#USA #Charlotte, N.C. #CPG brands #Crave Ventures #Growth Partner

Crave Ventures Launches with a New Vision

On September 16, 2025, Crave Ventures officially announced its launch as a pioneering growth partner, employing a unique service-for-equity model aimed at emerging consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. This innovative approach is designed to facilitate rapid growth for high-potential brands by providing marketing, retail, and operational support.

The groundwork for Crave Ventures was established during a successful multi-month pilot phase, where a select number of brands were onboarded, allowing the firm to refine its model and service offerings. According to Katie Hotze, President of Crave Ventures, the firm is not positioned as another accelerator or passive investment entity. Instead, it endeavors to bridge the gap between strategic advice and tangible results through an integrated support model.

A Unique Business Model

Crave Ventures mirrors an agency structure while being supported like a venture capital firm. Founders are surrounded by an expert team that includes marketing professionals, creative directors, retail placement specialists, and strategic advisers, all focused on propelling brand success. This model facilitates a more hands-on partnership, where Crave ventures alongside its clients rather than simply offering generic courses or mentorship.

At the heart of its operations is Crave Labs, the in-house agency responsible for amplifying brand visibility through content creation, third-party endorsements, and tailored marketing strategies. Partnering with Alliance Sales & Marketing, the largest natural food brokerage in the U.S., Crave opens doors to retail placements that are often unattainable for nascent brands, ensuring their products reach the shelves of major retailers.

Beyond Traditional Funding Models

One of the crucial features of Crave’s offering is its focus on real-time growth acceleration. Clients benefit from comprehensive scaling strategies planned and executed by Crave's experienced team. By establishing strong buyer relationships and executing velocity-driven retail programs, Crave ensures that its portfolio brands have a significant advantage in competitive markets.

Crave also harnesses cutting-edge AI tools for retail discovery, customer reviews, social media engagement, and product sampling to enhance brand visibility and performance. This tech-driven approach allows the firm to analyze market trends and consumer behavior effectively, which in turn assists founders in developing data-driven strategies.

Another notable aspect of Crave Ventures is its warm pathways to investors. The firm actively works to prepare brands for funding opportunities by enhancing their market traction and facilitating introductions to prospective investors. This critical element of support leads to seamless transitions from initial funding to growth capital.

A Vision for Sustainable Growth

Crave Ventures embraces a model that is unique in its commitment to pre-seed and seed-stage CPG brands, co-building brands alongside founders through to exits or acquisitions. The application process involves rigorous vetting to ensure that only those with high growth potential are selected, allowing Crave to provide focused resources to its partners.

The founders receive support not just in business strategy but also in storytelling that can lead to significant consumer behavioral shifts. This emphasis on strategic marketing helps forge strong brand identities and increases market share.

Crave Ventures embodies a fresh approach to supporting new businesses in the CPG sector, making it an exciting player in the market. The firm's unique blend of agency-style service with VC backing positions it as a formidable force in driving the growth of emerging brands.

For more information about Crave Ventures and their innovative services, visit growwithcrave.com.