M13’s newly established venture studio has secured PepsiCo as its inaugural corporate collaborator.

As part of this collaboration, PepsiCo will financially support the first founder-in-residence initiative developed by the New York and Los Angeles-based firm. This new program is being spearheaded by Anna Barber, who joined M13 after previously managing director responsibilities at Techstars Los Angeles.

The inaugural M13 Launchpad program will utilize PepsiCo’s leadership and expert network to guide entrepreneurs-in-residence through a 12-week process of concept development and startup launch, with a specific focus on the health and wellness sector.

“Currently, individuals have access to a significant amount of personal health information, and the increasing trend of at-home testing empowers them with greater control over their health data. This situation presents compelling possibilities for leveraging nutrition as a powerful tool for sustained health and well-being,” Barber explained in a statement. “This spring, our focus will encompass a wide range of areas, including snacks, meal substitutes, beverages, supplements, nutritional optimization software, and data collection/management devices.”

This agreement builds upon M13’s existing partnerships with corporations such as Procter & Gamble Ventures, which played a key role in the creation of companies like OPTE, a high-end beauty technology brand, Kindra’s products for menopause, and Bodewell, specializing in skincare for sensitive skin.

Prior to this partnership, the Launchpad program successfully fostered the development of Rae, a brand offering accessible women’s wellness products sold through retailers like Target, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters.

Participants in the 12-week virtual Launchpad program will be provided with a $10,000 monthly allowance, along with funding to validate their product’s market potential upon completion. Furthermore, M13 will provide each graduating company with a seed investment to facilitate continued business expansion.