Founder Spotlight: Oded Brenner (Blue Stripes)
Meet Oded Brenner:
Blue Stripes is leading the change in revolutionizing the chocolate industry by utilizing the entire cacao pod–fruit, shell, and beans. Blue Stripes’ approach of upcycling the whole cacao pod–as opposed to only the 30% that traditional chocolate brands use–to create its products supports the environment, cacao farmers, and the overall health of consumers.
Location:
Closter, New Jersey, USA
When did you launch the business?
2018
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Startup Stage?
Blue Stripes is in its growth stage, having secured $21M in late 2024 in funding. The investment came from Zintinus, a VC firm specializing in environmental, social, governance, and Food-Tech investments, as well as notable partners like Hershey, Whole Foods, and the Daily Mail Group.
What led you to where you are today?
Strong and clear meaningful mission to fix the impaired cacao industry which resonates with retailers that support businesses with REAL impact on the environment and social responsibility.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on your entrepreneurial journey?
The immense cost that is involved in the launch of every new SKU both marketing-wise and operation and the importance of rarer sharp focus rather than spreading your story and mission thin over many different products. (But in general, knowing less is better: because entrepreneurship is so tough and irrational that you need to “run into it” with less knowledge and more passion😅)
What is the most difficult decision you've had to make regarding your business so far?
Launching our innovative beverage - cacao waters - while still having many issues with the recipe and the pasteurization process, but had to meet the launching day deadline and commitment to Whole Foods (Thankfully all turned out good and there were no issues)
What can you help the VEGPRENEUR community with?
Sharing knowledge and connections, especially in Ecuador where we source all our raw materials, packaging, and manufacturing with a significant price advantage.
How can the VEGPRENEUR community help you?
Learning about options to improve my business and connections with vital leads that can help us achieve better margins and quality.
Fun fact about you:
I started my vegetarian journey when I was 14 inspired by the Transcendental Meditation Guru - Maharishi Mahesh Yogi who preached for that lifestyle for spiritual growth.
Anything else you would like to share?
Blue Stripes has been named No. 1 in the Small and Mighty: 1–50 Employees category on Fast Company's 2025 Most Innovative Companies list. This prestigious recognition highlights Blue Stripes' pioneering work in sustainability, innovation and its transformative impact on the chocolate industry. The award celebrates companies that are making a profound difference through groundbreaking ideas and social responsibility, and Blue Stripes is proud to be recognized at the forefront of these efforts.
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