Supporting startups isn’t just for the venture capitalists. As buyers look to support local shops this holiday season, they can also turn their attention to the Buffalo startup scene.
Building off of American Inno’s first national startup gift guide, Business First has compiled a list of unique offerings from locally based startups.
From environmentally focused cleaning products to a Black-owned local beauty brand, there’s a range of options with a local tie in for your holiday gift checklist. Here are just a few examples:
The Banana Phone
A Bluetooth-enabled headset shaped like a banana
Two of the startup’s co-founders Max Brown and Brian Brunsing are from Buffalo. The entrepreneurs gained national exposure when they appeared earlier this year on the show “Shark Tank.”
The Banana Phone is available on its website.
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Top Seedz
An organic and gluten free snack company
The seed-cracker business won the $1 million grand prize at 43North’s 2021 pitch contest and has plans to move to a larger downtown facility next year to ramp up production levels. Top Seedz sells through its website, as well as at local and national retailers like Dash’s Market, Wegmans Food Markets and Tops Friendly Markets.
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Zandra Beauty
A plant-based and cruelty-free beauty brand
From vegan body wash to deodorant and lotions, Zandra Beauty sells products through its ecommerce site as well as at large retailers like Target, Wegmans and Whole Foods.
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The Race Card
These founders created Pulling the Race Card, an interactive deck of cards that aims to initiative conversations between family, friends and colleagues
Pulling the Race Card aims to eradicate racism by starting with conversations through their deck of cards products, which are sold on its website.
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Azuna, Inc.
A business that makes all-natural odor removal and cleaning products based on tea tree gel
This year, the startup closed a $3 million seed funding round, which the business will use to market and create new products. Azuna sells on its website cleaning products from items for the car or a boat to products for the home and office.
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Kulture Khazana
A company that sells children’s toys, puzzles and books to share Indian culture
The business this year was named one of three grand prize winners in the annual FedEx small business challenge, which came with a $50,000 grant and in FedEx print services. The children’s items are sold on its website.
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Went
A business that creates custom commemorative souvenir tickets printed for people to save
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Whether you watched the game on TV or froze in the stands in-person, Went was created to give fans a way to celebrate and remember an experience. The business sells the commemorative tickets on its website.
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Jeca Energy Bars
A startup that makes plant-based energy bars
Jeca Energy Bars sells through grocery stores and distributors across the country, as well as on its website.
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Anaghe Atelier
A business that makes custom sweatsuits, sneakers and shoes
The Buffalo fashion house markets to online consumers who want a specific look. Last year, Anaghe Atelier received $25,000 in funding through Launch NY’s Founders Go Big, which seeks to support high-growth potential businesses from underserved communities.
The retailer sells limited-edition clothing on its website.
