08 Dec 3 Investments for a Better Tomorrow
I am thrilled to announce that Kerpen Ventures has made its first 3 investments in three incredible companies that are improving the world with their enthusiasm, entrepreneurship, and creativity:
I met Thereasa Black through Clubhouse and was immediately taken by her story. As a single mother deployed serving our country in the armed forces, Thereasa realized that she wanted to be closer to her daughter. She also happens to be a very talented chocolate maker. Thereasa is the founder of Bon AppeSweet, plant-based chocolate, and gelato company that is free of dairy, processed sugar, and sugar alcohols. Sweetened with dates, it is the healthy and environmentally conscious solution to her daughter’s dessert cravings. Thereasa’s gelato is made from oat milk rather than dairy milk, offering a healthier and more sustainable solution to traditional ice cream. Additionally, Thereasa is committed to justice and liberty for all and believes that together, we can create meaningful change. Her website has links to important petitions to sign and information on the most pressing issues faced in the US today. When I tasted her gelato and chocolate, I realized that not only is her story great, but her food is too. I am delighted to support Thereasa and help her build a business to bring mission-driven chocolate and gelato to as many people as possible.
Maria Oliveira Tamellini and Rodrigo Tamellini remind me of a couple I knew 15 years ago named Dave and Carrie. Their infectious enthusiasm for building a company that changes the world and makes it safer for people of all ages to game online without being harassed was nothing short of inspirational. GamerSafer develops technologies to prevent crime and toxicity online. Their ESports division promotes competition integrity for large groups of gamers, and systematically removes players and accounts that are identified as cheating or as creating an unsafe environment. GamerSafer for Multiplayer Games uses a prevention-first strategy to eliminate fraud. They offer a secure log-in, age assurance, and player insights to identify patterns and create a safe environment. Their Brazilian spirit and deep knowledge of the subject area made it easy for us to support them. It’s been many years since my Nintendo World Championship days, but I remain bullish on the power of safe gaming to give kids and kids at heart good, safe fun.
Albert Baez and Abigail Rose Baez are another driven, heartful couple building a very exciting business. With the talents of Abigail, a former actress, Albert, a businessman, and Georgina Elizondo, a photographer and design expert, Blended Sense was able to come to life. I happen to know a lot about SaaS in social media and I was delighted to learn of Abigail and Albert’s fresh approach to the industry. Blended Sense creates and stores content for brands and companies that attracts new customers and engages current ones. Their creative team makes growing a business a more organized and creatively inspired process. Blended Sense helps brands take a leap forward in the quality of the content they put out, and in turn, increases conversion and engagement rates. Additionally, Blended Sense’s Creative Network matches freelance videographers, photographers, and other local artists to reliable gigs in their area, stimulating the local economy. When all these groups merge, they generate amazing content that is invaluable to a brand and the local community. I am super excited to see where this awesome Austin startup goes.
Carrie and I are excited to continue to invest in women, people of color, and social impact-minded entrepreneurs. Here’s to our first three investments changing the world, and if you have a great business, tell us about it at KerpenVentures.com!
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