MEMORe Company Profile

Background

Company Overview

MEMORe, founded in 2019 by Erika and Bradley Lepczyk, is a direct-to-consumer brand dedicated to promoting sustainable cognitive health through whole food nutrition. The company's mission is to provide convenient, plant-based supplements that support long-term brain function and overall well-being. Inspired by the MIND Diet, which combines elements of the Mediterranean and DASH diets to reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease, MEMORe offers products designed to fill nutritional gaps and enhance cognitive performance.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives and Specialization

MEMORe focuses on developing functional beverage blends that deliver essential nutrients derived from whole foods. Their products are designed to improve cognitive performance, slow cognitive decline, and reduce the risk of Alzheimer's dementia. By leveraging the principles of the MIND Diet, MEMORe emphasizes the consumption of brain-healthy ingredients such as leafy greens, berries, nuts, whole grains, and beans.

Key Technologies Utilized

The company utilizes a blend of 11 whole food ingredients and three plant-based protein sources to create their supplements. These ingredients include blueberries, sweet potatoes, beets, oat bran, almonds, lemons, ginger, turmeric, spinach, flax, garbanzo beans, organic agave inulin, and guar gum. The plant-based protein blend consists of pea and rice proteins fermented with shiitake mycelium mushrooms to enhance nutrient absorption.

Primary Markets Targeted

MEMORe targets health-conscious consumers seeking natural, plant-based solutions to support cognitive health. Their products appeal to individuals interested in preventive health measures, particularly those following the Mediterranean or MIND diets. The company also aims to reach caregivers and advocates for Alzheimer's patients, emphasizing the importance of nutrition in cognitive health.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

In November 2021, MEMORe secured an angel investment of $62,500 to support its growth and product development initiatives.

Product Development

Key Products

MEMORe offers a range of whole food powders designed to support cognitive health:

Original Blend: A mix of greens, protein, and fiber, serving as a versatile base for smoothies.

Greens Blend: Provides a full serving of leafy greens with a tea-like flavor, best served over ice.

These products are plant-based, vegan, gluten-free, and contain no added sugars or sweeteners. They can be added to water, blended into smoothies, sprinkled on foods, or used in baking.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

MEMORe's products are developed using a proprietary blend of whole food ingredients and plant-based proteins. The inclusion of pea and rice proteins fermented with shiitake mycelium mushrooms enhances nutrient absorption, setting their products apart in the cognitive health supplement market.

Scientific Methodologies

The company bases its formulations on the MIND Diet, which has been shown to slow cognitive decline and reduce Alzheimer's risk by as much as 53%. This diet emphasizes the consumption of specific whole foods known for their brain health benefits.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Erika Lepczyk: Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer. With over 15 years of experience in e-commerce and a personal connection to Alzheimer's disease, Erika leads MEMORe's mission to provide sustainable cognitive health solutions.

Bradley Lepczyk: Co-Founder. Bradley collaborates with Erika in developing and promoting MEMORe's product line, focusing on filling nutritional gaps with whole food nutrition.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The cognitive health market is valued at approximately $7 billion and is growing at an annual rate of 8%. Simultaneously, the functional beverage market is worth around $100 billion, with a 7% annual growth rate. MEMORe operates at the intersection of these two expanding markets, offering products that cater to consumers seeking functional, health-promoting beverages.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the cognitive health supplement market include:

Omega 3 Nutrition: Offers omega-3 rich, gluten-free, and dairy-free granola bars and cereals designed to support mental well-being.

NeuroReserve: Provides nutritional products targeting brain health and cognitive performance.

HVMN: Focuses on modern nutrition to enhance human performance, offering exogenous ketone-based products.

TruBrain: Develops functional foods and beverages designed to enhance mental performance.

Procera Health: Specializes in brain health support products aimed at improving cognitive function.

These competitors offer various products targeting cognitive health, but MEMORe differentiates itself by emphasizing whole food ingredients and the principles of the MIND Diet.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

MEMORe developed its products in collaboration with the North Carolina Food Innovation Lab (NCFIL) and NC State University. This partnership provided access to food industry expertise, research teams, and facilities, enabling MEMORe to bring its products from concept to commercialization.

Operational Insights

Market Position and Competitive Advantages

MEMORe's commitment to using whole food ingredients and aligning with the MIND Diet principles positions the company uniquely in the cognitive health supplement market. Their products cater to health-conscious consumers seeking natural, plant-based solutions for cognitive support. The direct-to-consumer model allows MEMORe to maintain control over product quality and customer experience.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

MEMORe plans to expand its product line and distribution channels. While currently operating as a direct-to-consumer brand, the company aims to adopt an omni-channel approach, including partnerships with brick-and-mortar stores, yoga studios, and health food stores. Recent collaborations, such as the partnership with Lululemon in a Minneapolis store, indicate progress toward this goal.