This episode was sponsored by RangeMe. Go to rangeme.com/startupcpg
This episode was sponsored by Floret. Go to tryfloret.com/startupcpg
This episode was sponsored by Cin7. Go to cin7.com/startupcpg

You know what that sound means - we had another member of the Startup CPG community on Shark Tank! And this time it was previous podcast guests Mafe Romer & Coco Cabezas from TOAST-IT! They join us today to tell us all the details about their Season 15, Episode 2 episode of Shark Tank that aired recently on October 6th. TOAST-IT makes delicious Latin staples, including arepas, that toast up to perfection in under 10 minutes. When Coco and Mafe were on the show back in June 2022, we talked more about their backgrounds, origin story, how they got into Publix, and more, so I’ve linked that episode in the show notes as well.

Listen in today as Mafe & Coco share about:

• The application process to Shark Tank and behind the scenes of taping the show
• What it was like to negotiate live with deals on the table from Kevin O’Leary and Daniel Lubetzky and why they went with the $150,000 investment for 20% equity with Daniel
• How they prepped for the airing of the show and the story of Mafe being 5 months pregnant while taping the show and then welcoming her baby the same week the episode aired!
• The consumer and retailer response to the episode airing
• Their tips for brands interested in being on Shark Tank or who are pitching to the Sharks soon
• And more!

I also want to let you know that this is the last episode of Season 3! Feel free to skip ahead 30 seconds to get to the interview, but I wanted to say thank you for those of you that have joined me as listeners, guests, and supporters for Season 3 of the show over the past 2+ years. It means the world to me and it’s been an honor to be your host. Season 4 starts next week with your new host, Daniel Scharff, the founder of Startup CPG, so stay tuned!

Now let’s hear from Coco & Mafe.

Episode Links:

• TOAST-IT website & IG @toastitfoods
• Coco’s LinkedIn & Mafe’s LinkedIn
• Watch Season 15, Episode 2 to see the pitch!
• Mentions: Camino Partners, Nopalera
• Our other Startup CPG Podcast episode with Coco & Mafe from June 2022: Data-first, customer-focused, and expanding into Publix

Show Links:

• Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
• Join the Startup CPG Slack community (16K+ members and growing!)
• Follow @startupcpg
• Visit host Jessi Freitag's Linkedin or website
• Questions or ideas for Season 4? Email podcast@startupcpg.com
• Episode music by Super Fantastics

RangeMe Links

• RangeMe website
• Listen to our episode (#108) with RangeMe founder, Nicky Jackson here

Floret Links:

• Sign up here for a free 2023 deductions audit

Cin7 Links:

• Get a demo or claim your free 14 day trial of Cin7 inventory management software here