses.

Charlotte entrepreneur Justin Wiesehan figured out a way to snack healthy without sacrificing taste. And he wants to share it with everyone.

Epic Provisions, Siete Family Foods and Peatos are among the more than 70 companies that have participated in SKU, an Austin,Texas-based accelerator program for consumer product startups.

SKU, an Austin-based consumer packaged goods accelerator, announced it has picked seven companies to participate in its ninth cohort.

Founder of egg giant Vital Farms will kick off the 12-week program.

Austin’s software sector may get the most recognition. But the city’s consumer packaged goods ecosystem is booming right alongside it, churning out new brands that go on to raise big funding rounds or even get acquired.

For local companies such as Siete Family Foods and Austin Eastciders, it’s the key ingredient to their success.

Five consumer packaged goods startups were chosen to participate in an eight-week curriculum taught by the nation’s top experts; a 16-year-old entrepreneur is also auditing the program.

Five consumer packaged goods later-stage startups have been chosen for an eight-week accelerator program taught by the industry’s top experts.

Even if you haven’t heard of the Austin-based consumer packaged goods accelerator SKU, there’s a chance some of their alumni’s brands have ended up in your fridge, pantry or even on your feet.

The consumer packed goods industry is huge in Texas.

What do local brands like grain-free tortilla empire Siete Family Foods, protein snack company Epic Provisions, and cidery Austin Eastciders have in common?

Austin-based SKU — the nation’s first accelerator focused on consumer packaged goods (CPG) — will expand into the Dallas-Fort Worth market this fall with a program tailored toward later-stage startups.

SKU is embarking upon its 8th track to develop a select group of emerging brands with their high powered mentors and custom designed curriculum.

SKU has partnered with FINNOVATION Lab and two of Minnesota’s great CPG (consumer packaged goods) companies: General Mills, 301 Inc. division and The Stable to create the ImpactSKU Accelerator.

This week Axel is digging to all things funding, investing, and growth with Kirstin Ross of SKU. SKU is the go to consumer products accelerator in Texas.

Founded in 2011, SKU is the first and leading Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) accelerator. SKU accelerates innovation & entrepreneur success by creating a thriving CPG ecosystem.

SKU, a business accelerator based in Austin, Texas, is calling for CPG brand applicants as it readies for its sixth year in business.

Since they’ve become such a popular form of innovation, I wanted to investigate a few of the best that operate with different business models and strategies, and in different sectors, to see what lessons can be learned.

Tickets now available for SKU 7 track finale; see seven companies in the cohort present their final pitches to investors and Austin community with an evening of networking and celebration

Fresh off a name change, Austin, TX-based consumer goods accelerator SKU has unveiled the seven startups that make up its fourth class.

Since they’ve become such a popular form of innovation, I wanted to investigate a few of the best that operate with different business models and strategies, and in different sectors, to see what lessons can be learned.

Fresh off a name change, Austin, TX-based consumer goods accelerator SKU has unveiled the seven startups that make up its fourth class.

Tickets now available for SKU 7 track finale; see seven companies in the cohort present their final pitches to investors and Austin community with an evening of networking and celebration