
#176 - Startup CPG’s 2024 Year in Review
12/30/24 • 49 min
In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Patricia Menegoto, Head of Marketing and Community at Startup CPG, to reflect on a transformative year for the community and discuss ambitious plans for the future.
Together, they recount the milestones of 2024, from hosting dedicated sections at trade shows, events in 17+ cities, building partnerships such as the GNC "Next Big Thing" initiative and the expansion of the Further platform supporting female-founded brands.
Key topics include the success of in-person networking events, the growing impact of the Shelfie Awards, and how Startup CPG seeks to help emerging brands gain visibility and access to key retailers and investors. They also explore exciting initiatives planned for 2025, aimed at further strengthening the community and driving meaningful connections between founders, retailers, and industry leaders.
Listen in as they share about:
- Reflections on Startup CPG’s Growth and Achievements
- Community Engagement and Support
- Notable Highlights from 2024
- Key Initiatives and Partnerships
- Vision for 2025 and Beyond
Episode Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmenegoto/
Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.
Show Links:
- Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
- Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
- Follow @startupcpg
- Visit host Daniel's Linkedin
- Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
- Episode music by Super Fantastics
In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Daniel Scharff sits down with Patricia Menegoto, Head of Marketing and Community at Startup CPG, to reflect on a transformative year for the community and discuss ambitious plans for the future.
Together, they recount the milestones of 2024, from hosting dedicated sections at trade shows, events in 17+ cities, building partnerships such as the GNC "Next Big Thing" initiative and the expansion of the Further platform supporting female-founded brands.
Key topics include the success of in-person networking events, the growing impact of the Shelfie Awards, and how Startup CPG seeks to help emerging brands gain visibility and access to key retailers and investors. They also explore exciting initiatives planned for 2025, aimed at further strengthening the community and driving meaningful connections between founders, retailers, and industry leaders.
Listen in as they share about:
- Reflections on Startup CPG’s Growth and Achievements
- Community Engagement and Support
- Notable Highlights from 2024
- Key Initiatives and Partnerships
- Vision for 2025 and Beyond
Episode Links:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pmenegoto/
Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.
Show Links:
- Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
- Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
- Follow @startupcpg
- Visit host Daniel's Linkedin
- Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
- Episode music by Super Fantastics
Previous Episode

Founder Feature: Spencer Hoddeson, Gay Water
In this bonus episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Grace Kennedy sits down with Spencer Hoddeson, the CEO of Gay Water. They delve into the inspiration behind creating Gay Water, a mission-driven brand that is aiming to increase representation for the queer community in the alcohol space. With a rich background in media and tech, Spencer shares his journey of developing Gay Water, highlighting the personal experiences and meaningful conversations that shaped the brand.
They explore the challenges of entering a competitive market and how Spencer's commitment to vibrant packaging and purpose-driven marketing has struck a chord with millennial and Gen Z consumers. Spencer candidly discusses overcoming founder-related stresses like imposter syndrome through prioritization, stress management techniques, and the power of positive customer feedback.
Discover how Gay Water is making waves in the beverage industry through strategic branding and a deep commitment to community representation. Tune in now!!
Listen in as they share about:
- Product Details of Gay Water
- Brand Inspiration, Mission, Development and Impact
- Challenges and Learnings
- Marketing Strategies
- Sales and Distribution
- Growth and Expansion
- Future Plans
Episode Links:
Gay Water’s Website
Gay Water’s Instagram
Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.
Show Links:
- Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
- Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
- Follow @startupcpg
- Visit host Daniel's Linkedin
- Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
- Episode music by Super Fantastics
Next Episode

Founder Feature: Val Emanuel of Rif Care
In this episode of the Startup CPG podcast, Grace Kennedy sits down with Val Emanuel, the inspiring co-founder of Rif Care, a two-year-old feminine care brand that prioritizes sustainability and wellness. Val shares the journey behind Rif Care's creation, from identifying gaps in the market for elevated, eco-friendly period products to overcoming challenges in manufacturing and scaling the business. She opens up about her diverse career path, the importance of sustainability in product innovation, and the invaluable lessons learned from working at iconic companies like GOOP.
Val delves into key entrepreneurial insights, including building a retail presence with brands like Erewhon, leveraging TikTok and social media for growth. She also highlights the realities of being a female founder of color, the role of grant funding, and the value of accelerators in driving business growth. Plus, Val shares practical advice on scaling a team, pursuing grants, and preparing for Riff Care’s 2025 goals, which include expanding retail partnerships and surpassing $1 million in sales.
Don’t miss these actionable insights on navigating the CPG industry and building a sustainable brand —tune in now!
Listen in as they share about:
- Origins of Riff Care
- Early Challenges and Launch
- Funding and Growth Strategies
- Marketing and Sales
- Identifying Market Gaps
- Marketing and Sales Strategies
- Challenges as a Founder
- Future Plans for 2025
- Advice for Founders
Episode Links:
Website: https://rifcare.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/valemanuel/
Instagram: malibumama__
Don't forget to leave a five-star review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify if you enjoyed this episode. For potential sponsorship opportunities or to join the Startup CPG community, visit http://www.startupcpg.com.
Show Links:
- Transcripts of each episode are available on the Transistor platform that hosts our podcast here (click on the episode and toggle to “Transcript” at the top)
- Join the Startup CPG Slack community (20K+ members and growing!)
- Follow @startupcpg
- Visit host Daniel's Linkedin
- Questions or comments about the episode? Email Daniel at [email protected]
- Episode music by Super Fantastics
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