Breno Tepedino didn’t plan to start a revolution. He just wanted a better post-workout drink.
It began with a childhood memory, a creamy avocado and coconut milk smoothie lovingly made by his dad. Years later, Breno found himself in the gym, chasing gains and gulping down gritty protein shakes with questionable ingredients. One day, he had an idea. What if that nostalgic drink could be reimagined into a clean, high-protein, coconut-based smoothie? He scribbled it down in his ever-present idea book, not knowing that this would eventually become CocoMar – the first ready-to-drink coconut water protein shake of its kind.
Today, CocoMar is a standout startup in the 2025 Future Founders Startup Bootcamp, an immersive program designed to help underestimated young entrepreneurs build scalable businesses. Breno’s idea didn’t just pass through the first phase, it soared, earning him a coveted spot in Phase Two of the program, which is reserved for the most promising early-stage founders in the country.
CocoMar stands out in a sea of sugary, synthetic protein drinks. With only eight ingredients, no added sugar, and real fruit like mango, acai, blueberry, and dragon fruit, the product hits the sweet spot of natural hydration and functional nutrition. Each bottle delivers 20 grams of complete protein without sacrificing taste or integrity. It is not just a better-for-you beverage, it is a cultural homage inspired by Brazil’s fruit-forward traditions and wellness routines.
That Brazilian influence is no accident. Breno’s co-founder and COO is an international student from Brazil who quickly recognized the cultural connection and the market opportunity. “She told me people back home already mix fruit and coconut milk or water with protein powder,” Breno said. “We realized no one was doing that here.”
Launching a beverage brand, especially in the crowded and complex CPG space, is not for the faint of heart. CocoMar’s journey has been marked by relentless problem-solving. The team tackled everything from acidity testing and shelf stability to sourcing unsweetened acai that would meet their clean label standards. Each challenge felt like two steps forward and one step back, but the CocoMar team, led by their “mad scientist” head of R&D Tina, a dietetics major at Michigan State, refused to compromise on their vision.
“Product development has been the biggest headache,” Breno admitted. “But it’s also the most rewarding part. You fall in love with one version of the drink, only to realize it won’t work at scale or doesn’t meet our clean label goals. It forced us to be creative, nimble, and obsessive about quality.”
Despite being pre-launch, CocoMar is already gaining traction. They’ve begun selling at farmers markets across Michigan, including Fulton Street Market in Grand Rapids, Allen Street Market in Okemos, and East Lansing Farmers Market near their campus. The response has been overwhelmingly positive. “We’re not even targeting hardcore gym-goers yet,” Breno said. “But people from all walks of life are buying it, loving it, and coming back.”
In just a few days of market sales, CocoMar hit impressive early revenue numbers and picked up invaluable customer feedback. They also landed in the top five at Michigan State’s prestigious Burgess New Venture competition, an achievement rarely seen for beverage startups, and took home $7,500 in non-dilutive funding.
These wins are more than momentum, they are validation.
Still, Breno credits much of their growth to the Future Founders community. “The mentorship, the connections, the people – it’s been a very pleasant surprise,” he said. “Everyone has been so willing to share, support, and help us grow.”
Since joining Startup Bootcamp, Breno has landed networking calls, connected with program alumni, and sparked investor conversations after pitch day. But it is the deeper lessons that stand out most. “There’s so much you don’t know when you’re starting out. Future Founders helps uncover those blind spots before they become real threats.”
And that’s the point of the program. At Future Founders, we don’t just teach young people how to start a business. We surround them with a community of mentors, builders, and believers. We invest in their growth as leaders, creators, and changemakers.
CocoMar is still early in its journey. But the foundation being built – from product to pitch to purpose – is solid. With a differentiated offering, a clear market gap, and the resilience to navigate CPG’s complexities, Breno and his team are positioning themselves for a meaningful launch.
What they are building is bigger than a protein shake. It is a story of creativity, cultural influence, and the power of giving young entrepreneurs the right tools and the right community.
Because the next generation of founders is not just building businesses. They are reimagining what better looks like.
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