MatchaBar is trying to turn the energy drink market on its head, and has even drawn interest -- and an investment -- from rap superstar Drake.
Co-founder Graham Fortgang told Cheddar he and his brother/partner Max bet on live events and consumer packaged goods to give coffee the boot.
“Whether we are doing a three-day activation out at Coachella, an event like TED Talks, [or] here on Cheddar TV,” he said, “a lot of what we do is get the brand into the spaces and into the communities that are influencing culture.”
Not only has the family-owned business secured funding from Grammy-winner Drake, it also rolled out a national partnership with Whole Foods last September and teamed up with restaurant chain Dig Inn.
This year, the team will be at festivals such as SXSW and New York’s Governors Ball.
For full interview [click here](https://cheddar.com/videos/the-brothers-making-drakes-favorite-matcha).
President Donald Trump is talking up a joint venture investing up to $500 billion for infrastructure tied to artificial intelligence by a new partnership formed by OpenAI, Oracle and SoftBank. The new entity, Stargate, will start building out data centers and the electricity generation needed for the further development of the fast-evolving AI in Texas, according to the White House. The initial investment is expected to be $100 billion and could reach five times that sum. While Trump has seized on similar announcements to show that his presidency is boosting the economy, there were already expectations of a massive buildout of data centers and electricity plants needed for the development of AI.
Chris Ruder, Spikeball Founder and CEO, explains how he and his friends put roundnet on the global map, plus, how Spikeball helps people "find their circle."
J.W. Roth, CEO of Venu Holding Corporation, discusses the company's IPO and plans to redefine live music entertainment with their fan founded, fan-owned model.
Variety's Clayton Davis discusses why more than just the 1% are struggling after the LA fires. Plus, how awards shows will pivot to help victims. Watch!
Emily Hosie, CEO of Rebelstork, explains the concept of Returns Recommerce, plus how her company raised $18M to address the industry-wide issue of returns.
