# Ep. 2: Bissy Energy Drink - The Real Kola with Zach En'wezoh

- Show: [The Startup CPG Podcast](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast)
- Published: 2020-05-04
- Length: 23m
- Episode: 2
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2020-05-04-ep-2-bissy-energy-drink-the-real-kola-with-zach-enwezoh
- Listen: https://share.transistor.fm/s/78c283ef

## Summary

Zach En'wezoh, Co-Founder and Head of Product for Bissy Energy, explains how his company differentiates itself in the crowded energy drink market by using Kolanut, a natural caffeine source from Nigeria, as its hero ingredient. He details the company's vertically integrated supply chain, which partners with the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) and local cooperatives to support smallholder farmers and ensure ethical sourcing. En'wezoh discusses their successful Kickstarter campaign, which raised $30,300 and led to nearly 10,000 units sold, highlighting a 7% repurchase rate achieved with minimal marketing spend. The episode covers their strategy to expand into retail and Amazon while maintaining a social mission focused on transparency and fair compensation for West African farmers.

## Chapters

- [0:07](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2020-05-04-ep-2-bissy-energy-drink-the-real-kola-with-zach-enwezoh#t=7) Introduction: Zach En'wezoh and Bissy Energy
- [1:41](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2020-05-04-ep-2-bissy-energy-drink-the-real-kola-with-zach-enwezoh#t=101) Origin Story: From Coffee Fatigue to Kolanut Inspiration
- [4:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2020-05-04-ep-2-bissy-energy-drink-the-real-kola-with-zach-enwezoh#t=270) Go-to-Market Strategy: Kickstarter, DTC, and Retail
- [6:45](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2020-05-04-ep-2-bissy-energy-drink-the-real-kola-with-zach-enwezoh#t=405) The Hero Ingredient: Kolanut History and Cultural Significance
- [11:30](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2020-05-04-ep-2-bissy-energy-drink-the-real-kola-with-zach-enwezoh#t=690) Supply Chain: CRIN, Cooperatives, and Vertical Integration
- [16:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2020-05-04-ep-2-bissy-energy-drink-the-real-kola-with-zach-enwezoh#t=1006) Social Mission: Certifications, Fair Wages, and Farmer Support
- [19:26](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast/2020-05-04-ep-2-bissy-energy-drink-the-real-kola-with-zach-enwezoh#t=1166) Future Vision: Certification Programs and Product Expansion

## Topics

- [Sourcing & supply chain](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/sourcing-and-supply-chain)
- [Crowdfunding & preorders](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/crowdfunding)
- [Direct-to-consumer & e-commerce](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/direct-to-consumer)
- [Industrial & consumer product design](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/industrial-design)
- [Starting a product company](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/starting-a-company)

## Most relevant to

early-stage companies

## Mentioned

- Bissy Energy (company)
- Coca-Cola (company)
- Pepsi-Cola (company)
- Runa (company)
- Guyaki (company)
- Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (company)
- Koolie Koolie (company)
- SE Spice (company)
- Whole Foods (company)
- Kickstarter (other)
- Amazon (other)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [nutpods: Madeline Haydon](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-05-13-nutpods-madeline-haydon) (How I Built This)
- [Health-Ade Kombucha: Daina Trout (2020)](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2023-01-09-health-ade-kombucha-daina-trout-2020) (How I Built This)
- [Magic Spoon & Exo: Gabi Lewis and Greg Sewitz](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2024-02-12-magic-spoon-exo-gabi-lewis-and-greg-sewitz) (How I Built This)
- [Numi Organic Tea: Reem Hassani and Ahmed Rahim](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2021-07-05-numi-organic-tea-reem-hassani-and-ahmed-rahim) (How I Built This)
- [Catalina Crunch: Krishna Kaliannan. From Homemade Keto Cocoa Puffs to Breakfast Aisle Breakthrough](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-07-06-catalina-crunch-krishna-kaliannan-from-homemade-keto-cocoa-puffs-to-breakfast-ai) (How I Built This)

## Citing this page

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