The seed of the Yumami idea was planted when I took a bite of burdock root at the Food Book Fair in Spring 2014.
Since then we've gone through dozens of rounds of concepting, flavor testing, failures, and successes.
We've been completely self-financed since inception. But since validating the appetite for our snacks at the Tasting Series, it's time to grow beyond what our bootstrapping has accomplished. It's time for us to really bring 'umami for better eating' to life.
Starting this Monday, Yumami is partnering with Kiva Zip as part of its beta program of small loans to small businesses.
Kiva Zip works differently from other established crowdfunding services. Contributors take part in a 0% interest P2P loan (with a minimum participation of $25) -- as a sign of belief in a company's founders and mission.
Yumami will be seeking a $10K loan that will empower us to start scaling up our recipes with a co-packer, design & prototype packaging options, and show to other investors that we are offering a product the community wants.
The first 15 days will be the private period. We'll send a link to our personal networks to contribute any amount from $25 up. The 45 days following will be the public period, when anyone in the world can add to the total $10K loan.
We believe strongly in our delicious, wholesome product, and our mission. A Kiva Zip 0% interest loan works for Yumami because we're a viable business with a path to profitability. At this early stage, every dollar truly counts.
We are also a mission-driven brand that wants to improve people's food choices. Your contribution is an endorsement of that mission.
And we commit to being responsible stewards of your contribution.
Stay tuned for our private Kiva Zip launch on Monday!