DUXBURY, MA, (February 11, 2020)—TOP the organic project (TOP), the women-owned social impact company on a mission to make sustainable, eco-friendly, organic period products accessible for everyone, has announced the closing of its seed round at $900K, adding to an earlier investment of $700K for a total of $1.6M raised. Maroon Venture Partners Fund, the venture fund that invests in early-stage companies linked to UMass Amherst, led the seed round in support of alumnus, TOP Co-Founder & CEO, Thyme Sullivan.
TOP’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and social impact were compelling to Maroon Venture Partners Fund and angel investors participating in the round.
“We believe that TOP's mission to do good by women and to do good for the planet positions the brand for dynamic growth while making a difference for all of us,” stated Charlie Johnson, Investment Committee Member and Managing Director of Maroon Venture Partners Fund.
TOP will utilize its seed capital to drive product innovation and expand its presence in grocery stores and other retail locations nationwide in addition to Amazon and its own e-commerce platform. A company that was founded for their daughters, their purpose is to make better and more sustainably sourced period products available to everyone.
Financial Executive, Adjunct Professor and Angel Investor Kathy Battistoni remarked, “Why TOP? The founders are engaging, passionate and brilliant businesswomen. They are committed to introducing a new quality standard to this product category; they are passionate about giving back and empowering girls and women; they are concerned about the environment and want to be a part of the solution for ensuring its long-term health. They will do whatever they need to do to live and breathe their mission every day. I worked hard to be able to invest like this one day and I know Thyme and Denielle will do the same so that together, we can all “pay it forward”! How could I not invest?”
TOP will also benefit from the appointment of Ameeta Soni, an Investment Committee Member of the Maroon Venture Partners Fund as a board observer. Ameeta brings extensive experience as a growth-focused CMO, board member, and equity investor, offering TOP guidance and expertise on its journey.
“We are thrilled to have Maroon Venture Partners and our Angel investors on this journey with us,” remarked Thyme Sullivan, TOP Co-Founder & CEO. “They bring a strong network of mentors and industry experts that will help us scale our TOP U.S. distribution network. We are creating a new culture of building business for good with an authentic brand of products for women and by women .”
About TOP the organic project
TOP the organic project (TOP) is an emerging, women-owned feminine care company based in Duxbury, MA, that aims to empower women to make better choices, protecting their bodies and the environment. TOP offers 100% organic, bio-based, hypoallergenic tampons and pads that are accessible to everyone with a give-back model that drives awareness of period poverty in the U.S.
Founded by Thyme Sullivan and Denielle Finkelstein—mothers and seasoned executives with decades of relevant corporate experience—TOP dreams of a world in which every girl and woman has access to healthy, organic period products that are good for them and the planet.
To learn more, please visit toporganicproject.com.
About Maroon Venture Partners Fund
Maroon Venture Partners Fund I, LP is a for-profit venture fund that invests in early-stage companies linked to UMass Amherst. Its investments are often a venture’s initial outside equity funding. The fund typically invests in companies that can use the funds to accomplish significant milestones toward commercial success. Its broader goal is to foster the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the UMass Amherst community.
Media Contact: Nina Pfister, MAG PR: nina@mooringadvisorygroup.com
