Discover early-stage startups before they scale. This edition scouts 7 ventures across coffee, fintech, AI, sustainability, EV infrastructure, and more.
🚒 FIRE DEPARTMENT COFFEE
Sector: Consumer Goods / Food & Beverage
Platform: StartEngine
Stage: Crowdfunding
Minimum Investment: $489.15
What They Do
A firefighter-founded coffee company roasting premium beans and supporting first responders through their charitable foundation.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
Combines a quality product with a built-in mission — giving back to injured or ill firefighters — resonating with a loyal, cause-driven customer base.
Snapshot
Launched by firefighters in Rockford, IL
Sells direct-to-consumer and via retailers
Part of each sale funds firefighter recovery programs
Building a strong national brand with social impact at its core
My Take
They’re leveraging mission-driven branding in a competitive market — it’s more than coffee; it’s an identity purchase.
🌴 HALA TREE COFFEE
Sector: Consumer Goods / Food & Beverage
Platform: StartEngine
Stage: Seed
Minimum Investment: $297.56
What They Do
A certified organic Kona coffee estate on Hawaii’s Big Island producing and selling 100% Kona coffee.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
They’re vertically integrated, controlling quality from farm to cup, and tapping the global cachet (and premium pricing) of Kona.
Snapshot
13-acre certified organic farm
Operates tours and tasting events that drive direct sales
Growing direct-to-consumer e-commerce
Positioned in the high-margin specialty coffee market
My Take
A direct farm-to-cup play that bets on consumers paying up for authentic, traceable Kona coffee.
💸 QUBE MONEY BY PROACTIVE FINTECH INC.
Sector: Fintech / Personal Finance / Digital Banking
Platform: StartEngine
Stage: Growth
Minimum Investment: $350
What They Do
A digital banking app that uses “digital envelopes” to control spending in real-time, with patented transaction-level authorization.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
Consumers are craving tools that go beyond budgeting insights to actively prevent overspending at the point of purchase.
Snapshot
Combines mobile banking with proactive budgeting
In-app “Qubes” mimic envelope budgeting for each spending goal
Founders are ex-financial advisors tackling household stress
Positioned to serve the $4.4B personal finance app market
My Take
Smartly combines old-school money habits with modern tech — watch how sticky users become once spending control is automated.
🏈 FOWLING FRANCHISE
Sector: Entertainment / Hospitality / Experiential Venues
Platform: StartEngine
Stage: Franchise Expansion
Minimum Investment: $400
What They Do
Franchises indoor “Fowling” centers — the hybrid of football and bowling invented in Detroit, now growing into social gaming venues.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
As consumers crave unique group experiences post-pandemic, niche sports entertainment could scale like axe throwing and escape rooms.
Snapshot
Holds IP rights on the original “fowling” game
Targets cities with high disposable income for franchise growth
Revenue comes from lane rentals, drinks, and events
Growing interest among local investors and operators
My Take
An experiential, novelty-driven franchise that could become the next bar + activity hit if they scale smart.
💧 WATERGATE AI
Sector: Property Tech / Sustainability
Platform: Seedrs
Stage: Seed
What They Do
Develops smart sensors and AI to detect leaks and optimize water use in homes and buildings.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
Rising water costs and sustainability mandates are pushing property owners to adopt tech that cuts waste and bills.
Snapshot
Aims to reduce water waste by up to 40%
Early pilots in multi-unit residential properties
Tech ties into ESG goals for real estate funds
Positioned for growing smart building retrofits
My Take
Water is a massive under-digitized utility. If they prove out savings, it could be a compelling retrofit staple.
🍦 SALCOMBE DAIRY
Sector: Food & Beverage
Platform: Seedrs
Stage: Growth
What They Do
A premium UK dairy expanding its successful ice cream shops and scaling online sales.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
It’s a proven regional brand with cult-like loyalty, now raising to broaden geographic reach and drive more e-commerce.
Snapshot
Multiple profitable retail locations in the UK
Premium artisan positioning with local sourcing
Building out nationwide delivery
Reinvesting to grow wholesale and direct channels
My Take
Not a new product, but an existing brand funding the next stage — often a safer risk profile than concept-stage food startups.
⚡ CONNECTED KERB
Sector: Energy / Smart Infrastructure
Platform: Seedrs
Stage: Growth
What They Do
Manufactures and operates public EV charging infrastructure, with a heavy focus on smart, data-driven charge points.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
As EV adoption surges, cities and commercial landlords are racing to install scalable, connected charging solutions.
Snapshot
Installs durable chargers integrated with parking infrastructure
Data platform for usage optimization and maintenance
Working with councils and property developers in the UK
Positioned for regulatory pushes toward EV readiness
My Take
A hardware + data play in EV charging is capital-intensive, but gets sticky once contracts are signed.
📝 Wrap-Up
That’s your radar scan for early July. From firefighter coffee to AI water sensors and smart EV grids, these startups show where consumer passion, climate needs, and digital money intersect.
📖 Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or investment solicitation.