The September 2020 new ventures list spotlights the ways in which some businesses are morphing, changing direction, or adding a new complimentary service to their roster of offerings. While some examples in this list are a direct result of the strain that the COVID-19 pandemic has placed on small and medium-sized businesses, forcing them to adapt, others are strategically planned activations that simply elevate the brand.
Starbucks Japan, for example, opened the doors of its "full and proper co-working space" on July 30th, marking the transition from a coffee shop where people come to work on laptops to a coffee shop that places focus on better supporting the needs of these customers.
Returnity, on the other hand, is making strides in developing the next-gen of sustainable packaging with its ground-breaking collaboration with Polygiene.
Top 30 New Ventures Trends in September
30
Mobile-First Restaurant Concepts
Taco Bell Go Mobile Focuses on Smart Tech & Dual Drive-Thru Lanes
29
Ground-Breaking Antimicrobial Packaging
Returnity and Polygiene Offer Timely Shipping Innovations
28
Restaurant Co-Working Spaces
CoWorkanagan Opened a New Location at Basil & Mint in Kelowna
27
In-Cafe Co-Working Spaces
Starbucks Japan is Introducing a "Full and Proper Co-Working Space"
26
Digital Sweets-Focused Festivals
Dessert Goals Restructures Its Event Due to the COVID-19 Outbreak
25
Virtual Lipstick Labs
Lip Lab At Home Helps People Create Custom Lipsticks with an Expert
24
E-Commerce Loyalty Program Launches
Stop & Shop Updated Its Stop & Shop Go Rewards Program
23
Co-Working Brewery Spaces
Optimism Brewing Introduces Some New Features During COVID-19
22
DIY Startup Platforms
The I MAKE DIY Platform Received Funding to Enhance Its Marketplace
21
Nutrition-Focused Mobile Platforms
Nestlé is Collaborating with the With/n Healthy Eating Platform
20
Plant-Based Inclusive Skincare Lines
Melanin60 Skincare Boasts Solutions for All Skin Types
19
Inaugural Back-to-School Tween Collections
Old Navy Partners with Popsugar for a Clothing Capsule
18
Natural Plant-Based Shampoo Bars
Each & Every Expands into Haircare with a Universal Shampoo Bar
17
Self-Storage Startup Launches
OpenUnit Brings Technological Integration into the Storage Market
16
Robotically Enhanced Packaging Solutions
The IRB 390 FlexPacker™ is Expected to Launch Late 2020
15
Wedding Registry Platforms
The Knot Launched a New Wedding Registry Store with Accompanying App
14
AI-Powered E-Commerce Descriptions
Hypotenuse AI Can Automate the Copywriting Proceeds for Sellers
13
Antiseptic Hand Cleansers
Province Apothecary Launches a Luxe Limited Edition Hand Sanitizer
12
Unlimited Micromobility Subscriptions
Lyft is Testing Unlimited Citi Bike Access for Subscribers
11
Dedicated Fragrance Facility Openings
Firmenich Opened a Fine Fragrance Atelier in Brazil
10
QSR Mask Policies
McDonald's Will Introduce a New Mask Policy to Protect Staff and Customers
9
Nutritious Dairy Alternatives
Nestlé Debuted a New Line of Plant-Based and Lactose-Free Products
8
Collaborative Womenswear Fragrance Launches
Puig and Rapsodia Released a Fragrance in Argentina
7
Digital Storefront Launches
DoorDash Launched the DashMart Delivery Service in Eight Cities
6
In-Article Shopping Platforms
BuzzFeed Partnered with Bonsai on Shoppable Reading Experiences
5
Curated Back-to-School Shopping Programs
PREIT's Small Surprises Features Stylist-Picked Goods
4
Invite-Only Cashback Shopping Apps
Kickback Pays Users to Earn Cash on All Purchases
3
Celebrity Global Makeup Ambassadors
SHISEIDO Signs Actress and Artist Hunter Schafer
2
Cidery-Owned Casual Restaurants
Austin Eastciders Opened a New Restaurant in South Austin
1
Regional Online Pharmacy Launches
Amazon is Creating an Online Pharmacy Service in In Bangalore
Related Ideas
Summery Prepackaged Coffee Beverages
This New Starbucks Chilled Range is Limited-Edition
Pop-Up Vinyl Listening Cafés
The Samra Origins Vinyl Café Shares Immersive Sensory Experiences
Connected Beverage Platforms
Coca-Cola Uses Freestyle Data to Create New Drinks Faster
Pop-Up Recovery Shops
Nike’s Soup Shop in China Redefines Comfort Post-Run Experiences
Posh Pink-Hued Cafe Merch
The 2026 Starbucks Japan Sakura Collection is Arriving Now
Trend-Aligned Menu Launches
Jamba's New Summer Bundles are Inspired by Gen Z and Millenial Trends
Experiential Convenience Stores
FamilyMart Announced IP-Centered Store Experiences in Japan
Workplace Design Showcases
Kettal Expands Workplace Design with New Products and Modular Systems
Global Social Impact Initiatives
Reckitt Expands Its Catalyst Program in the US
Coffee Pop-Up Cafes
Vertuo World Transformed Francesco into a Nespresso-Branded Café
Springtime Cafe-Inspired Coffee Products
Starbucks Spring Grocery Range Embraces Lighter Flavors
Dynamic Running-Focused Retail Concepts
Nordstrom Debuts Nike Running @ the Corner
Vintage Streetwear Pop-ups
Kronenbourg 1664 Launched a Three-Day Immersive Fashion Experience
Gen Z-Influenced Drink Menus
These New McDonald’s CosMc Drinks are Headed to Over 500 Locations
Celebrity Coffee Machines
Ninja Launched Its David Beckham Limited-Edition Luxe Café Pro
Modern Coffee Culture Boutiques
The Nespresso New York City Flagship is a Sizable Retil Space
Summery Adventure-Inspired Drinkware
Starbucks Launched its 'Road Trip Collection'
Mobile Cafe Pop-Ups
Coach Introduced a Vibrant Coffee Truck in Gotemba, Japan
Fashion-Branded Café Experiences
Vogue Blends Retail with Immersive Hospitality Spaces
Comfort-Boosting Seasonal Drinks
Starbucks' Holiday Flavors Align with the Rise of Grandmacore
Micro Train Platform Cafes
This Starbucks Japan Shinkansen Platform Location Is Convenient
Nature-Inspired Hotel Expansions
Outbound Hotels Has Announced a Strategic Expansion
Tea Experience Bars
HeyTea's Teabar Expands Tea into Desserts, Tastings, and Social Experiences
Gen-Z-Forward Coffee Apparel
An Urban Outfitters x Dunkin’ Capsule Unveiled for Fall
Fashion-Inspired Coffee Events
Starbucks Partnered with NYFW2026 and Hosted a Coffeehouse Rave
Privacy Workspace Pods
Kabin Unveils Three Modular Privacy Pods for Focus and Clarity at Work
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Coffee-Inspired Alarms
Dunkin’ x Hatch Created a Unique, Multisensory Wake-Up Experience
Wellness-Focused Brand Partnerships
Nekter Juice Bar and Pressed Juicery Team Up to Boost Wellness
Beauty Entrepreneurs Growth Studios
Breakout Beauty UK Represents a Strategic Initiative
Experiential Brand Stores
New Era Creates Interactive Retail Space With Custom Cap Design
Wellness Hospitality Series
The 'Luxury Wellbeing Series 2025' will Span Across Asian Cities
functional footwear brands
NYC-Based Lifestyle Brand Brunch Redefines Everyday Comfort
Summertime Cityscape Drink Ranges
These Starbucks Japan Urban Oasis Drinks are Ready for Summer
Experimental Beverage Pop-Ups
Nespresso's The Recipe Remix Shares Unusual Flavor Combos
Coffee Retail Fashion
thisisneverthat x Starbucks neverthatcoffee Capsule Spans Apparel and Goods
Mindful Performance Pop-Ups
lululemon Studio Yet. Brings Intention to Strength and Movement
Reusable Takeaway Packaging Pilots
VTT Launches Reuse Pilot for Ready Meal Packaging
CPG-Focused Innovation Launchpads
Albertsons Companies is Running Its Innovation Launchpad
Premium Coffee Pod Introductions
The Keurig Coffee Collective Uses a Refined Grind Technique
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
Branded Retro-Inspired Wellness Houses
Lifeway Foods is Hosting a Special Pop-Up in Palm Springs
Wellness Category Expansions
Seed Launches Co-Biotics, Expanding Beyond Probiotics
Coffee Toolbox Kits
Unito x Toyo Coffee Box Reworks a Steel Case into a Portable Brewing Setup
No‑And‑Low Venture Builders
Liquid Ventures Officially Launches Its Liquid Insight Lab
Café Energy Hybrids
Starbucks Blends Refreshers with Energy Drink Benefits in New Menu Launch
Private Equity Café Acquisitions
Centurium Capital will Acquire Blue Bottle From Nestlé
Premium Signature Coffee Pods
The Keurig Coffee Collective Uncomplicates Morning Routines
Fine Fragrance Coffees
BORNTOSTANDOUT's Specialty Coffee Undergoes Proprietary Aromatic Infusion
Purpose-Driven Wellness Brands
Koala Eco is Reflecting on Its Business Growth and Trajectory
Curated Grocery Platforms Rise
FirstClub Launches Its Curated Grocery Platform
Streamlined Wedding-Focused Retail Experiences
The Knot Worldwide Boasts New WeddingPro Features
Limited-Edition Regional-Specific Snack Boxes
Tokyotreat Presents the Harajuku Snackventure Box
Laidback Coffee Culture Sweaters
The Starbucks and BEAMS EXTRA Collection Has a Custom Sweatshirt
Seasonal Living-Focused Tea Subscriptions
Kiara Naturals is Expanding & Introducing a New Service
Wellness-Based Coffee Expansions
Everyday Dose Launches in 1500 Target Stores Across the U.S.
Restaurant-to-Retail Expansions
Little Sesame Secured $8.5M to Scale Its Manufacturing Operations
Outdoor Lifestyle-Focused Gear Capsules
REI Co-Op Unveils Its Spring 2026 Line of Gear and Apparel
Fragrance-Inspired Cafes
Onitsuka Tiger's Pop-Up Shares Drinks Inspired by Its First Fragrances
Curated Discovery Stores
The Shelf Spotlights Emerging Food, Drink and Wellness Brands
Spring-Themed Pastel Drinkware
Starbucks Launches Vibrant Drinkware for Spring
Autonomous Plant-Based Pop-Ups
Okay's Easy Switch Pop-Up Makes Plant-Based Options Accessible
Returnable Meal Containers
ReBento Updates Food Packaging with a Reusable Collection System
Social Good Coffee Vans
Nespresso and Change Please Partnered to Help End Homelessness
Colleague-Connecting Pubs
The Office by Heineken Celebrates the Best Part of Work Culture
Redefining Modern Wellness Campaigns
Beyond Yoga Introduced 'Beyond Seek' Featuring Issa Rae
Playful Tokyo Pop-Ups
Duomart Introduces a Themed Convenience Experience in Tokyo
In-Store Recycling Returns
Asda Launches a Podback Coffee-Pod Return Service
Lifestyle Coffee Expansion
Black Sheep Coffee Expanded Its Specialty Café Presence in Miami
Innovative Hospitality Recruitment Approaches
Nazuna Co., Ltd. Addresses High Employee Turnover
Startup Networking Platforms
'Solution' Connects the Global Startup Ecosystem in One Digital Hub
Coffee-Centric In-Flight Experiences
Delta and Starbucks Introduce an In-Air Coffeehouse
Amenity-Led Office Retrofits
60 Threadneedle Street adds wellness and hospitality-focused spaces
Collaborative Packaging Development
UNITED CAPS Launches Live Packaging Co-Creation Sessions
Marketing Firm Innovation Hubs
Stagwell is Gearing Up to Open Its New Headquarters in Singapore
Retail Wellbeing Spaces
Frama Opens Its First International Tokyo Store Focused on Design & Care
Multi-Revenue Fashion Platforms
Rent the Runway expands into resale, ads and cleaning services
Venture Studio Partnerships
SDSU Teams With Launch Factory to Launch Its Venture Studio Deal
Curated Resale Storefronts
eBay's The NYC Edit Storefront Shares Tastemaker Selections
Startup Idea Newsletters
Easy Startup Ideas Delivers Business Roadmaps For Aspiring Founders
Wellness-Driven Versatile Bag Collections
JanSport Launches the Lunar Lounge Collection
Strategic European Brand Collaborations
JD.com Spotlights a Sreies of European Brand Partnerships
Multi-Purpose Commercial Spaces
Tenōre Has Opened a Two-Story Flagship Location in Hawaii
Seasonal Cafe Merch Packs
Starbucks Japan Lucky Bag 2026 is Packed with Exclusive Items
Personalized Neuroaesthetic Experiences
113 Spring's Emergence Service Supports Creative Expansion
Ready-to-Drink Mushroom Coffees
Spacegoods Oat Mushroom Latte Comes in Two Flavors
Wellness Recovery Events
Toronto's The Wellness Club Hosts an Immersive Social Wellness Experience
Restaurant-Supporting Loyalty Platforms
inKind Boasts Its Successes on Its 10-Year Anniversary
Community-Centered Rooftop Events
Heineken's Rooftop Revival Turned Building Tops into Social Hubs
Customer-Driven Food Innovation Centers
The Kerry Customer Co-Creation Centre is Now Open
Urban Pod Networks
Glydways Launches Its Personal Pod Pilots & Backed by Khosla Ventures
Cold Foam-Topped Cafe Refreshments
These New PJ’s Coffee Menu Items Embrace Springtime
Curated Newspaper Storefronts
Shreeji Unveiled 'The Village News' as an Offline Summer Ritual
Cafe-Focused Consulting Services
Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea Runs the '7 Steps to Success' Program
Mindful Cold Brew Rebrands
Here&Now Repositioned Its Cold Brew as an Antidote to Burnout
Whimsical Desk Rituals
Starbucks Created a Small, Celebratory Post-CNY Activation
Discovery-Driven Beverage Programs
Dog Haus Expands Drinks Into a Menu Exploration Platform
Measured Retail Expansions
Vessi Launches its Bellevue Store and In-Store Splash Experience
Growth-Focused Baby Care Brands
GROWNSY Announces Its New Philosophy — Space to Grow
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
Unified Productivity Branding
Google Workspace Introduced a Cohesive Icon Redesign
Women-Focused Curated Pop-Up Experiences
tm:rw Introduces the Bloom Pop-Up Concept Until April 15
Nutrition Ecosystem Restaurants
Fork to Fit Kitchen links meals, fitness, and wellness tracking
Redesigning Restful Moments
The ANEW Project Turns Daily Objects into Mini Retreats
Community Hub Convenience Stores
Co-op turns local stores into delivery and service hubs
Product Discovery Communities
MillionShip Turns Product Discovery Into A Playful Experiences
Hybrid Party Retailers
Staples and Party City combine event supplies with print services in-store
Virtual Dining Platform Expansions
GreetEat Corp. Expands to All Users in North America
Coffee Discovery Platforms
TheBeanGeek Organizes Specialty Coffee From Roasters Worldwide
Consumer Brand Launches
Labor Smart Announced Culturally-Driven Product Collaborations
University-Backed Startup Leagues
DGIST Launches Its GRAVITY 2026 Student Startup League
Granola-Focused Restaurant Expansions
The Granola Bar Restaurant Group Expands in the US
Community Investment Brand Initiatives
Self Space is Running a Community Investment Round
Service-Backed Recommerce Platforms
Commonplace Launches Marketplace With Built-In Delivery
Remote Work Community Platforms
Drop In Makes Casual Coworking Meetups Easier To Discover
Local Restaurant Activations
Pepsi Hosts Community Events to Drive Restaurant Discovery
Reusable Shipping Box Pilots
Returnity Launches Its Free Pilot Program for B2B Reusable Box
Soft-Landing Startup Hubs
NJ BASE Helps International Startups Launch and Scale in the U.s.
AI Venture Studios
Making Science Recently Debuted AWAKE Venture Studio
State-Of-The-Art Single-Serve Coffee Facilities
Westrock Coffee Inaugurated a Production Facility
Founder Networking Platforms
The Startup Club Connects Founders With Key People and Resources
Startup Revival Platforms
failedUps Lets Users Discover And Revive Abandoned Startup Opportunities
Pour-Over-Inspired Pavilions
This Kurasu Coffee Pop-Up is Shaped Like a Giant Dripper in Beijing
VC Job Finders
Job Search by GreenRobot Lists Opportunities At VC-Backed Companies
Purpose-Led Emerging Brands Initiatives
7-Eleven Taps 27 Brands for Its 2026 Brands with Heart™
Startup Listing Tools
Founder's Directory Helps Startups Distribute Listings Across Platforms
Independent Coffee Shop Solutions
Dripos Debuts a Refreshed Identity & a Counter Talk Publication
Digital Sharing Platforms
Venture Vault Enables Innovators to Share Ideas and Collaborate
CPG-Focused Service-For-Equity Models
Crave Ventures Has Formally Commenced Operations
Flexible Meal Delivery Brands
Daily Harvest Launches an Optional Subscription Model for 2026
Upcycled Summer Apparel
The OUR LEGACY WORK SHOP NATURA Collection Includes Regenerated Garments
Artisan Cafe Coffee Ranges
Paddy & Scott's Retail Coffee Range Brings the Cafe Home
Global Coffee Acceleration Strategies
Roasting Plant Coffee Debuts a Global Acceleration Strategy
Significant Fitness Concept Expansions
Burn Boot Camp Significantly Expanded in 2025
Empowering Entrepeneur Clubs
Saltbox Introduces 'Upstream' for Loyal Members Looking for Community
Modular Corporate Workspaces
Oculus Design Studio Unveiled Nestle IT & Digital Hub in Bangalore
Startup Essentials Bundles
The App Tool-Kit Helps Digital Creators Launch with the Right Tools
Connected Ecosystem Rebranding Initiatives
WithU Group Announces Its Rebrand as 10XU
Tiered Office Incentive Programs
Superhuman Launches the Ways of Working Program
Hospitality Strategy Communities
The PickUp Unites Revenue Managers in One Hub