No venture capital? No problem. Shanna Pearre and Darean Rhodes, the founders of the non-alcoholic drink brand Sensori, raised nearly $1 million by going straight to their community.
Instead of pitching investment firms, the pair built a following on social media. When Pearre posted on Instagram that they were raising money, the DMs and texts started rolling in. More than 50 people invested, including over 40 creators and pro athletes. Rather than just paying influencers to post, Sensori gave them real ownership in the company.
It’s working. Sensori sold 5,000 cans in its first three months and expects to pass $1 million in revenue this year.
Why it matters: Black founders got less than half of 1% of U.S. venture capital in 2024. Sensori found another way in.
Would you invest in a brand you already love? Sound off.
Sources: Black Enterprise, AfroTech
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