Every year, new startups emerge in the coffee industry, bringing fresh ideas and innovative business models that challenge the status quo. As we look ahead to 2025, we’ve compiled a list of the most exciting coffee startups that are making waves and capturing the attention of investors, entrepreneurs, and coffee lovers alike. Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and the startups mentioned are not ranked in any particular order.
1. Cometeerw
- Location: Gloucester, Massachusetts
- Founder: Matthew Roberts
- Founded In: 2015
- Funding: Series B, $85 Million
- Investors Include: Greycroft, Avenir Growth Capital, Tao Capital Partners
Cometeer offers a unique approach to coffee by flash-freezing artisan brews from specialty roasters. Customers can enjoy high-quality coffee with the convenience of simply adding hot water to a frozen coffee cube, making it an ideal solution for busy coffee lovers.
2. Bellwether Coffee
- Location: Berkeley, California
- Founder: Ricardo Lopez
- Founded In: 2013
- Funding: Grant, $60.1 Million
- Investors Include: Tandem Capital, RSE Ventures, California Energy Commission
Bellwether Coffee is pioneering a small-batch roasting system that allows businesses to roast low-carbon coffee on-site. Their innovative technology promotes sustainability in the coffee industry, making it easier for cafes and businesses to offer high-quality, freshly roasted coffee.
3. savepod
- Location: New York City, New York
- Founder: Yianni Mamtsaderis
- Founded In: 2021
- Funding: Product Crowdfunding, $280,000
- Investors Include: N/A
savepod is tackling the coffee pod market with a sustainable alternative that is compatible with popular single-serve coffee makers. Their compostable pods not only reduce plastic waste but also offer consumers a cost-effective solution for enjoying quality coffee at home.
4. BrewBird
- Location: San Mateo, California
- Founder: Erik Pfleiderer
- Founded In: 2012
- Funding: Series A, Undisclosed Amount
- Investors Include: Sequoia Capital, Kyber Knight Capital, Maveron
BrewBird is a sustainable coffee program that partners with renowned roasters such as Equator Coffees and Counter Culture Coffee. Their zero-plastic coffee pods not only reduce waste but also provide companies with a unique employee incentive. Notable clients include Pinterest and Meta, showcasing BrewBird’s commitment to sustainability in the workplace.
5. Voyage Foods
- Location: Oakland, California
- Founder: Adam Maxwell
- Founded In: 2021
- Funding: $63.8 Million
- Investors Include: Valor Equity Partners, Horizons Ventures, Social Impact Capital
Voyage Foods is on a mission to reinvent beloved food and drink staples, including coffee and chocolate. Their innovative approach aims to create products like cocoa-free chocolate and bean-free coffee, addressing challenges related to cultivation and production while appealing to a growing market of conscious consumers.
6. Fellow
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Founder: Jake Miller
- Founded In: 2013
- Funding: Series B, $40.3 Million
- Investors Include: Nextworld Evergreen, Context Ventures
Fellow is known for its beautifully designed coffee equipment, including electric kettles and grinders. The brand combines aesthetics with high performance, catering to home brewers who appreciate both style and functionality.
7. Westrock Coffee Company
- Location: Little Rock, Arkansas
- Founders: Joe Ford, Scott Ford
- Founded In: 2009
- Funding: Post-IPO Equity, $692 Million
- Investors Include: HF Capital, Wells Fargo, Meaningful Partners
As a leading supplier of coffee beans, tea, and ready-to-drink options, Westrock Coffee Company offers unparalleled traceability and end-to-end services for retailers and foodservice businesses. Their commitment to quality and sustainability has made them a powerhouse in the coffee industry.
8. Ember Technologies
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Founder: Clay Alexander
- Founded In: 2012
- Funding: $88 Million
- Investors Include: Goldtek Technology, Crescent Cove Advisors, Gozde Tech Ventures
While not strictly a coffee company, Ember Technologies offers temperature-controlled drinkware. Their primary product, the Ember Mug, allows consumers to adjust the temperature of their beverages, ensuring that coffee and other drinks remain at an optimal temperature through patented sensors, a long-lasting battery, and smartphone connectivity.
Final Thoughts
With exciting movement in the coffee industry, such as Chobani’s acquisition of La Colombe coffee roasters and the immense success in acquiring venture capital by coffee companies like Blank Street, the specialty coffee space has exploded with growth.
These innovative coffee startups are disrupting the industry by reimagining everything from the preparation of coffee grounds to new ways to enjoy at-home cold brew. As coffee startups continue to innovate, this list will expand to cover the range of imaginative companies taking on the industry and the world.