We scan early-stage investment platforms to bring you startups you haven’t heard of yet—but should. These aren’t buzzwords and hype. Just strong picks with smart teams, real traction, and the kind of edge that could make them tomorrow’s breakout stories.
This week, we’re sipping pickle beer, riding the AI wave, and spotting game-changers in both spirits and LGBTQ+ wellness. Let’s go:
🚀 Devon Rum Company
Sector: Food & Beverage
Platform: Republic Europe (formerly Seedrs)
What They Do: Devon Rum Company crafts award-winning spiced and flavoured rums using locally sourced ingredients. They’ve opened a blending house, bar, and store in Salcombe.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing: A carbon-negative, plastic-free brand with a loyal customer base and premium positioning in the spirits market.
🔗 Invest Now
🚀 Howl
Sector: LGBTQ+ Lifestyle & Wellness
Platform: Republic Europe (formerly Seedrs)
What They Do: Howl is a one-stop platform for LGBTQ+ nightlife, sexual wellness, and supplements. They host events and sell products like vegan CBD lubricant.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing: Strong community presence, stocked in Selfridges, and partnerships with brands like Feeld position Howl as a category-defining player.
🔗 Invest Now
🚀 LODE
Sector: Functional Beverages
Platform: Wefunder
Min. Investment: $100
What They Do: LODE produces non-alcoholic beers, bourbons, and cocktails infused with hemp-derived THC.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing: With a growing shift toward mindful consumption, LODE blends wellness and indulgence—and has already won grants and VC backing.
Notable Investor: Render Capital
🔗 Invest Now
🚀 DONNA’S PICKLE BEER
Sector: Alcohol & Vice
Platform: Wefunder
Min. Investment: $100
What They Do: Combines two crowd-pleasers—pickles and beer—into one bold new craft brew.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing: Ranked in the top 100 craft beers in SoCal within 6 weeks of launch—without any marketing budget.
🔗 Invest Now
🚀 HIRO SERVICES
Sector: AI & Security
Platform: StartEngine
Min. Investment: $600
What They Do: HIRO provides AI-powered surveillance systems to protect schools, workplaces, and public spaces.
Why It Might Be the Next Big Thing: As demand for intelligent, preventative security rises, HIRO delivers real-world safety solutions powered by AI.
🔗 Invest Now
👀 Spotted something you like?
Hit that invest link—but remember: early-stage investing is risky, so do your homework.
🎯 Want more smart startup picks like these?
Subscribe to the newsletter, follow @NBigThingRadar, and share this issue with someone who wants to get in before the buzz.
Until next week,
— Theo
NextBigThing Radar