Vegan and allergen friendly baking mix startup GoNanas was the big winner of Oregon Angel Food 2022.
Investors at the angel investment conference picked the startup to receive the $300,000 investment from the conference as well as in-kind support from sponsors of the Oregon Entrepreneurs Network event.
In addition, the startup will also receive a new prize package from Portland-based Salt & Straw. The GoNanas team will collaborate with the ice cream maker on a new flavor, get a purchase order for ingredients and receive mentorship from the growing ice cream chain’s executive team.
GoNanas makes vegan, gluten-free and allergen friendly banana bread mix that it sells online and in stores.
GoNanas pitched along with three other finalists at the OregonAF event on Sept. 17. The annual event,,organized by OEN, is designed to highlight the region’s vibrant food and beverage startup community. Along with the investment competition, a public marketplace featured samples from 50 brands.
“It was an amazing day being back in person with our food and beverage innovators,” said OEN Executive Director Cara Turano. “The enthusiasm our community has for these businesses and their incredibly delicious products is inspiring.”
GoNanas co-founder Morgan Lerner pitched the company after participating in a three-month program designed to help founders take their businesses to the next level.
"Winning the OregonAF pitch is not only huge for our business from a capital standpoint to support our growth goals, but more importantly, from a community building standpoint,” said Lerner in a written statement.
Market of Choice also offers each participant in the program one year of shelf space once their product packaging is ready.
The other finalists were:
- One Stripe Chai, which makes chai and other South Asian beverages.
- Mickelberry Gardens, which makes herbal home remedies with infused honey and beeswax.
- Saena Baking, which makes baking mixes for at-home bakers and professionals as well as silicone mats and powdered food coloring.
