⚡ AIVANA, INC.
Sector: Technology
Platform: Wefunder
Stage: Early
Minimum Investment: $100
What They Do
Helping power everyday AI by providing an AI infrastructure platform that simplifies adoption across different use cases.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
As AI tools proliferate, businesses and consumers face fragmentation. AIVANA's marketplace-like approach could unify AI access in high-growth categories.
Snapshot
Beta of AI marketplace live; funded ~$105K as of recent reports
Founder: Chris Ybarra, ex-JPMorgan Chase and AI product leader
My Take
AI is everywhere—but making it seamless and accessible is harder than launching buzz. AIVANA’s marketplace strategy could meet that need, if it builds trust and utility.
🛠 HUSTLR, INC.
Sector: Technology
Platform: Wefunder
Stage: Early
Minimum Investment: $100
What They Do
A neighborhood-focused gig marketplace that enables residents to hire local help more efficiently and trustworthily.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
Gig platforms operate at scale, often neglecting the hyperlocal trust layer. If HUSTLR nails community-level engagement, it could win in dense local markets.
Snapshot
Targeting hyperlocal hiring with tech-first marketplace design
My Take
Scaling locally can be slow, but strong adoption in pilot neighborhoods can pave the way for network effects. Worth watching.
🔋 INFINICELL
Sector: Hardware / Energy
Platform: Wefunder
Stage: Early
Minimum Investment: $100
What They Do
Developing aluminum-ion rechargeable batteries that aim to charge faster and operate with higher safety compared to lithium-ion.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
Battery improvements directly impact EVs, grid resilience, and consumer tech. Aluminum-ion offers cost and safety advantages—and potential for near-term manufacturability.
Snapshot
Aims to build commercial-scale pouch cells, demonstrate 5,000+ high-C-rate cycles, target cost <$40/kWh
Plans partnerships with tier-two OEMs and push into safety-critical verticals
My Take
Battery hardware is capital-intensive, but breakthroughs in chemistry and cost-efficiency could unlock big sectors. The roadmap is realistic—key will be execution and pilot validation.
🎬 TIN TOP PRODUCTIONS LLC
Sector: Entertainment / Media
Platform: Wefunder
Stage: Early
Minimum Investment: $1,000
What They Do
Creating a PG-13 modern western drama series—filmed with non-actors (horsemen, veterans), aiming first at their HORSE Pro TV platform (300K+ followers), then wider distribution.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
Streaming still craves unique genre storytelling. Authentic western drama rooted in real community narratives may stand out and engage niche audiences.
Snapshot
Offers 120% revenue repayment, then 50% of lifetime profits to investors
Built-in audience via passionate niche platform (HORSE Pro TV) and veteran/horse community
My Take
Genre authenticity backed by community reach—not national buzz—gives this project a grounded chance. Execution (script, production quality) will shape its fate.
☕ CARTEL ROASTING
Sector: Coffee / Beverages
Platform: StartEngine
Stage: Early
Minimum Investment: $300
What They Do
A specialty coffee brand inviting community co-ownership through crowdfunding, born from a long-standing local roaster.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
Specialty coffee is a crowded space—but engaged communities and equity-based loyalty can drive brand stickiness and scale. Cartel leverages both.
Snapshot
Community equity raise via Reg CF
Legacy business (Cartel Coffee Lab) entering equity crowdfunding for the first time
My Take
Coffee is low-margin, but brand and community-backed equity changes the game. If execution matches storytelling, this could become a local success story with wider relevance.
🎥 JUST ONE MORE FILM LLC
Sector: Film / Media
Platform: Wefunder
Stage: Early
Minimum Investment: $100
What They Do
A faith-based feature film addressing the opioid crisis, written/directed/produced by Twinbolt Media, with original music and story consultation by Dream Label Allan Scott.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing
Faith-driven films with social relevance can perform strongly in niche film markets—provided they have distribution pathways and community buy-in.
Snapshot
Minimum target $50K, max $300K; revenue share structure included (1.2× return)
Zero revenue or cash on hand as of FY2024 (first-time production company)
My Take
Faith-anchored storytelling with a social theme often taps loyal communities. Distribution plan and team credibility—still early indicators to assess.
Wrap-Up
This week’s radar highlights early-stage investees across AI, energy, local services, media, and consumer goods—all grounded in niche opportunities and clear unmet needs. None list prominent angel or VC backers at this stage, underscoring their community-driven nature.
📖 Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice or investment solicitation.