SHOPLINE and XRC Ventures Celebrate Innovative Minds with Brand Builder Grant Winners

SHOPLINE & XRC Ventures Unveil Brand Builder Grant Winners

In a groundbreaking initiative to support budding entrepreneurs, SHOPLINE, a global leader in e-commerce Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and XRC Ventures, a specialized venture fund, proudly announced the winners of the inaugural XRC Brand Builder Grant. The program awards eight innovative startups up to $50,000 in non-dilutive capital to foster their growth and scale their e-commerce platforms.

With the current economic challenges affecting consumer packaged goods (CPG), rising customer acquisition costs have made it imperative for startups to find alternative funding avenues. SHOPLINE and XRC Ventures are stepping in to offer early-stage companies the resources needed to innovate and succeed in a competitive landscape, especially as many startups often struggle to meet venture capital requirements.

Over 120 applications were submitted spanning categories like beauty, food, and apparel, with eight selected based on their potential to disrupt their respective sectors. Here’s a look at the notable grantees:

1. AnaOno: A fashion brand catering to breast cancer patients and survivors, AnaOno is redefining post-surgical intimates. It has served over 100,000 patients and partnered with major retailers to bring comfort and beauty to the breast care market.

2. Caire Beauty: This biotech-driven skincare brand focuses on women over 40, particularly around peri and post-menopause. Utilizing unique delivery systems, Caire aims to improve skin health at the cellular level, with impressive results.

3. Fila Manila: Representing Filipino American cuisine, Fila Manila offers award-winning pantry staples. With a drive to fill the gaps in the $2.2 billion Filipino CPG sector, this brand is paving the way for a new era of flavors.

4. FocusFuel: A pioneer in functional gummies for energy, FocusFuel is dedicated to offering a clean and convenient solution. With over 2 million gummies sold, they provide a new approach to energy management in daily life.

5. Fresh Peaches: Focused on bum health, Fresh Peaches aims to modernize hygiene solutions for sensitive areas, addressing issues like hemorrhoids while promoting comfort and relief.

6. Miami Beach Bum: Emphasizing the importance of sustainable body care, this brand provides dermatologist-tested products that improve skin health and care for oceanic environments, notably with its signature Oregano Bum + Body Cream.

7. Rebundle: This plant-based hair extensions company focuses on providing non-toxic, biodegradable options for Black women. With a commitment to scalp health and sustainability, Rebundle is changing the traditional hair care narrative.

8. Untoxicated: Developed by a Cleveland Clinic doctor, Untoxicated provides a unique skincare line free from 128 allergens known to trigger sensitivity. This brand sets out to revolutionize sensitive skincare with its careful formulations.

Alongside the grant, recipients will benefit from workshops and consultations with industry veterans, aiding their transition to a more robust e-commerce platform. The partnership with SHOPLINE also includes optimization services to enhance their digital performance, directly leading into significant sales periods like Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Christopher Yang, Co-President of SHOPLINE, stated, "We created this grant with XRC Ventures to give high-potential CPG founders a meaningful advantage — not just in capital, but in the tools and support they require to grow sustainably." This sentiment was echoed by Diana Melencio, General Partner at XRC Ventures, highlighting the grant's purpose to bridge the gap to venture-readiness for emerging brands.

The collaboration kicked off at the Santa Monica Proper Hotel with an event where grantees connected with industry leaders, fostering an environment of networking and learning. As the program concludes in October, a follow-up event is planned to recognize the accomplishments and progress of these innovative companies.

With its commitment to empowering brands and individuals in the e-commerce landscape, SHOPLINE continues to position itself at the forefront of the SaaS sector, enabling retailers to thrive globally.

Learn more about SHOPLINE and its initiatives at shopline.com. For insights on XRC Ventures, visit xrcventures.com.