With support from JPMorganChase and Newable through the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch programme, KWERKY receives one-to-one mentoring and becomes investor-ready.
The programme, launched by JPMorganChase in 2023, offers a valuable opportunity to connect women-owned businesses in London with mentoring opportunities from JPMorganChase employees.
As the delivery partner, we at Newable are committed to understanding and supporting the unique journeys of these businesses. By helping them build their goals, the programme aims to enhance their pitching skills, expand their networks and secure funding to support their investment plans.
The below case study demonstrates how Nikki Garg, Co-founder and CEO of KWERKY benefited from the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch programme.
Pioneering sustainable plant milk for modern lifestyles
In a time when sustainability is crucial, KWERKY emerges as a transformative new brand from The Good Pea Co., innovatively reimagining the concept of plant milk.
Unlike any other and as stated by KWERKY, the company have introduced the world’s first powdered plant milk crafted from a blend of oats, pea protein, coconut MCT, calcium and vitamin B12. Remarkably free from additives, gums and preservatives, their products aim to minimise waste and reduce carbon footprints while maintaining exceptional taste and nutrition.
KWERKY is a versatile and sustainable alternative to traditional dairy and plant-based alternatives, designed for busy consumers, chefs and food service operators.
As a clean-label powdered plant milk, KWERKY prioritises health and eco-friendliness, utilising nutrient-rich ingredients and embracing a zero-waste approach. The product offers unparalleled convenience without sacrifice, delivering a creamy texture whether shaken, stirred or steamed, and achieving 90% less packaging and 56% lower carbon emissions compared to conventional liquid plant milk.
Navigating challenges: Nikki’s entrepreneurial journey
In May 2024, Nikki Garg was introduced to Newable Business Adviser, Paul Heritage through a fellow founder’s recommendation, leading to transformative support for KWERKY’s mission-driven venture.
Paul introduced Nikki to the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch programme, which has been instrumental in navigating KWERKY through the landscape of business development.
Nikki stated: “Paul has been invaluable in supporting the business in various capacities, from advice to introductions, to experts to business strategy and much more.”
Nikki’s journey as a founder has not been without challenges. Launching The Good Pea Co., and then later KWERKY, during the pandemic while raising a newborn and lacking prior experience in the food and beverage industry has presented considerable obstacles. It’s been a journey powered by purpose, not privilege. Accessing the necessary financial, strategic and emotional support has been an ongoing struggle. Bootstrapping and crowdfunding have fostered KWERKY’s resourcefulness but simultaneously constrained its growth potential, especially in scaling production and marketing efforts.
What Nikki found most impactful was the lack of a clear blueprint and relatable role models to guide her through the intricate path of building a startup while managing family responsibilities.
Nikki mentioned: “The Founders Forward Perfect Pitch programme provided the crucial mentorship, structure and community support that I needed to confidently refine my strategy, articulate the brand’s story and connect with like-minded founders who understood my journey.”
The impact of the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch programme
Nikki stated: “The programme has been a game-changer for me and for KWERKY.”
The programme offered personalised guidance and expert mentorship that proved essential in honing Nikki’s business strategy. Through one-on-one support, Nikki clarified the business’s commercial vision and prepared effectively for investor conversations with newfound confidence.
Interactive workshops within the programme were particularly beneficial, equipping Nikki with practical tools to refine her pitch, communicate its unique selling proposition (USP) and construct a compelling growth narrative. These sessions enhanced her presentation skills and empowered Nikki to embrace her voice as a leader.
Presenting the pitch to the JPMorganChase team was an incredible learning opportunity, offering constructive feedback that enabled Nikki to adopt an investor-oriented mindset and strengthen her pitch content and delivery.
Nikki said: “It was a rare and valuable chance to gain insight from seasoned professionals who understood both the numbers and the mission.”
Additionally, the potential to compete for a £5k grant served as a powerful motivator. Even modest funding can catalyse crucial advancements in production, marketing and retail opportunities for a founder of a small business.
Since receiving support from the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch Programme, Nikki has made several key changes to strengthen their foundation and position KWERKY for scalable growth.
Firstly, they refined their pitch and business narrative to clearly communicate their unique value proposition, not just as a sustainable plant milk alternative but as a category disruptor in food service and retail. This clarity has helped them target commercial kitchens, contract caterers and environmentally conscious retailers better.
They have also revised their pricing and distribution strategy to improve margins and scalability and are building stronger systems around operations and forecasting to prepare for larger orders and partnerships.
The programme has transformed the company from a reactive approach to a proactive strategy, establishing a clear growth roadmap. As a result, KWERKY has developed a compelling pitch and revitalised momentum, setting the stage for sustainable success.
Its growth strategy focuses on three core pillars: food service, retail and DTC growth and strategic investment and partnerships.
Post-programme successes: KWERKY’s milestones in the market
Since the completion of the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch programme, KWERKY has achieved impressive milestones. The confidence and direction gained from the programme played a vital role in initiating conversations and interest from a retailer and major contract caterer, marking a significant breakthrough for their direct-to-consumer and retail presence.
In addition, KWERKY has experienced a noticeable surge in business activity with interest from cafés, food service outlets and commercial kitchens, all of whom are attracted to KWERKY’s sustainable, zero waste solution. The refined pitch and commercial focus that developed during the programme have been instrumental in opening these new doors.
KWERKY won a place in Amazon’s 2025 Sustainability Programme amongst over a thousand applicants from across Europe, further solidifying its position in the market.
Through perseverance, purpose and powerful support, KWERKY has laid down a strong foundation as a sustainable plant milk leader, paving the way for more environmentally responsible choices in the food and beverage industry.
“Overall, the Founders Forward Perfect Pitch programme didn’t just help me refine a pitch. It helped me grow as a leader, gain confidence and build momentum for the next phase of our journey.”