FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

New York Meets Texas, Naturally Leading Austin CPG Accelerator SKU Partners with NYC’s Top Natural Products Consulting Agency, BeyondBrands, to Create New Mentorship and Capital Program for Entrepreneurs this Fall

Accepting Applications through Aug. 1, 2019 NEW YORK, NY – June 21, 2019 – In an effort to support high-potential “Conscious” Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) companies in the New York metro area, BeyondSKU brings together a collective of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors to mentor early stage CPG companies with a focus on better-for-you products and mission based business values. The joint venture with SKU, one the of the nation’s most successful accelerator programs based in Austin, TX, launches its BeyondSKU Track 1 program today with its inaugural class commencing in September.

“As a serial natural products entrepreneur, I look back on my early days as a scrappy start-up and if communities of mentorship and value-added capital were available back then to guide me, I could have made far less mistakes. Along with our partners at SKU, we see the value in “giving back” to the next generation of passionate founders, whom are trying their best to make their brand win with consumers, create change in the world - all while taking great risk in living out their dream to be a successful entrepreneur,” explains Eric Schnell, BeyondSKU Executive Director and Co-founder of BeyondBrands, Steaz and Good Catch. “We want to give dreamers a community to help them find the very best mentorship, capital and networking opportunities in order to succeed.”

“We’re thrilled for SKU to be expanding into NYC, one of the hottest CPG markets in the world. What entrepreneurs need is access to knowledge, talent and capital. BeyondSKU was created to help the next big brands reach their full potential.”, says Clayton Christopher, Chairman SKU, Co-founder Deep Eddy Vodka, Sweet Leaf Tea and CAVU Ventures. BeyondSKU creates industry-focused Tracks, matching the New York City area’s highest caliber industry experts with companies who are ready to take their idea to the next level. The First Track will focus is on “Conscious Business” start-ups whom are truly passionate about making a better world through their brands. Up to seven selected companies will attend an intensive 12-week mentorship program that delivers the tools for success, including: seed cash up to $20k, individual and group mentorship and education, direct networking with outstanding industry leaders, connections to distribution, logistics and relevant expertise, legal and other professional services, and access to qualified investors. The 12-week program will conclude with a Showcase Day and Funding Forum Event on Dec. 3, 2019. "SKU is excited to be partnering with BeyondBrands to launch BeyondSKU. Like BeyondBrands, SKU knows that the power of progress comes from people. We are excited to bring SKU's community-focused model to New York City, connecting new companies with industry experts who are invested in the success of the startup. Launching BeyondSKU, we hope to create a solid picture of what it means to have a CPG-focused accelerator like SKU integrate with the local CPG, startup, and mentorship communities in new cities.", notes Kirstin Ross, SKU Managing Director. Applications are being taken through Aug. 1, 2019 from CPG companies that could most benefit from industry mentorship and resources. Selection factors include a fully developed product and plan, a well-rounded founding team, innovative market entry points, large revenue potential, an ability to scale quickly and a great pitch. Applications are encouraged from companies with up to $3m in revenue, which are located in the New York City area -- or are willing to relocate for the duration of the program, Sep. 5, 2019-Dec. 3, 2019. “We are honored and delighted to offer the talented mentors and advisors to the Conscious cohorts who will be joining our inaugural BeyondSKU Track. Our team’s passion to be of service and help guide others is in our DNA and we thrive on bringing together top talent and industry leaders to grow mission driven businesses to the place where they can thrive, says Veronica Park, Co-founder and COO of BeyondBrands. The application is available online at www.beyondsku.org. BeyondSKU will announce chosen companies around Aug. 20, 2019.

BeyondSKU will retain a small equity stake in the portfolio companies. For more information on BeyondSKU, visit www.beyondsku.org. To learn more about how to get involved with a specific industry as a mentor for the current or future Track(s), send an email to: info@beyondsku.org or visit https://www.beyondsku.org/mentors. The BeyondSKU executive team and board includes:

• Eric Schnell - Executive Director, Co-founder BeyondBrands, Steaz, mood33 and Good Catch

• Marci Zaroff - Board Member, Co-founder BeyondBrands, Good Catch, Institute for Integrative Nutrition, Founder Farm to Home, MetaWear, Under the Canopy

• Veronica Park - Program Director, Co-founder at BeyondBrands, a 27-year executive with Starbucks Coffee Company

• Heather K. Terry - Marketing Director, Partner at BeyondBrands, Co-founder NibMor Chocolate and Paper Greats, S.W. Basics, Skinterrupt, Kip’s Granola Bark and True Moringa

• Vincent Biscaye - Finance Director, Partner at BeyondBrands, Partner at Love Grace, Founder at StepTwoAdvisors, Board Member at Nounos Creamery, Advisor to Uplift Food, Mood 33, Evive Smoothie and Maison Marcel Wines

• Clayton Christopher - Chairman of SKU, Co-founder Deep Eddy Vodka, Sweet Leaf Tea, Rhythm Superfoods and CAVU Ventures

• Scott Jensen - Board Member, Co-founder Rhythm Superfoods and the Specialty Food Executive Forum

• Joe Ross - Board Member and Co-founder of CSIdentity Corporation • Kirstin Ross - Managing Director of SKU • Shari Wynne - Founder of SKU, Co-founder, CEO + Managing Partner of MWR Legal • Richard Ressler - Board Member, Central Texas Angel Network; Managing General

Counsel, MWR Legal About BeyondSKU BeyondSKU is a powerful, integrated hub that matches young companies with the resources they need to propel their success – entrepreneur experience, industry-specific expertise, capital, business and legal infrastructure – as part of an engaging environment to encourage the free exchange of ideas and connections. BeyondSKU is designed to provide access to resources normally beyond the reach of a start-up or early stage company. Please visit the web site at www.beyondsku.org, or follow us on Instagram @beyondsku_nyc About BeyondBrands Assembled by Steaz & Good Catch Co-founder Eric Schnell, and Under the Canopy and Institute for Integrative Nutrition Co-founder Marci Zaroff, a team of 20 senior-level natural lifestyle and eco-conscious experts are Co-Creating the future model of full-service executive-level consulting including brand incubation and acceleration through the agency’s networks and affiliates. This Conscious Products Collective – comprised of specialists from the most respected natural and organic food, beverage, fashion, beauty and nutraceutical companies, to the most recognized consumer brands in the world – passionately and collaboratively delivers 360-degree consulting and outsourced management services for its clients. Visit www.beyondbrands.org. For Inquiries, Contact: Steve Hoffman, Compass Natural steve@compassnaturalmarketing.com, Tel 303.807.1042