Cotto Shines Bright at Enthuse Foundation's 8th Annual Pitch Night, Winning Over $100,000
The Enthuse Foundation recently held its highly anticipated 8th Annual Pitch Night on November 5th in Midtown Manhattan, showcasing a lineup of remarkable women-led consumer packaged goods (CPG) brands. This year's event was particularly special, as it highlighted the entrepreneurial spirit of women innovators looking to make a mark in the business world.
Cotto, the brainchild of Kendall Kransdorf, emerged as the standout winner of the evening. Known for its high-protein dips crafted from whipped cottage cheese, Cotto brings a modern twist to classic flavors, appealing to health-conscious consumers. As a reward for her innovative approach and the potential of her brand, Kransdorf received a substantial prize package valued at an incredible $108,500. This includes $25,000 in cash with no strings attached, a generous suite of in-kind business services from Enthuse Marketing valued at $75,000, and professional support including financial planning consultations with Morgan Stanley worth $5,000. Additionally, Cotto will receive services from Of All Trades for one month, alongside a six-month membership to The Well Network valued at $500.
The competition was fierce, with Veggie Vice, founded by Riddhima Kapoor, clinching second place with a prize package valued at $90,500. Veggie Vice specializes in freeze-dried vegetable chips that prioritize minimal ingredient lists, making it a healthy snack option. Kapoor’s winnings included $10,000 in cash, the same in-kind business services from Enthuse Marketing, and consultations from Morgan Stanley.
The Audience Choice award was given to Cartwheel, led by CEO Joanna Shu, which focuses on creating essential first-aid products for families, including the Nit Happens line that addresses head lice issues. Cartwheel's prize package, worth $6,000, includes $3,000 in cash and valuable business strategy sessions with industry mentor Kelly Anne Parker.
During the event, actress Lisa Vidal served as the host, and an impressive panel of judges included notable figures like Kim Lawton, CEO of Enthuse Marketing; Heidi Dillon, former CEO of Distill Ventures; Nicole Angel, an angel investor; and Diana Franco of Women.NYC. The event also featured a Founder Marketplace that showcased products from various women-owned brands, further emphasizing the diversity and innovation present in women-led enterprises.
Kim Lawton, co-founder of the Enthuse Foundation, expressed her pride in the participants, stating, 'Every year, Pitch Night reminds us what’s possible when women founders get the support they deserve. This year's finalists brought innovative ideas and real traction to the stage, and choosing the winners was not easy. We’re so proud of every one of them.'
The Enthuse Foundation’s Pitch Night serves as a crucial platform for women entrepreneurs, particularly those whose businesses generate between $100,000 to $1 million in annual revenue, helping them bridge the gap between early-stage funding and sustainable growth. The event is sustained by generous contributions from partners, including Diageo, Spearhead Global, Constellation Brands, and Morgan Stanley, among others.
Over its eight-year history, the Enthuse Foundation has committed itself to strengthening women-led businesses through a community-focused approach, education, and facilitating access to capital. The support it provides helps women entrepreneurs develop their brands and achieve lasting success in the marketplace. To learn more about their invaluable work, visit enthusefoundation.org.
Cotto, the brainchild of Kendall Kransdorf, emerged as the standout winner of the evening. Known for its high-protein dips crafted from whipped cottage cheese, Cotto brings a modern twist to classic flavors, appealing to health-conscious consumers. As a reward for her innovative approach and the potential of her brand, Kransdorf received a substantial prize package valued at an incredible $108,500. This includes $25,000 in cash with no strings attached, a generous suite of in-kind business services from Enthuse Marketing valued at $75,000, and professional support including financial planning consultations with Morgan Stanley worth $5,000. Additionally, Cotto will receive services from Of All Trades for one month, alongside a six-month membership to The Well Network valued at $500.
The competition was fierce, with Veggie Vice, founded by Riddhima Kapoor, clinching second place with a prize package valued at $90,500. Veggie Vice specializes in freeze-dried vegetable chips that prioritize minimal ingredient lists, making it a healthy snack option. Kapoor’s winnings included $10,000 in cash, the same in-kind business services from Enthuse Marketing, and consultations from Morgan Stanley.
The Audience Choice award was given to Cartwheel, led by CEO Joanna Shu, which focuses on creating essential first-aid products for families, including the Nit Happens line that addresses head lice issues. Cartwheel's prize package, worth $6,000, includes $3,000 in cash and valuable business strategy sessions with industry mentor Kelly Anne Parker.
During the event, actress Lisa Vidal served as the host, and an impressive panel of judges included notable figures like Kim Lawton, CEO of Enthuse Marketing; Heidi Dillon, former CEO of Distill Ventures; Nicole Angel, an angel investor; and Diana Franco of Women.NYC. The event also featured a Founder Marketplace that showcased products from various women-owned brands, further emphasizing the diversity and innovation present in women-led enterprises.
Kim Lawton, co-founder of the Enthuse Foundation, expressed her pride in the participants, stating, 'Every year, Pitch Night reminds us what’s possible when women founders get the support they deserve. This year's finalists brought innovative ideas and real traction to the stage, and choosing the winners was not easy. We’re so proud of every one of them.'
The Enthuse Foundation’s Pitch Night serves as a crucial platform for women entrepreneurs, particularly those whose businesses generate between $100,000 to $1 million in annual revenue, helping them bridge the gap between early-stage funding and sustainable growth. The event is sustained by generous contributions from partners, including Diageo, Spearhead Global, Constellation Brands, and Morgan Stanley, among others.
Over its eight-year history, the Enthuse Foundation has committed itself to strengthening women-led businesses through a community-focused approach, education, and facilitating access to capital. The support it provides helps women entrepreneurs develop their brands and achieve lasting success in the marketplace. To learn more about their invaluable work, visit enthusefoundation.org.
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