Sensori founders Shanna Pearre and Darean Rhodes raised nearly $1 million without venture capital. The nonalcoholic beverage company drew support from creators, athletes and individual investors.
More than 50 individual investors participated, including more than 40 creators, athletes and other community investors. The founders chose that route to retain control while bringing supporters into the business.
According to Black Enterprise’s report, Pearre and Rhodes built an audience around the company and its nonalcoholic products. Within three months, the startup sold its first 5,000 cans.
Sensori Turns Audience Interest Into Investment
Pearre announced on Instagram that the company was preparing to raise money. Potential investors responded quickly, and the interest eventually translated into checks.
“The next day we woke up, and I had like 10 DMs and texts,” Pearre told Inc. The founders sought people who could contribute more than money to the business. Their funding choice followed the audience-building work that preceded the company’s launch.
The investor group includes creators who can introduce Sensori to new audiences. Those creators also have ownership stakes in the company.
The arrangement places ownership alongside promotion, rather than relying only on paid creator endorsements. Ownership is also the focus of related coverage of Black women entrepreneurs.
Founders Put Control At The Center
Rhodes said institutional investors could have gained significant influence over the company. That prospect shaped the founders’ decision to pursue individual investors instead of a conventional venture capital round.
“They would definitely have the upper hand on me and Shanna,” Rhodes said. “We just could not give away that much control.”
The report cited Inc. data showing Black founders received approximately 0.48% of U.S. venture capital in 2024. Sensori’s approach combines revenue generation, customer support and participation by people who believe in the company.
The founders’ funding choice connects with broader reporting on access to investment. Further reading includes women founders’ venture funding and European capital access.
Creators Take An Ownership Role
Creator Jenee Naylor invested after discovering the company on TikTok. Naylor said belief in the product made the investment compelling. The creator described enjoying the beverage before deciding to become an investor.
“I already believed in them,” Naylor said. “I already enjoy this product. I will talk about it organically. You really can’t buy that.”
For Sensori, creators’ participation forms part of the company’s capital strategy. Rhodes described ownership as an active role in building the business.
“It’s not equity handed out,” Rhodes said. “It’s ownership, and it gives creators an active role in building this business from day one.”
The founders expect Sensori to surpass $1 million in revenue this year. They plan to consider institutional investment in 2027, after working to prove the business on their own terms.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded the nonalcoholic beverage company Sensori?
Shanna Pearre and Darean Rhodes founded the company, which sold its first 5,000 cans within three months.
How much did the founders raise from individual investors?
They raised nearly $1 million from more than 50 individual investors, including more than 40 creators, athletes and community investors.
Why did the founders choose individual investors?
Rhodes said institutional investors could have gained significant influence. The founders wanted to retain control of the company.
When might the company consider institutional investment?
The founders plan to consider institutional investment in 2027 and expect revenue to surpass $1 million this year.
