Koia is a plant-based protein drink brand started by Maya French and Dustin Baker in the Chicago-area in 2013. It has many famous investors such as The Weeknd, Chris Paul, and Cordae.[1][2] In 2016, beverage industry veteran Chris Hunter became a cofounder and CEO. In 2019, French was listed on Forbes' 30 Under 30 list for her role in cofounding the company. Her lactose intolerance was a motivating factor for making vegan products. [3][4] Koia is sold in many popular stores, including Starbucks, Whole Foods, Walmart, and 7-Eleven.[5]

References

edit
  1. ^ "Plant-based beverage brand Koia Gets Investments from All-Stars to provide Plant-Based Accessibility For All". VegWorld Magazine. April 21, 2022.
  2. ^ "Koia secures investment from A-listers ahead of Series B round". Food Business News.
  3. ^ Sorvino, Chloe. "Reflections On Bias: Koia's Female Founder – And Only Black Employee – Has A Recipe For Change". Forbes.
  4. ^ "30 Under 30 2019: Food & Drink". Forbes.
  5. ^ "How Protein Drink Startup Koia Is Conquering the Natural Foods Market". www.jpmorgan.com.