Below are the latest equity crowdfunding raises begun this past week. For additional information, we encourage KingsCrowd members to click on the link provided for more details. If interested, be sure and follow how each startup’s respective raise is progressing and the concepts they are bringing to the marketplace.
Please note, these are not recommendations but are meant only to inform our readers of new investment opportunities.
Be sure and check back with KingsCrowd in the future. We will continue providing updates on each raise as it progresses, particularly if we feel they meet our criteria of being worthwhile as potential investments.
Gilgal General, with a valuation cap of $10.5 million, is raising funds on Wefunder. The company is developing the first electronic trading exchange for global annuity contracts, the Nasdaq for annuities. The trading exchange platform will bring the buyers and sellers of annuity contracts together at one central marketplace to trade their annuity contracts. Alexander Ampontuah founded Gilgal General in November 2019. The proceeds of the current crowdfunding round, with a minimum goal of $100,000 and a maximum goal of $1,070,000, will be used for hiring software engineers and data scientists, SEC/CFTC registrations, and other expenses. Gilgal General has a four-year contract agreement with ICE and has eight US insurance companies that have agreed to be part of the platform.
FoodieKid, with a valuation cap of $6 million, is raising funds on Wefunder. The baby and toddler food brand makes frozen and organic baby meals for all stages. The Simple Starters of FoodieKid are nutritiously balanced and allow parents to choose the texture and flavor they need. Christine Topalian founded FoodieKid in September 2017. The current crowdfunding round has a minimum target of $250,000 and a maximum target of $500,000. The funds will be used for marketing, hiring, working capital, and inventory production. FoodieKid is the first-to-market frozen baby food brand and sells through flagship and retail locations. The revenue of the company doubled in 2020 compared to the previous year.
Kleiner Device Labs, with a valuation of $28.5 million, is raising crowdfunding on Equifund CFP. The company is developing and patenting a revolutionary way of doing spinal surgeries with its KG1 bone graft delivery tool. The KG tool of Kleiner Device Labs increases the successful spinal fusion rate to 92% compared to 75% through other techniques. Dr. Jeffrey Kleiner founded Kleiner Device Labs in 2013. The proceeds of the current crowdfunding round, with a minimum raise of $24,997 and a maximum raise of $1,069,999, will be used for the launch of new products and marketing. Kleiner Device Labs’ KG device transforms the complex spinal surgery process into a simple one-step process. It also decreases blood loss, reduces the chances of infection, and shortens anesthesia time.
Lucky Sign Spirits Distillery, a distillery in Pennsylvania, is raising crowdfunding on Honeycomb. The distillery has three major product lines, including whiskeys, cordials/liqueurs, and flavored base spirits. The whiskeys include bourbon and rye, while cordials encompass Raki, Limoncello, Rock and Rye, and Cinnamon Whiskey. Christian Kahle and Matt Brudnok founded Lucky Sign Spirits Distillery in January 2020. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum raise of $30,000 and a maximum raise of $150,000, and the proceeds will be used to finish the Hampton location, purchase equipment, and renovate Millvale. Lucky Sign Spirits Distillery started during the pandemic and has been profitable in its first year of business.
Spinster Sisters, with a valuation cap of $5.5 million, is raising funds on Republic. The company makes clean skincare products using high-quality and sustainable ingredients. The products, including soaps, lotions, aromatherapy, and personal care products, are cruelty-free, toxin-free, organic, and effective. Kelly Perkins founded Spinster Sisters in July 2012. The current crowdfunding round has a minimum goal of $25,000 and a maximum goal of $750,000. The proceeds will be used to lease bottling lines and melt tanks, improve profitability, and implement a targeted marketing campaign. Spinster Sisters is distributed across 2,000 stores nationally and online and generated revenue of $1.4 million in 2020.
Austin Flipsters Portfolio 1, a portfolio of fix and flip investments in Austin, Texas, is raising crowdfunding on Republic. The properties are managed by Austin Flipsters, which will acquire, renovate, manage, and dispose of them. The company flips its portfolios through its YouTube channel that has more than 170,000 subscribers. Austin Flipsters Portfolio 1 is managed by Houndstooth Capital Real Estate I, managed by Lincoln Edwards. The proceeds of the current crowdfunding round, with a minimum raise of $25,000 and a maximum raise of $500,000, will be used to acquire and renovate the properties in the investment portfolio. Austin Flipsters Portfolio 1 is led by an experienced team with decades of experience in flipping homes.
Port Coffee International, an upcoming coffee shop and co-working space in Fort Lauderdale, FL, is raising funds on MainVest. The business aims to open a coffee shop and co-working space in a highly desirable and high traffic area. The space will provide an excellent place to work and help freelancers, remote workers, and creative people be productive. Will Howsare and Joshua T. Brown founded Port Coffee International in February 2021. The proceeds of the current crowdfunding round, with a minimum target of $100,000 and a maximum target of $107,000, will be used for space buildout, partnerships, marketing, and operational expenses. Port Coffee International has already secured a seven-year lease and has hired contractors to start working on the space in July 2021 and open in October 2021.
Contractor+, with a valuation cap of $3 million, is raising crowdfunding on Wefunder. The company has developed a mobile app for field service contractors. The app meets all the needs of field service providers with its supply pricing, job scheduling, and tool tracking. Justin Smith founded Contractor+ in February 2020. The current crowdfunding round has a minimum target of $50,000 and a maximum target of $250,000. The funds will be used for customer acquisition, payroll, staffing, and legal and IP expenses. Contractor+ launched its beta version in July 2020 and MVP in November 2020. Since then, the business has generated more than $8,000 in revenues and $1,700 MRR. It has more than 3,000 active users and more than 125 PRO users.
Pizza Bagel Lady, a food business in Ohio, is raising funds on Honeycomb. The business makes its unique pizza bagels and sells them across the country. The pizza bagels are suitable for pickup, school lunch, fundraises, and food services. Terry Thomsen founded Pizza Bagel Lady in February 2017. The proceeds of the current crowdfunding round, with a minimum raise of $25,000 and a maximum raise of $35,000, will target the procurement of a baggage packaging machine, ovens, and a truck. Pizza Bagel Lady has been featured on the Cooking Channel, the Food Network, and CNBC and also started selling in grocery stores in 2021.
The Upper Crust, an upcoming Italian scratch kitchen in Pennsylvania, is raising crowdfunding on Honeycomb. The business prides itself in quality and flavor and will serve local residents and guests from the surrounding area. The eating joint will also feature a local market to complement the dining experience. Mark Kennison founded The Upper Crust in February 2021. The current crowdfunding round has a minimum target of $50,000 and a maximum target of $75,000. The raise proceeds will be used for the kitchen buildout, marketing, decor and seating, and exterior signage. The Upper Crust owns the property it’s opening the business, putting it in a good position to grow the business for years to come.
CLOSEM, with a pre-money valuation of $32 million, is raising funds on TruCrowd. The company has developed a software system for entrepreneurs and small businesses to automate the process of following up with prospects, leads, and customers. The SaaS comes at a monthly or annual subscription and lets the clients send a campaign of email, text, and voice messages. Laura Betterly and Richard Miles founded CLOSEM in December 2020. The current crowdfunding round has a minimum goal of $10,000 and a maximum goal of $535,000. The funds will be used for development, sales and marketing, and general operating expenses. CLOSEM already has more than 300 users, including real estate agents, digital agencies, web designers, insurance agents, and merchant card processing companies.
Mainstem Malt, with a pre-money valuation of $5 million, is raising crowdfunding on Wefunder. The company has created malt supply chains for breweries and distilleries. It is the premier supplier of the primary ingredient for the craft beer industry and is highly differentiated. Phil Neumann founded Mainstem Malt in 2018. The proceeds of the current crowdfunding round, with a minimum raise of $50,000 and a maximum raise of 1,000,000, will be used for production increase, sales and business development, and digital marketing. Mainstem Malt has reported over $1.08 million in lifetime malt sales with 63 accounts nationally. The company already has $500,000 contracted sales for 2021 and is growing.
Germs, with a pre-money valuation of $5 million, is raising funds on Wefunder. The company makes and sells hand sanitizers, masks, and other PPE products during the coronavirus pandemic. The PPE products of Germs are designed by the world-famous artist Todd Goldman and bring smiles to sanitation. Hayden Michael founded Germs in March 2021. The current crowdfunding round of the company has a minimum target of $50,000 and a maximum target of $500,000. The raise proceeds will target product development, sales and marketing, wages and salaries, and other costs. Germs has a national representation deal with Diverse Marketing, leading to its positioning in over 10,000 gift stores.
Maison Marcel, an importer and distributor of French wines, is raising funds on Honeycomb. The company imports, distributes, and promotes wines from France under its own brand name. It has long-standing relationships with wineries where it imports the wines from and wholesales or distributes them across the country. Albert Dahan founded Maison Marcel in March 2015. The proceeds of the current crowdfunding round, with a minimum goal of $50,000 and a maximum goal of $250,000, will be used to purchase a retro van for brand awareness and customer experience, launch a new website, finance the inventory, and promote the business. Maison Marcel has been featured with notable retailers and restaurants and has reported a 405% growth in sales in the last twelve months.
Cheap Chick Trading Company, an upcoming clothing store in Homewood, AL, is raising crowdfunding on MainVest. The company plans to build a resale clothing business aimed at sustainable and ethical reselling. The customers will bring gently used and clean clothing and accessories to the company and get cash or store credit in return. Shannon Styes founded Cheap Chick Trading Company in April 2021. The current crowdfunding round has a minimum target of $25,000 and a maximum target of $40,000, and the funds will be used for buildout and equipment. Cheap Chick Trading Company aims to revolutionize the secondhand market and earn a 70% resell margin.
Luna Sourdough Bakery, a bakery in Yucca Valley, CA, is raising funds on MainVest. The restaurant offers a product menu that does not exist in the area, including organic and naturally-leavened sourdough bread, pastries, sandwiches, and salads. Ian Holshevnikoff and Julia Somers founded Luna Sourdough Bakery in September 2020. The proceeds of the current crowdfunding round, with a minimum raise of $70,000 and a maximum raise of $85,000, will be used to renovate the location and purchase equipment. Luna Sourdough Bakery has already received all permits and aims to begin construction in June 2021. The bakery is expected to open for the fall season by September 2021.
Marshmallow Jetpack, with a pre-money valuation of $18 million, is raising crowdfunding on StartEngine. The innovative game studio will allow gamers to transfer the value of their in-game assets to the real world. The debut game of Marshmallow Jetpack, Velkin Falling, combines blockchain with game designing and works on a play-to-earn model. Justin Smith founded Marshmallow Jetpack in April 2021. The current crowdfunding round has a minimum target of $10,000 and a maximum target of $1,070,000. The funds will be used to make the prototype, develop the MVP, and launch the final product. Marshmallow Jetpack is revolutionizing the crypto gaming market and incentivizing users to increase their purchases.
Shacksbury, with a pre-money valuation of $15 million, is raising funds on StartEngine. It is an innovative beverage company that makes light adult beverages and calls for people to evolve beyond beer. The Shacksbury family of brands includes Shacksbury Cider, Easy Wine, Fairweather Cider, and Lo-Ball. Colin Davis and David Dolginow founded Shacksbury in 2013. The current crowdfunding round of the company has a minimum raise of $9,999.12 and a maximum raise of $3,965,317.20. The raise proceeds will target growth and expansion. Shacksbury demonstrated a strong revenue growth from sales of $200,000 in 2015 to $2.2 million in 2020. The company has an in-house production facility and is distributed in more than 30 states.
Cheers, with a pre-money valuation of $49.5 million, is raising crowdfunding on StartEngine. The company makes products that make people feel better after consuming alcohol. It helps protect the liver while letting people enjoy their drinks. Brooks Powell founded Cheers in 2014. The proceeds of the current crowdfunding campaign, with a minimum target of $9,973.05 and a maximum target of $4,999,978.84, will be used to expand the product line, increase the retail presence, and launch a new brand of sugar-free hydration products called Lightspeed. Cheers has sold more than 13 million doses of its products and acquired more than 300,000 customers. The company generated a profit of $1.7 million in 2020.
Mexibbean Island Grille, an upcoming Mexican restaurant in Huntsville, AL, is raising funds on MainVest. The restaurant will take over space previously owned by Granville’s BBQ and will share the roof with the seafood restaurant Krab Kings. It aims to bring Mexican and Caribbean fusion to Alabama. John C. Baker and Shanice Baker founded Mexibbean Island Grille in February 2021. The proceeds of the current crowdfunding round, with a minimum raise of $5,000 and a maximum raise of $50,000, will be used to provide business capital to launch the new location. Mexibbean Island Grille will work on a fast-casual concept and offer counter service, indoor dining space, and a full-service bar.
THE BRONX BURGER CO., a comfort food restaurant in Bronx, NY, is raising crowdfunding on MainVest. The restaurant will serve the best burgers, fries, shakes, and beers in NYC. The business aims to serve burgers made from natural and high-quality ingredients and not frozen ones. Alpha O. Bah founded THE BRONX BURGER CO. in April 2021. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum raise of $100,000 and a maximum raise of $107,000. The funds will be used towards restaurant buildout, store lease, equipment, marketing, inventory, payroll, and licenses. THE BRONX BURGER CO. will start its operations in NYC and aims to expand nationally and internationally soon.
Morningside PlayCare, with a valuation cap of $2.25 million, is raising funds on NextSeed. The learning center for children provides nurturing care and immerses children in Mandarin and Spanish languages through play, creative activities, yoga, and exploration of nature. The curriculum is inspired by the Hawthorne Valley Waldorf School and Flying Deer Nature Centre. Dr. Gail Foster founded Morningside PlayCare in 2015. The proceeds of the current crowdfunding round, with a minimum target of $100,000 and a maximum target of $250,000, will be used for working capital and renovation of the new location. Morningside PlayCare graduates have been accepted at the top Mandarin and Spanish immersion independent day schools in New York City.
LFG Nexus, with a valuation cap of $2.9 million, is raising crowdfunding on Wefunder. The company has developed a social media platform specifically for gamers. It is the one-stop shop for all types of gamers and allows them to interact with one another and make game recommendations. The business earns revenue through premium services, advertising, and store commissions. Adam Gerstin founded LFG Nexus in 2019. The proceeds of the current crowdfunding round, with a minimum raise of $50,000 and a maximum raise of $250,000, will be used for marketing, IT infrastructure, development, and founder salaries. LFG Nexus has a unique and scalable platform with multiple recurring revenue streams. It targets all gamers, including video gamers, board gamers, esports, cosplay, and tabletop.
