The May 2015 new ventures demonstrate what is new in entrepreneurship and startup companies. This includes unique and unusual business ideas, new partnerships and success stories.
Following 4/20 at the end of April, many enterprising folks decided to capitalize on the marijuana-fueled holiday celebrating Bob Marley's birthday. This can be seen with specially branded product inspired by the late reggae icon. Rebranding medical marijuana and elegantly designed dispensaries are other tactics beyond simple sales increases at venues like Taco Bell or having an optimally timed charity bake sale.
In the food industry, hybrid items that are both savory and sweet are immensely popular. It makes sense that this would now carry over to mashup restaurants and combination cafes that incorporate recording studios, barber shops and a love of cats.
To make things more streamlined for entrepreneurs, May 2015 new ventures ideas also reflect an influx of tools and platforms.
Top 35 New Ventures Ideas in May
From Cannabis Merchandising Firms to Artisan Yogurt Boutiques:
Alyson Wyers — May 30, 2015 — Business
35
Metropolitan Cat Cafes
The Recently Opened Meow Parlour is the First NYC Cat Cafe
34
Scholarly Boutique Gyms
The Library Gym is Transforming Training into an Upscale Activity
33
Garage-Grown Produce
Vertical Fresh Farms is an Urban Farming Initiative in Buffalo
32
Financial Startup Stats
This Venture Capital Infographic Asks If You Have Enough Money to Begin
31
Hybrid Barbershop Cafes
Hurwundeki in London Serves Homemade Food and Affordable Haircuts
30
Mobile Womenswear Boutiques
Fierce Finds Applies the Food Truck Model to Women's Clothing
29
Mobile Florist Services
The Uprooted Flower Truck is a Full-Service Florist on Wheels
28
Elegant Cannabis Dispensaries
This Albuquerque Dispensary Puts a New Spin on Pot Branding
27
Branded Shipping Boxes
Pakible Offers E-Commerce Solutions for Custom Packaging
26
Recording Studio Cafes
The Songbyrd Record Cafe in Washington Has a Recording Booth
25
Cannabis Merchandising Firms
The High Road Design Studio is Aiming to Rebrand Medical Marijuana
24
Artisan Yogurt Boutiques
The Yogurt Culture Company is a Specialty Shop Located in NYC
23
E-Commerce Equity Crowdfunding Sites
Alibaba Competitor JD.com Launched a Crowdfunding Platform
22
Jewelry Printing Platforms
Trove Facilitates Custom Jewelry Creation In-Browser
21
Gourmet Mayo Shops
The Brooklyn Empire Mayonnaise Store is Definitely Niche
20
Diet-Friendly Meal Plans
Blue Apron's Meal Plans Include Those with Dietary Restrictions
19
Native App-Building Tools
The Fuse App Development Platform Will Focus on the Designers' Process
18
Restaurant Crowdfunding Sites
The Equity Crowdfunding Platform Turns Customers Into Investors
17
Musician-Branded Cannabis
Marley Natural Fine Cannabis is a Marijuana Startup with Major Backing
16
Rentable Hamster Ball Games
The Criss Cross Collision Course Game Promises Laughs and Splashes
15
Warm Canned Coffee
HOTSHOT is a System of Portable Heated Java in Aluminum Cans
14
Underground Parcel Deliveries
This UK Company Wants to Deliver Parcels Using Automated Tunnels
13
Effortless Reservation Services
Zomato's 'Book' Improves Restaurant Table Reservation Services
12
SMS-Based Virtual Assistants
GoButler is an App Claiming to Help Users with Anything Legal
11
Social Acquisition Tools
Needls Helps Small Businesses Generate Leads with Social Media
10
Mobile Travel Journal Apps
The Start-Up Polarsteps is Revolutionizing the Way We Track our Travels
9
E-Retailer Travel Sites
Amazon Destinations is the Latest Project from the Online Marketplace
8
Bluetooth Networking Apps
Surf Labs' LiNK App Uses Beacon Technology for Networking
7
Drone Hiring Platforms
DroneBase Lets Commercial Clients Hire a Drone and Experienced Pilot
6
Collaborative Microblogging Features
The Tumblr App Lets Users Purchase, Pledge and Get Involved
5
Co-Worker Carpooling Apps
The Ride App Aims to Increase Ease of Commuting and Carpooling
4
Hybrid Streaming Services
Freecast's Rabbit TV Combines Free and Paid Video Content
3
Retirement Plan-Enabling Platforms
Honest Dollar Makes Offering Retirement Packages Easier
2
Listenable Concert Listings
'Show Gopher' Allows Users to Stream Samples Before Making a Purchase
1
Hybrid Ridesharing Services
HitchPlanet Combines Carpooling and Hitchhiking
Related Ideas
Flower-Centric Events
Macy’s Flower Show Celebrates 50 Years with a Surrealist Garden
Matcha-Mayo Condiments
Heinz x PerfectTed Matcha Mayo Unites Two Favorite Products
Cannabis Streetwear Collaborations
Ksubi and Cannabis Brand STAYME7O Dropped Its 4/20 Capsule
Collaborative Cafe Merch Collections
Dunkin' and Stoney Clover Lane Partnered for New Merch
Fiesta-Focused Food Campaigns
Ortega® Extends Cinco de Mayo Celebrations with Seis de Mayo
4/20 Marketing Campaigns
Fat Tuesday and Still G.I.N. By Dre and Snoop Limited Offer
Festival-Inspired Luxury Fashion Campaigns
Burberry Celebrates the Energy of British Music Culture
Trend-Aligned Menu Launches
Jamba's New Summer Bundles are Inspired by Gen Z and Millenial Trends
Fan-Created Menu Items
Creative Customer Orders Inspired the Taco Bell Fan Style Menu
Layered Coffee Beverages
Peet’s Coffee Introduces Layered Coffee Beverages
Springtime Cafe-Inspired Coffee Products
Starbucks Spring Grocery Range Embraces Lighter Flavors
Beaded Beverage Carriers
Six Specialty Drinks are Coming to McDonald's This Spring
Startup Idea Newsletters
Easy Startup Ideas Delivers Business Roadmaps For Aspiring Founders
Juicy Cannabis Seltzers
Not Beer Vibed Features Real Fruit Juice, THC and CBD
Experiential Brand Stores
New Era Creates Interactive Retail Space With Custom Cap Design
Marathon Running Brand Pop-Ups
Bandit Running is Launching Its Boston Marathon Pop-Up
THC-Infused Beverage Lines
Gigli Has Emerged as a Disruptive Force in the Cannabis Beverage Market
Fashion-Inspired Coffee Events
Starbucks Partnered with NYFW2026 and Hosted a Coffeehouse Rave
One-Night-Only Dining Events
The Saratoga Supper Club Turned a Convenience Store into a Speakeasy
Innovative Snack Launches
Utz Brands, Inc. Unveils a Variety of Products at the 2025 NACS Show
Comprehensive Easter-Inspired Collaborations
Peeps' 2026 Spring Collaboration Lineup is Impressive
Floral-Inspired Spring Menus
Peet's Coffee Revealed Its Limited-Time 2026 Spring Menu
Experiential Student Activations
Just Eat's Hey U Up Campaign Coincides with Freshers’ Week
THC-Infused RTD Launch Events
TeaPot Hosted a New Beverages Launch Event in Toronto on 4/20
Bookable Autonomous Shuttles
Uber and May Mobility Partner to Launch Robotaxi Fleet
Experiential Marketing Campaigns
MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES, and Marvel Team Up for Campus Tour
Cheeky Baking Apparel
Betty Crocker Turns Cake Mix Nostalgia Into Wearable Merchandise
Business Idea Generators
Crazy Business Idea Generator Lets Users Vote and Share Ideas Socially
Munchies-Themed Snack Cake Activatoins
The Hostess Munchie Mobile is Launching for 4/20
Co-Branded Cannabis Cookies
Gelato Canna x Fat & Weird Cookies are Launching THC-Infused Cookies
Cannabis Holiday Promotions
Trulieve Launches Special Cannabis-Focused Events for April 20th
Veggie-Infused Snack Products
These New Happy Orchard Products from Rich's are Functional
Mobile Beauty Retail Activations
Cardi B Debuts Beauty Truck for Her Haircare Brand
Unique Cannabis Packaging
Dogwalkers Launches a Twist on a Seasonal Staple with The Summer 6-Pack
Casual Cannabis-Infused Beverage Campaigns
Triple Debuts Its Laid-Back 'Turfing' Campaign
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
CPG-Focused Innovation Launchpads
Albertsons Companies is Running Its Innovation Launchpad
Branded Retro-Inspired Wellness Houses
Lifeway Foods is Hosting a Special Pop-Up in Palm Springs
Smoky Seafood Boxes
Fishwife and Edie Parker Dropped a Smoky, Savory 4/20 Bundle
Munchies-Themed Donut Boxes
Voodoo Doughnut is Serving Up a New 'Blunt Box' for 4/20
Beer Brand Artist Refreshes
Terrapin Beer Co. Refreshes Packaging With Artist Collaborations
Mayo-Inspired Art Gallery Pop-Ups
Hellmann's Mayonnaise Collaborates with Kareem Rahma
Social-Friendly Cannabis Refreshments
Fizzy Jane’s and Happy Flowers Introduced Higher THC Options
Hemp-Derived THC Products
Wana Brands Introduces THC Edibles and Beverages in Georgia
Jalapeño-Infused QSR Dishes
These New Wendy’s Jalapeño Menu Items are Here for the Spring
Cannabis Product Expansions
Canopy Growth Unveils Targeted Product Launch for Canadian Customers
Potent Cannabis Portfolio Expansions
Aurora Cannabis Announces New Cannabis Product Launches
Restaurant-to-Retail Expansions
Little Sesame Secured $8.5M to Scale Its Manufacturing Operations
Crafted Fast Food Beverages
McDonald’s Expands into Refreshers, Dirty Sodas and Energy Drinks
Edgy Holiday Beverage Campaigns
Dutch Bros Coffee Debuts Its New Beverages for the Holiday Period
New Year-Motivated Health Promotions
Health-E Commerce Launches the New Year, New You Campaign
Spring-Themed Pastel Drinkware
Starbucks Launches Vibrant Drinkware for Spring
Basketball Film-Inspired Pizza Campaigns
Pizza Hut Debuts Space Jam-Inspired Menu Bundle & Recipes
Plant-Based Dessert Expansions
Over the Moo Emphasizes Indulgence & Health-Conscious Recipes
Sports Branding-Inspired Cannabis Products
Sluggers Embraces Sports Fandom and Collecting
Summer-Ready Pizzeria Menus
The Latest Mellow Mushroom Menu Update Boasts New Food and Drinks
Limited-Edition Designer-Forward Collaborations
Black Market Debuts the Highly Anticipated Capsule
All-Hours Micro Markets
Healthy Smart Mart is Enticing Entrepreneurs with Its New Model
Elderly Cannabis Campaigns
The I'm High Right Now Campaign Answers Questions from Ages 55+
Munchies-Satisfying Donuts
Voodoo Doughnut 4/20 Treats Celebrate the Cannabis Event
Low-Dose Cannabis Beverages
Wynk THC-Infused Seltzers Come in New 2.5mg and 5mg THC Options
Seasonal Restaurant Menu Refreshes
Emmy Squared Pizza Enhances Its Food and Beverage Offerings
Idea Repository Books
Business Ideas Database Curates Proven Business Opportunities At Scale
Cinematic Sci-Fi QSR Meals
The Burger King Star Wars Menu Features Food and Merch
Surf-Inspired Skate Collections
Vans and Yusuke Hanai Join Forces on a New Collection
Culinary Tradition Food Campaigns
The Merchant Gourmet 'Yes Chef!' Campaign is Running Now
Beauty Entrepreneurship Incubators
Estée Lauder Companies Expanded Its India Innovation Initiative
Celebrity Wellness Brand Expansions
Bob Marley's Estate Expanded into Natural Health Markets
Customized Restaurant Campaign Platforms
OpenTable Has Launched OpenTable Media
Warm Weather-Taco Menus
Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Has a New Viva Los Tacos Menu for Late Spring
Italian-Inspired Home Collections
Carbone Fine Food x Houseplant Blends Food, Ceramics, and THC
Artisan-Style Foodservice Breakfasts
Michael Foods Announced New Breakfast Items for Spring
Music Festival-Themed Cannabis Drinks
Woodstock Goods is Launching Hemp-Derived Drinks
Curated Resale Storefronts
eBay's The NYC Edit Storefront Shares Tastemaker Selections
Convenience-Focused Summer Salads
Gardencup Boasts New Offerings for the Summer
New Year Menu Debuts
CAVA Restaurants Announced a New Menu Overhaul to Kick-Off 2026
Convenience-Focused Bold-Flavored Products
Summer Fresh® Introduces Three New Flavorful Products
Carrier Pigeon Campaigns
The Travel Agency's Viral Project Pigeon Spiked Social Media Engagement
Cannabis Wedding Initiatives
Ivy Hall Hosts the 'Weed Love to Marry You' Initiative
Cannabis-Infused Sparkling Water Lines
Resident Culture Brewing Co. Expands Cümulo
Pride-Inspired Cannabis Campaigns
Mfused Launches the Celebratory High on Pride Campaign
Non-Alcoholic Craft Beer Partnerships
Momentum Brewery Partners with Liquid Opportunities
Limited-Time Asian BBQ Pizzas
Happy's Pizza Launches an Asian BBQ Menu
Attention Economy Agencies
VaynerX Launches Tamara Group to Drive Social-First Brand Relevance
Sleek Cannabis Retail Stores
Jushi Holdings Expands Its Retail Cannabis Presence
Boutique Grocery Designs
The Meadow Lane Store Introduces a Refined Retail Concept in Tribeca
Celebratory Cinnamon Bun Ranges
The Latest Cinnaholic Treats Celebrate Moms and Grads
Ski Resort Hospitality Expansions
Vail Resorts is Expanding its Food and Drink Offerings
Edible Artist-Created Gifts
The Edible Mother's Day Artist Collection is Limited-Edition
Rum-Powered Hat Collaborations
The Von Dutch x Sailor Jerry Collaboration is Eye-Catching
Expanded Wellness Retail Assortments
Target Added 30% More Wellness Products to Its Shelves
Bi-Coastal Cannabis Competitions
MJBizCon & Budist Launch the MJBowl — a First-Of-Its Kind Event
Balancing New Year Campaigns
Recess' You Don’t Need A New You Challenges Tired January Marketing
Plant-Based Recipe Kit Meals
GRUBBY and Bosh Partnered to Help Consumers Celebrate Veganuary
Joint Holiday Pizza Promotions
Stoner's Pizza Joint is Marking National Pizza Day and V-Day
Cannabis-Focused Retail Celebrations
Nature's Remedy Cannabis Hosts a 4/20 Celebration Event
Tax-Focused Marketing Campaigns
Intuit Debuts the Second Iteration of 'Now This is Taxes'
Mid-Strength Marketing Pushes
6Percent, Small Beer And Quarter Proof Launch Mid-Strength March
Global Product Launch Events
Uber Unveils a New Go-Get Exhibit Featuring Interactive Vignettes
Modernized Soup Packaging Designs
Zoup! Specialty Products Undergoes a Rebranding Initiative
Mexican Cuisine-Inspired Pizza Menus
Mountain Mike's Pizza Pizza de Mayo Menu Has Three Items
Festival-Themed Retail Snack Campaigns
Kellanova Announced Flavour Fest ’25 in the UK
Mindful Cold Brew Rebrands
Here&Now Repositioned Its Cold Brew as an Antidote to Burnout
Expansive Private Label Housewares
These New In-House Michaels Brands Have More than 700 Items
Expansive UK-Based QSR Menus
McDonald’s UK Unveils a Summer Menu with New Customizations
Celebrity-Signed Rolling Trays
SWED.com Leverages Snoop Dogg's Cultural Influence
Expansive Summertime Cannabis Products
Squier's Speciality Elixirs Launched a Large Product Range
Indulgent Springtime Cafe Menus
Scooter's Coffee ‘Licious Lineup is Arriving Soon
Startup Discovery Hubs
Launching.today Showcases New Projects from Entrepreneurs and Builders
Co-Branded Mother's Day Products
Sober(ish)™ and the Happy Can Join Forces for Mother's Day
Nourishing Personality-Packed Combos
The New Summer Jamba Bundles Tap into Popular Personas
Foodservice Product Showcases
McLane Company is Unveiling New Products at the 2025 NACS Show
QSR Bagel Catering Menus
B. Bagel Launches Mini Bagel Platters and New Breakfast Dishes
THC Beverage Insurance Programs
Frontier Risk Offers an Innovative Insurance Program for Venues
Nourishing Community-Focused Initiatives
Fresh Thyme Market Expands Efforts During the Holidays
Taco-Inspired Pizza Menus
The Mellow Mushroom Taco Nirvana Menu is a Limited Time Offering
Cost-Effective Confectionery Items
World of Sweets Highlights Key Easter Trends Amid Rising Costs
Sustainable Coffee Ventures
Staten Island Partners with the Eco-Friendly Coffee Brand
Canadian Entrepreneur-Focused Marketplaces
Futurpreneur Marketplace Emerges as a Timely Initiative
AI-Driven Platform Updates
Yelp Spring Product Release 2026 Introduces the Yelp Assistant
Celebratory Mexican Cuisine Promotions
Taco John's Month of Mucho Promotion is Arriving for May
Philanthropic Point-Of-Sale Initiatives
Dutchie Launches 'Round Up the Change' for Cannabis Retail
Branded Cannabis Store Expansions
The Trulieve Cannabis Corporation Establishes a New Location
Founder Marketing Resources
Better Marketing Blog Shares Practical Playbooks For Founders
Adventurous Summertime Retailer Promotions
The Maverik Summer Deals Prioritize Cost Savings
Seasonal QSR Menu Options
bellagreen Launches its New Spring Seasonal Menu Across Texas
Strain-Specific Cannabis Gummies
Squier’s Specialty Elixirs Launched a Range of Real Fruit Gummies
Regionally Inspired Plant-Based Foods
These New The Tofoo Co. Products Come in Tw Options
Startup Deal Platforms
Discover Hidden Startup Gems With Micro Deals This Black Friday
Herb-Forward Spring Toasts
Tender Greens Launches its Exclusive 'Garden Toast'
Boutique Grocery Makeovers
This Women’s Clothing Boutique is Charming and Thoughtful Design
Celebration-Themed Donut Ranges
These New Parlor Doughnuts Treats are Arriving for Spring
Breakfast-Themed Donut Ranges
The Voodoo Doughnut Breakfast Club Series is Playful
Purpose-Led Emerging Brands Initiatives
7-Eleven Taps 27 Brands for Its 2026 Brands with Heart™
Cannabis Art Ventures
Snoop Dogg Presented the 'Rich N Infamous: the Joint Venture' Art Launch
Digital Sharing Platforms
Venture Vault Enables Innovators to Share Ideas and Collaborate
CPG-Focused Service-For-Equity Models
Crave Ventures Has Formally Commenced Operations
High-Profile Festive Marketplace
Naturally New York Launches the Second Annual Holiday Bazaar
Branded Joint-Rolling Competitions
The Hefestus x Joint Wars Event Kicked Off MJBizCon Week
Celebratory Artisanal Pizzas
The California Pizza Kitchen National Pizza Month Promotion is Tasty