Thursday, February 11, 2021

SnackFutures, the Mondelēz International innovation and venture hub, has launched CoLab, a new start-up engagement program for early-stage well-being snack brands.

CoLab is designed to be a collaborative effort between entrepreneurs and Mondelēz International’s SnackFutures to drive mutual growth. SnackFutures will provide participating start-ups with tools, technologies and access to networks and industry expertise, while also gaining insights, capabilities and prospective investment opportunities. It’s also yet another demonstration of SnackFutures’ mission to create a snacking world that is good for people, kind to the planet and deliciously fun by bringing “big and small” together to push the boundaries of what’s possible in well-being snacking.

“We’re in a unique position with SnackFutures and we made some very deliberate decisions while designing CoLab,” said Brigette Wolf, Global Head of SnackFutures, Mondelēz International. “With SnackFutures, we create our own brands and invest in start-ups, which gives us a level of empathy and understanding from our own experiences along with the rigor, discipline and insights of global snacking leader. It’s a powerful combination to be able to share with these entrepreneurs.”

CoLab is a 12-week start-up engagement program customized based on each participant’s business challenges and growth priorities with a key emphasis on providing dedicated attention, 1:1 mentorship, workshops and access to Mondelēz International’s leadership, best-in-class expertise, resources and networks. The curriculum will be a combination of virtual sessions and three in-person activities (where and when travel is permitted). Up to 10 start-ups will be chosen to participate in the program and receive a $20,000 grant.

The call for submissions is now open with the program set to begin in June 2021. To apply, start-ups must be based in the U.S., generating at least $500,000 in revenue, have high growth potential, align with the Mondelēz International innovation priorities, and can benefit from working with Mondelēz International and the company’s partners.

For more information or to apply for the CoLab program, visit www.snackfutures.com.