About this raise: Sunny, with a valuation of $7 million, is raising funds on Wefunder. The company has created an ingenious period cup and applicator that is a game changer for period care. Sunny menstrual cup inserts like a tampon and comes with a reusable applicator, eliminating the first barrier for people to switch to menstrual cups. Sunny has served 22,000 periods and generated $850,000 in pre-order sales since April 2022. Cindy Belardo and Drew Jarvis founded Sunny in October 2021. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $50,000 and a maximum target of $63,200. The campaign proceeds will be used for completing backorders, manufacturing improvements, and marketing.
Investment Overview
Committed $15,080 :
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2021
- Industry
- Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2C
- Margin
- High
- Capital Intensity
- Low
Financials
-
Revenue
- $117,809
- Monthly Burn
- $76,167
-
Runway
- 5 months
- Gross Margin
- 62%
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Synopsis
Sunny, operating under the legal name Menstrual Mates, Inc., is a company in the healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry. The company focuses on period care products, specifically offering a period cup that inserts like a tampon and comes with a reusable applicator. This product aims to provide an easier and more familiar experience for users compared to traditional menstrual cups. Sunny's primary customers are individuals seeking sustainable and convenient menstrual care solutions.
The problem Sunny addresses is the intimidation and discomfort associated with the insertion of traditional menstrual cups. Many potential users are deterred from switching to menstrual cups due to the perceived difficulty and unfamiliarity of the insertion process. Additionally, the environmental impact of disposable menstrual products like tampons and pads is a growing concern, as they contribute significantly to landfill waste.
Sunny's solution is the Sunny Cup + Applicator, which combines the benefits of a menstrual cup with the ease of tampon insertion. The product features a reusable applicator, making the transition to menstrual cups more approachable for users. The cup can be worn for up to 12 hours, holds significantly more liquid than a tampon, and offers substantial cost savings over time. By addressing the primary barrier to adoption, Sunny aims to make menstrual cups a more accessible and eco-friendly option.
Relating this to everyday experiences, consider the common scenario of using tampons. Many people find tampons easy to use due to the applicator, which simplifies the insertion process. However, tampons require frequent changes and generate a considerable amount of waste. Sunny's product provides a similar user experience but with the added benefits of longer wear time and reduced environmental impact. This makes it easier for users to adopt a more sustainable menstrual care routine without sacrificing convenience.
Price
Sunny is currently raising funds through a Convertible Note, offering investors a security type that converts into equity under specified conditions. The key terms for this Convertible Note include a valuation cap of $7 million, a 20% discount, and an interest rate of 6%. These terms provide a framework for the conversion of the note into equity, typically during a future financing round or upon a liquidity event.
The valuation cap of $7 million sets a ceiling on the conversion price, ensuring that early investors can convert their notes into equity at a favorable valuation even if the company's valuation increases significantly in the future. The 20% discount offers an additional incentive by allowing investors to convert their notes at a 20% reduction from the price set in the next qualified financing round. The 6% interest rate accrues over time, adding to the principal amount that will convert into equity, thereby providing a modest return on the initial investment until conversion.
Investing through a Convertible Note offers several advantages. It provides a degree of downside protection by setting a valuation cap and offering a discount, which can be particularly beneficial if the company's valuation rises substantially. The interest rate also compensates investors for the time their capital is tied up before conversion. However, there are disadvantages, such as the lack of immediate equity ownership and potential dilution from future financing rounds.
To achieve a 10X return on investment, Sunny would need to reach a post-exit valuation of approximately $70 million, assuming no dilution. This level of return could be driven by significant milestones such as achieving substantial revenue growth, expanding market share, and potentially securing strategic partnerships or acquisitions. Given Sunny's current revenue multiple of 59.4x, the company would need to demonstrate continued growth and market traction to justify such a valuation.
For context, if Sunny achieves its projected goal of surpassing $3 million in sales by 2025, maintaining a revenue multiple similar to the current 59.4x would result in a valuation of around $178 million. This scenario would comfortably exceed the threshold for a 10X return. However, achieving and sustaining such a high multiple will depend on various factors, including market conditions, competitive dynamics, and the company's ability to scale its operations effectively.
Market
The global menstrual cup market, which Sunny operates within, is a growing sector with an estimated addressable market size of approximately $700 million and an annual growth rate of 5.3%. Several key drivers and trends are influencing this market, potentially impacting Sunny's growth trajectory.
One significant market driver is the increasing awareness of the health and environmental benefits of menstrual cups compared to disposable products like tampons and pads. As consumers become more conscious of their environmental footprint and seek healthier alternatives, the demand for sustainable menstrual products is expected to rise. Sunny's product, which combines the familiarity of tampon insertion with the benefits of a menstrual cup, is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend.
Another important trend is the growing emphasis on cost savings. Menstrual cups offer long-term financial benefits as they can be reused for several years, unlike disposable products that require regular repurchasing. This economic advantage can attract cost-conscious consumers, further expanding the market for reusable menstrual products.
However, the market also presents challenges. The competition in the menstrual cup segment is notable, with several established players like Vixie, Enna Cycle, and Ecoblossom already offering similar products. This competitive landscape can limit Sunny's market share and necessitate significant marketing efforts to differentiate and build brand loyalty.
Sunny's product targets a specific niche within the broader menstrual care market—consumers who are open to using menstrual cups but are deterred by the intimidation of insertion. By addressing this barrier through its reusable applicator, Sunny aims to make menstrual cups more accessible to a wider audience. However, the product may not appeal to all potential users, particularly those who are already comfortable with other menstrual cup brands or who prefer disposable products.
In summary, the menstrual cup market is driven by trends towards sustainability, health consciousness, and cost savings, all of which provide favorable conditions for Sunny's growth. However, the competitive landscape and niche appeal of the product present challenges that the company will need to navigate to achieve significant market penetration.
Team
Sunny's leadership team is composed of individuals with relevant experience and a strong commitment to the company's mission. The key team members include Cindy Belardo, the CEO, and Drew Jarvis, the CMO. Both founders bring unique skills and backgrounds that are essential for Sunny's growth and success.
Cindy Belardo, the CEO, graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelor's degree in Environmental Science. She launched Sunny shortly after completing her education, demonstrating a strong entrepreneurial spirit and dedication to environmental sustainability. Belardo's background in environmental science aligns well with Sunny's mission to provide eco-friendly menstrual care products. Her leadership has been instrumental in driving the company's vision and strategic direction.
Drew Jarvis, the CMO, holds a bachelor's degree in business with a minor in marketing from Indiana University. She joined Sunny in 2020 and went full-time in 2022. Jarvis has successfully led Sunny's viral marketing campaigns, particularly on social media platforms like TikTok, where the company has garnered significant attention. Her expertise in marketing and brand building is crucial for Sunny's efforts to differentiate itself in a competitive market and attract a loyal customer base.
The team's skills and experience are well-aligned with Sunny's goals of expanding market reach, increasing brand awareness, and driving sales growth. Belardo's environmental science background supports the company's focus on sustainability, while Jarvis's marketing expertise is essential for scaling the business and reaching new customers.
However, there are some gaps in the team that could be critical for achieving future milestones. The part-time status of key team members, such as the CFO, could impact the company's ability to manage financial operations effectively. Additionally, the team may benefit from the addition of experienced professionals in areas such as supply chain management and product development to address potential bottlenecks in manufacturing and distribution.
In summary, Sunny's leadership team possesses relevant skills and experience that align with the company's goals. Addressing the gaps in the team by securing full-time commitments and adding expertise in critical areas will be important for Sunny's continued growth and success.
Differentiation
Sunny operates in a competitive landscape with several notable industry competitors, including Vixie, Enna Cycle, and Ecoblossom. These companies offer similar menstrual cup products, making it essential to understand how Sunny differentiates itself in terms of company size, product quality, and pricing.
Vixie is a well-established player in the menstrual cup market, known for its high-quality products and strong brand presence. Vixie's products are priced at a premium, reflecting their focus on quality and sustainability. The company has a broad customer base and significant market penetration, which can pose a challenge for newer entrants like Sunny.
Enna Cycle offers a range of menstrual cups and accessories, including applicators similar to Sunny's product. Enna Cycle's pricing is competitive, targeting cost-conscious consumers. The company has a strong online presence and leverages social media for marketing, much like Sunny. However, Enna Cycle's established market position and customer loyalty can be significant barriers for Sunny to overcome.
Ecoblossom focuses on eco-friendly menstrual products, including menstrual cups and reusable pads. The company emphasizes affordability and environmental benefits, appealing to a broad demographic of environmentally conscious consumers. Ecoblossom's competitive pricing and diverse product range make it a formidable competitor in the menstrual care market.
Sunny's primary differentiation lies in its product design, which addresses the common barrier of insertion intimidation. The Sunny Cup + Applicator offers a familiar tampon-like insertion experience, combined with the benefits of a menstrual cup. This unique feature can attract users who are hesitant to switch to menstrual cups due to insertion concerns.
The demographics of Sunny's target customers include environmentally conscious individuals, cost-sensitive consumers, and those seeking healthier menstrual care options. The product appeals particularly to younger women who are active on social media, as evidenced by Sunny's strong presence on platforms like TikTok. This demographic is likely to value sustainability, convenience, and cost savings, aligning well with Sunny's product offerings.
In summary, Sunny faces competition from established players like Vixie, Enna Cycle, and Ecoblossom. Its product design and focus on addressing insertion intimidation provide a distinct competitive edge but may not b different enough from its closest competitors. The company's ability to attract and retain its target demographic will be crucial for its success in the competitive menstrual care market.
Performance
Sunny's financial performance reflects its early-stage status and the challenges associated with scaling a consumer products company in a competitive market. The company's most recent fiscal year-end revenue was approximately $118k, a significant increase from the prior fiscal year's revenue of $2k. This growth indicates a positive trend in market acceptance and customer acquisition.
However, Sunny's financial metrics reveal some areas of concern. The company's most recent monthly burn rate stands at $90k, while its most recent cash on hand is $378k. Given these figures, Sunny has approximately four months of runway, highlighting the need for additional funding to sustain operations and support growth initiatives. This limited financial runway underscores the importance of achieving operational efficiencies and scaling revenue quickly.
Sunny has reported $850k in pre-order sales since April 2022, serving over 22,000 periods and fulfilling around 5,000 orders to date. While these figures demonstrate initial traction, the pace of fulfillment suggests potential bottlenecks in manufacturing and distribution. Addressing these bottlenecks will be crucial for meeting growing demand and maintaining customer satisfaction.
The company's traction on social media is noteworthy, with Sunny being one of the largest period cup brands on TikTok, garnering over 300 million views and engaging 800k monthly social media users. This strong online presence can drive brand awareness and customer acquisition, provided it translates into sustained sales growth.
Sunny's revenue multiple of 59.4x indicates high expectations for future growth. To justify this multiple, the company will need to achieve significant milestones, such as expanding its customer base, increasing repeat purchases, and optimizing its supply chain. The company's goal of surpassing $3 million in sales by 2025 is ambitious and will require effective execution across marketing, production, and distribution channels.
In summary, while Sunny has shown promising revenue growth and strong social media traction, the company's financial performance indicates a need for careful management of its burn rate and cash reserves. Addressing operational bottlenecks and achieving sustained sales growth will be critical for Sunny's long-term success.
Risk
Investing in Sunny carries several unique risks that potential investors should carefully consider. These risks stem from market competition, product scalability, financial stability, and operational execution.
One significant risk for Sunny is the competitive landscape in the menstrual cup market. The company's product, a period cup with a reusable applicator, is relatively easy to replicate and lacks substantial defensibility. Competitors like Vixie, Enna Cycle, and Ecoblossom already offer similar products, making it challenging for Sunny to differentiate itself and capture a significant market share. This highly competitive environment increases the risk of market saturation and limits Sunny's potential for growth.
Another critical risk is the scalability of the business. Menstrual cups are a low-frequency purchase, with customers typically buying a cup once every ten years. This infrequent purchase cycle could result in low customer lifetime value and necessitates a continuous and substantial investment in marketing to attract new customers. Additionally, Sunny's current revenue multiple of 59.4x indicates high expectations for future growth, but sustaining such a multiple will require consistent and rapid scaling of sales and distribution, which may be challenging given the product's nature.
Financial stability is another area of concern. Sunny's cash and cash equivalents at the most recent fiscal year-end were $65k, against a monthly burn rate of approximately $90k. This financial position suggests a limited runway, potentially necessitating additional funding rounds to sustain operations. Reliance on frequent capital raises can dilute existing shareholders and add financial strain on the business.
Furthermore, the execution risk is evident, as the company has been operational since October 2021 but has only served 22,000 periods via pre-orders and fulfilled around 5,000 orders to date. This pace of fulfillment indicates potential bottlenecks in manufacturing and distribution, which could hinder Sunny's ability to meet growing demand and scale effectively.
The presence of part-time founders is another risk factor. Effective and agile leadership is critical for navigating the complexities of scaling a startup, especially in a competitive market. The part-time status of key team members could impede the company's ability to execute its strategic plans swiftly and efficiently.
In summary, while Sunny has a promising product and market opportunity, investors must carefully weigh these specific risks, including market competition, scalability challenges, financial constraints, and operational execution issues. Understanding and mitigating these risks will be crucial for Sunny's long-term success.
Bullish Outlook
The bullish outlook for Sunny is supported by several key factors that highlight the company’s potential for growth and success. These factors include market opportunities, unique competitive advantages, a strong team, and promising financial trends.
Sunny operates within the global menstrual cup market, which is valued at approximately $700 million and growing at an annual rate of 5.3%. This expanding market is driven by increasing awareness of the health and environmental benefits of menstrual cups, as well as the cost savings they offer compared to disposable products. Sunny’s product, which combines the ease of tampon insertion with the benefits of a menstrual cup, is well-positioned to capture a significant share of this growing market.
One of Sunny’s key strengths is its unique product design that addresses the common barrier of insertion intimidation. By offering a period cup that inserts like a tampon and comes with a reusable applicator, Sunny provides a solution that appeals to consumers who may be hesitant to switch to traditional menstrual cups. This differentiation can help the company attract a broader customer base and build brand loyalty.
Sunny has achieved notable traction with $850k in pre-order sales and a strong social media following, including over 300 million views on TikTok and 800k engaged monthly social media users. These achievements demonstrate market interest and the potential for continued growth. Additionally, the company’s convertible note terms, with a valuation cap of $7 million and a 20% discount, offer favorable conditions for early investors.
Several growth drivers could lead to significant expansion for Sunny. The increasing trend towards sustainable products, coupled with the growing emphasis on cost savings, provides a favorable market environment for Sunny's offerings. The company’s plans to leverage its strong social media presence for marketing and customer engagement can further drive sales and brand loyalty. Additionally, Sunny's focus on addressing the barrier of insertion intimidation sets it apart from competitors and can help attract new users.
From a financial perspective, Sunny has demonstrated good revenue growth, with the most recent fiscal year-end revenue at $118k, up from $2k the previous year. Although the company faces a high revenue multiple of 59.4x, this reflects high growth expectations and the potential for significant returns if the company continues to scale effectively. The company’s ability to secure substantial funding and achieve positive cash flow will be crucial for sustaining growth and achieving long-term success.
In summary, the bullish outlook for Sunny is supported by favorable market opportunities, unique product advantages, a strong leadership team, and promising financial trends. These factors collectively indicate significant potential for growth and success, making Sunny an attractive investment opportunity.
Bearish Outlook
The bearish outlook for Sunny is influenced by several key factors that present significant challenges and risks for the company. These factors encompass market competition, scalability issues, team-related concerns, and financial constraints.
Sunny operates in a highly competitive market with established players like Vixie, Enna Cycle, and Ecoblossom. These competitors offer similar menstrual cup products and have already secured substantial market share and customer loyalty. Sunny’s product, while addressing the intimidation of insertion, may struggle to differentiate itself sufficiently in a saturated market. The competitive pressure necessitates considerable marketing efforts and resources to build brand awareness and attract new customers, which can be a significant hurdle.
Scalability is another major concern. The nature of menstrual cups as a low-frequency purchase, typically bought once every ten years, means that Sunny must continuously invest in acquiring new customers to sustain growth. This can lead to high customer acquisition costs and a reliance on extensive marketing campaigns to maintain sales momentum. Additionally, the company's current fulfillment pace indicates potential bottlenecks in manufacturing and distribution, which could impede scalability and customer satisfaction.
Team-related concerns also contribute to a bearish outlook. The part-time status of key team members, including those in crucial roles like the CFO, may impact the company's ability to execute its strategic plans effectively. Full-time dedication from leadership is often essential for navigating the complexities of scaling a startup, and the lack of full-time commitment could hinder operational efficiency and responsiveness to market changes.
Financially, Sunny faces significant constraints. The company's most recent cash on hand is $378k, against a monthly burn rate of $90k, suggesting a limited runway of approximately four months. This financial position indicates an urgent need for additional funding to sustain operations and support growth initiatives. Frequent capital raises can dilute existing shareholders and add financial strain. Additionally, Sunny's revenue multiple of 59.4x is relatively high, indicating that the company's current valuation is based on optimistic future growth projections. This high multiple may be unappealing to investors, particularly if the company cannot meet its growth targets.
Growth inhibitors for Sunny include potential technological and regulatory hurdles. While the product itself does not face significant regulatory barriers, scaling production and maintaining consistent quality can be challenging. Any delays or issues in the supply chain could impede Sunny’s ability to meet demand and achieve revenue targets.
Limited market adoption is another concern. While Sunny has achieved $850k in pre-order sales, the pace of fulfilling these orders has been slow, with only 5,000 orders fulfilled to date. This suggests potential challenges in scaling production and maintaining customer satisfaction. Moreover, the niche appeal of the product may limit its market reach, particularly among users already loyal to other menstrual cup brands or those who prefer disposable products.
In summary, the bearish outlook for Sunny is driven by competitive pressures, scalability challenges, team-related concerns, and financial constraints. These factors collectively present significant risks that could hinder the company's growth and ability to achieve long-term success. Investors should carefully consider these challenges when evaluating the potential for investing in Sunny.
Executive Summary
Sunny, operating in the healthcare and pharmaceuticals industry, offers a period cup with a reusable applicator designed to address the common barrier of insertion intimidation. The company's primary customers are individuals seeking sustainable and convenient menstrual care solutions. Sunny's product aims to combine the familiarity of tampon insertion with the environmental and financial benefits of a menstrual cup.
Sunny is raising funds through a Convertible Note with a valuation cap of $7 million, a 20% discount, and a 6% interest rate. These terms offer early investors favorable conversion conditions and a modest return until the note converts into equity. The company’s current revenue multiple of 59.4x reflects high growth expectations.
The global menstrual cup market is valued at approximately $700 million, with an annual growth rate of 5.3%. Key drivers include increasing awareness of health and environmental benefits, cost savings, and a shift towards sustainable products. However, the competitive landscape with established players like Vixie, Enna Cycle, and Ecoblossom presents challenges for Sunny.
Sunny's financial performance shows promising revenue growth, with the most recent fiscal year-end revenue at $118k, up from $2k the previous year. The company has a monthly burn rate of $90k and cash on hand of $378k, indicating a limited runway. Sunny has achieved $850k in pre-order sales and has a strong social media presence, particularly on TikTok.
Sunny differentiates itself through its product design, which addresses the intimidation of menstrual cup insertion. The target demographic includes environmentally conscious and cost-sensitive consumers, particularly younger women active on social media. Competitors like Vixie, Enna Cycle, and Ecoblossom offer similar products, but Sunny's unique applicator provides a distinct competitive edge.
The leadership team, led by CEO Cindy Belardo and CMO Drew Jarvis, brings relevant experience in environmental science and marketing. Their skills align with Sunny's goals of expanding market reach and increasing brand awareness. However, the part-time status of key team members and potential gaps in supply chain management and product development could impact future milestones.
Investing in Sunny carries several unique risks, including market competition, scalability challenges, financial constraints, and operational execution issues. The company's limited runway and high revenue multiple indicate financial pressure, while the competitive landscape necessitates significant marketing efforts to build brand loyalty.
The bullish outlook highlights the positive market drivers, such as increasing demand for sustainable products and cost savings. Sunny's strong social media traction and initial revenue growth are promising indicators of market acceptance. The company's unique product design addressing insertion intimidation provides a competitive advantage.
The bearish outlook emphasizes the challenges of a competitive market, scalability issues, and financial constraints. The high revenue multiple and limited runway present financial risks, while the part-time status of key team members may impact operational efficiency.
In conclusion, Sunny presents a balanced investment opportunity with both promising growth drivers and notable risks. The company's ability to navigate competitive pressures, achieve operational efficiencies, and secure additional funding will be crucial for its long-term success. Investors should carefully weigh these factors when considering an investment in Sunny.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $2,435,000
- VC Backed?
- Yes
Growth Charts
Revenue History
Note: Revenue data points reflect the latest of either the most recent fiscal year's financials, or updated revenues directly from the founder, at each raise's close date.
Valuation History
Price per Share History
Note: Share prices shown in earlier rounds may not be indicative of any stock splits.