🚀 1 deal closing tonight, 1 new investment, and an event invitation!

🔔 Your campaign updates feed

🌱 Kovo+ has relaunched! Kovo+ is revolutionizing AI solutions for the modern era. Kovo+ is automating the complex ecosystem of healthcare billing and collections through AI.

Invest in Kovo+ | $1.25M Raised | 11% of target

⚡ VoltSafe is closing today! Last chance to invest in this innovative cleantech startup. VoltSafe’s tech eliminates prongs, using magnets and an 'electrical fingerprint' to connect to electricity. Read more.

Invest in VoltSafe | $907K Raised | 121% of target

🍷 Proxies is working with some big chefs! From fine dining to your table— Proxies’ is sharing more about their Chef-backed recipes and innovation. Read more.

Invest in Proxies | $1.57M Raised | 90% of target

🌱 VEGAIN expands into national distribution! VEGAIN has secured national distribution with Raw Elements, a key partner that will help bring their products to mass retail across Canada. Read more.

Invest in VEGAIN | $161K Raised | 32% of target

🤔 What’s on our minds

What PepsiCo’s Acquisition of Poppi Signals for Private Markets and CPG Investment

PepsiCo’s recent $1.95B acquisition of Poppi, the gut-health soda brand, is making waves—not just in the beverage industry but across private markets and consumer packaged goods (CPG) investing. The deal highlights a growing trend: major players are actively scouting emerging brands with strong community-driven momentum, differentiated positioning, and proven scalability.

So, what does this mean for private market investors and CPG startups?

1. A Validation of the Challenger Brand Model

Poppi’s success story—rooted in a compelling brand narrative, early adoption in digital and retail channels, and a strong consumer following—reinforces the playbook for challenger brands. Investors should take note: brands that successfully build a loyal community and leverage digital engagement (DTC, TikTok virality, influencer partnerships) are increasingly attractive acquisition targets.

2. Premium & Functional Categories Are Winning

Functional beverages like Poppi, Olipop, and Liquid Death have redefined their categories by blending health benefits with mass-market appeal. As consumers demand better-for-you options across food and beverage, private investors should look for startups innovating in categories that combine premium positioning with mainstream potential.

3. Retail Traction Matters—But Omnichannel Wins

While many startups launch online, Poppi’s expansion into retail was critical to its acquisition appeal. Investors should seek brands that demonstrate omnichannel success—leveraging DTC for brand storytelling and consumer data while securing strategic retail partnerships for scale.

4. Strategic Exits Are Heating Up in CPG

With big CPG companies looking to diversify and capture younger, health-conscious consumers, strategic acquisitions will remain a strong exit path. For private investors, this could mean the potential for earlier liquidity events and a more defined path to return on investment.

Final Takeaway: The Poppi deal underscores the power of community-led brands, the continued demand for functional and premium products, and the importance of scaling smartly across digital and retail. For private market investors, it signals a strong opportunity to back high-growth CPG startups that are reshaping their categories—and catching the attention of major acquirers.

🎙️ Hear from our latest founder feature

Redefining the Wine Experience: The Story of Proxies with Co-Founder & President Charlie Friedmann

🍷 On a breakthrough moment: Partnering with André Mack was a game-changer. At his New York restaurant, we hosted a dinner pairing Proxies alongside wine, with top food and wine journalists in attendance. The response was incredible—it proved Proxies could stand alongside traditional wines.

📈 On growth milestones: We’ve built partnerships with top restaurants like The French Laundry and Eleven Madison Park, but real growth comes from retail. With $15M+ in revenue and 500,000+ bottles sold, we’ve scaled intentionally, focusing on the right opportunities. Now, demand is accelerating.

🚀 On what sets Proxies apart: We’re not just following the non-alcoholic trend—we’re building a category. Big wine brands struggle to connect with younger consumers, but Proxies bridges that gap. Our direct-to-consumer expertise gives us a lasting edge as the industry evolves.

🎧 Want to hear the full story? Listen on Spotify.

📆 FrontFundr event invitation

What’s Ahead for Canada’s Private Markets & Venture Capital in 2025?

Canada’s private markets and venture capital landscape are evolving rapidly. Join us for an exclusive virtual event where industry experts will break down the key trends shaping the future of investing and startup funding in Canada.

Hosted by FrontFundr and The Holt Xchange, this discussion will cover major shifts in private market investing, the growing role of retail investors, and how Canada’s VC sector compares globally. We’ll also explore fintech investment strategies and what the future holds for venture capital access.

Trieste Reading, VP of Growth at FrontFundr, will moderate the discussion, joined by expert speakers Luca Manglaviti, Investment Specialist at FrontFundr, and Jan Christopher Arp, Founding Managing Partner of The Holt Xchange. They’ll share key insights on where the market is headed and what investors should consider in 2025.

📅 Event Details: March 27, 2025 at 12:00 PM EST | 9:00 AM PST

Don’t miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights from industry leaders. Register now to secure your spot!

📌 FrontFundr bulletin

📣 The ongoing tariff war poses challenges for Canadian tech companies, but it also creates opportunities. FrontFundr’s Founder & CEO, Peter-Paul Van Hoeken, was featured in TechBeat Canada, discussing how startups can adapt by strengthening their domestic presence and exploring global markets. Read more about why Canada is an ideal testing ground, and how trade agreements with Europe and the UK can open new doors.

🗞️ What’s the LIFE exemption? The Listed Issuer Financing Exemption (LIFE) is changing the game for investors—offering access to early-stage public companies with no resale restrictions. This means more opportunities to invest in high-growth companies at an earlier stage. Want to know how it works and what it means for you? Read our blog post on understanding the LIFE exemption.