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Tune in to the latest episode of Next Big Thing Radar — a quick audio dive into this week’s standout startups. Available on Spotify
PARKIT CO.
Sector: Outdoor Lifestyle | Platform: Wefunder | Stage: Growth | Minimum Investment: $250
What They Do
PARKIT builds premium outdoor gear — from adventure chairs to coolers — designed for durability and sustainability.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
The outdoor recreation market keeps expanding post-pandemic, and consumers are willing to pay for products that merge design and longevity.
Snapshot
Over $5M in lifetime revenue
Products featured in Men’s Journal and Forbes
Expanding into new product lines beyond chairs
My Take
A lifestyle brand that’s found its niche: functional gear with real design credibility.
TENDER LOVING EMPIRE
Sector: Arts & Retail | Platform: Wefunder | Stage: Growth | Minimum Investment: $100
What They Do
A hybrid record label, handmade marketplace, and creative community supporting independent artists through retail and music.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
As consumers look for authentic, values-driven brands, TLE’s mix of artistry and commerce stands out as a sustainable creative ecosystem.
Snapshot
6 physical stores in Oregon
30,000+ products from independent creators
Record label roster includes nationally touring artists
My Take
A rare blend of art, business, and purpose — proving creative ventures can scale thoughtfully.
📖 Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or investment solicitation.
BRUNO
Sector: Food & Beverage | Platform: Wefunder | Stage: Early | Minimum Investment: $100
What They Do
Bruno is a modern wine startup creating small-batch wines that are approachable, high-quality, and free from the pretension often found in traditional wine culture.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
The next generation of wine drinkers wants authenticity, transparency, and a brand they can connect with — not dusty labels and complicated jargon. Bruno is building a fresh, relatable identity in a timeless category.
Snapshot
Focused on direct-to-consumer sales and digital storytelling
Sourcing premium small-batch wines
Founded by entrepreneurs with prior success in lifestyle and beverage brands
My Take
Wine is an old market, but branding is always up for disruption. Bruno’s casual, human approach to wine could resonate with a new wave of drinkers looking for simplicity over status.
ACUITIVE
Sector: Medical Devices / Orthopedics | Platform: StartEngine | Stage: Growth | Minimum Investment: ~$497
What They Do
Acuitive builds regenerative orthopedic device technology using Citrate-based biomaterials, enabling implants that stimulate healing and resorb over time.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
Fixing bones and joints is huge, and implant removal surgery is a real burden. Devices that heal and then disappear solve a clinical pain point.
Snapshot
Valuation ~$60.8M in current StartEngine round
FDA 510(k) clearance for CITREGRAFT synthetic bone filler
Raising $5M to scale from ~8,000 patients to 80,000+
My Take
This is a classic deep-tech medtech play — higher risk, but if it works at scale, it’s transformational.
CALOSYN PHARMA
Sector: Biotechnology / Orthopedics | Platform: StartEngine | Stage: Early | Minimum Investment: $500
What They Do
Calosyn Pharma develops a targeted, sustained-release therapy for osteoarthritis pain, aiming to reduce inflammation and protect cartilage in affected joints.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
Osteoarthritis affects millions and lacks disease-modifying treatments. Calosyn’s drug-delivery platform targets the pain and inflammation at the source — without systemic side effects.
Snapshot
Focused on localized osteoarthritis pain management
Proprietary sustained-release formulation
Preclinical studies suggest cartilage protection and long-lasting relief
Currently raising $5M on StartEngine to scale trials and development
My Take
The osteoarthritis space is enormous and underserved. If Calosyn’s sustained-release approach holds up in human trials, it could meaningfully shift standard of care.
SOJU VENTURES INTERNATIONAL
Sector: Food & Beverage | Platform: StartEngine | Stage: Early | Minimum Investment: $500
What They Do
Bringing premium Korean soju to the U.S. market through culturally authentic branding and modern design.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
Soju is the world’s most-consumed spirit, but underrepresented in Western markets. Soju Ventures wants to change that.
Snapshot
First product line developed with Korean distillers
Targeting premium bars and restaurants in California
Riding the global wave of Korean culture exports
My Take
Category timing is perfect — if they execute distribution right, soju could finally go mainstream in the U.S.
ODYSSE
Sector: Travel & AI | Platform: Seedrs | Stage: Early | Valuation: £4.5M pre-money | Minimum Investment: £13.72
What They Do
Odysse is an AI travel planner that curates full itineraries based on user preferences and real-time data.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
AI-powered personalization is reshaping travel planning, and Odysse targets the shift from generic searches to tailored journeys.
Snapshot
10k+ early users in beta
Integrations with Skyscanner and Booking.com
Founded by travel-tech veterans from Skyscanner
My Take
If Odysse nails trust and UX, it could become the “Spotify for travel.”
TOMATO+
Sector: AgriTech | Platform: Seedrs | Stage: Growth | Valuation: €10M pre-money | Minimum Investment: €17.36
What They Do
Tomato+ develops smart indoor gardens for fresh herbs and vegetables grown directly in kitchens, powered by hydroponics and automation.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
Urban consumers crave convenience and sustainability — Tomato+ brings both with compact, design-led tech.
Snapshot
Products sold in over 15 countries
€3M+ in lifetime sales
Developed in Italy, manufactured in the EU
My Take
It’s not just a gadget — it’s a lifestyle upgrade for the “grow your own” generation.
That’s today’s radar. Discover early-stage startups before they scale — and hear the stories behind them in the latest podcast episode.
📖 Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or investment solicitation.