College students experiencing their first taste of freedom are a ripe market for emerging brands -- promoters scout campuses to hand out samples and parents purchase care packages to aid the transition.
Co-Ed Supply, a company that launched at the end of July, combines these interests in curated shipped boxes targeted at students.
"We're really trying to reinvent the care package," says Marissa Hu, CEO and founder of Co-Ed Supply and a Wharton MBA. "We can create something of quality for all parties involved."
The packages -- which come in different size and gender options -- contain healthy snacks, personal care items and entertainment such as games, new music and exclusive passes to events. Co-Ed also makes sure each box is timely. September's edition, for example, explores the theme of new experiences and making friends.
Encouraging students to share is part of Co-Ed's mission -- the packages are delivered in a bright orange box to announce their arrival. It's an effective method of spreading merchandise throughout campuses.
"We're making this a two-way street," says Hu. "It's a way to discover new products or brands."
Hu founded Co-Ed Supply with Andy Fortson while pursuing her MBA at Wharton. The company is currently in Cincinnati completing an incubator program at the
Brandery; that organization provided their initial financing. They plan to return to Philly soon and hire in the coming months.
Source: Marissa Hu, Co-Ed Supply
Writer: Dana Henry