The Market, an indoor farmer's market-style event hosted by Northeastern's Office of Alumni Relations, was held this past week. The Market highlights the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Northeastern, with many students and alumni participating.
New Grounds Food, an all-natural energy bar complete with a whole cup of coffee, was just one of many brands present at The Market. The company won audience favorite at the 2013 Husky Startup Challenge, receiving $10,000 in gap funding from IDEA, the university's student-run venture accelerator.
New Grounds Food is currently under the direction of seniors Johnny Fayad and Ali Kothari, both DMSB'17.
“Northeastern has the infrastructure that allows entrepreneurs to thrive,” said Nick Passaro, DMSB'18, who runs e-commerce for the company.
DRINKMaple, founded by Northeastern alumna Kate Weiler, CP'13 was one of a few drink options featured at The Market, also formed as an IDEA venture. DRINKMaple, a sports drink created from pure maple sap, is an alternative to many products available on the market now.
Lamar Letts, DMSB'17, was also present at The Market with his sports drink Hylux. Made with all-natural ingredients and high levels of potassium, as well as vitamins, Hylux is a combination of health and hydration.
Letts credits the Northeastern community for helping him succeed, “I was totally new to this, and I needed a food scientist, a source for bottles—everything,” he said. “The exposure here is incredible and there are mentors who are familiar with situations like mine and helped when I needed it.”