Uprising Food

Uprising Food operated in the health food sector, specifically targeting the market for low-carbohydrate, gluten-free, and keto-friendly products. The company was founded in 2018 by the husband-and-wife team William and Kristen Schumacher, along with artisan bakers Mark and Sara Frommeyer of Blue Oven Bakery. The founders' backgrounds in consumer-packaged goods—William at Procter & Gamble and Kristen at Nehemiah Manufacturing Co—informed their mission to address what they saw as a broken food system. The initial concept grew from local farmers' markets, where their products consistently sold out, signaling strong market demand.

The company's business model was primarily direct-to-consumer, utilizing a subscription-based service to deliver its products directly to customers' doors. Revenue was generated through the online sale of its flagship products: the "Uprising Cube," a dense, sourdough-esque bread, and a line of "Superfood Chips." The bread was made from simple ingredients like almonds, psyllium husk, flax seeds, and apple cider vinegar. A key selling point was the products' nutritional profile, being high in fiber and protein while free of grains and preservatives. Sales grew rapidly, from $85,000 in 2019 to nearly $1 million in 2020, and $2.1 million in the first half of 2021.

Despite this top-line growth and a successful Series A funding round of over $1.25 million in early 2021, the company faced significant profitability challenges. During a notable appearance on Shark Tank, the founders sought $500,000 for a 3% equity stake but did not secure a deal due to concerns over the high product cost—$12 for a small cube of bread—and a lack of a clear path to profitability. The cost to produce a single cube was $5.25, leaving a slim margin after shipping. The business ultimately ceased operations in March 2023.

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