Viaka Newsletter: First-ever MENA Soda Brand, Moon Valley!
This week, we sat down with Aws Hilal, founder of Moon Valley!
Moon Valley is launching via LaunchGood on August 11th.
What is Moon Valley and how/why did it come to life?
Moon Valley is the first Middle Eastern soda brand in America, crafted to offer a unique fusion of classic American beverages with a Middle Eastern twist. The inspiration for Moon Valley emerged from a profound need we identified for representation of our rich Middle Eastern culture in mainstream markets. It was born out of a desire not just to introduce a product, but to share our heritage and the vibrant flavors of the Middle East in a modern, appealing way.
What is your personal story and relation to the problem (alongside your founders)
As Palestinian founders, our personal journey is deeply intertwined with Moon Valley. We yearned to see our culture represented authentically in mainstream brands, not just for ourselves but for others who share our roots. We were driven by the ambition to create not just one, but multiple billion-dollar Middle Eastern owned brands, catalyzing a trend that celebrates our heritage while delivering products that are modern, attractive, and impeccably managed. The creation of Moon Valley has been more than launching a business; it's been about taking a stand, building bridges, and setting a precedent for more to follow.
What market are you attacking? Are you adding on or trying to replace current offerings?
Moon Valley is stepping into a market ripe with potential. Rather than attempting to replace current offerings, our aim is to evolve and expand the market. We believe that the market is a dynamic space, one that can be enriched by fresh perspectives and innovative products. Moon Valley is that fresh addition, bringing diversity, depth, and a novel experience to consumers.
Moon Valley is entering the burgeoning functional soda market with an innovative, health-conscious approach. This market has seen impressive growth driven by consumer trends towards healthier alternatives to traditional, high-sugar carbonated drinks. Our beverages stand out as they are low in sugar and calories, satisfying the desires of the health-conscious consumer without compromising on flavor. This balance positions Moon Valley as an appealing option for those seeking the joy of a carbonated drink but with a more mindful dietary profile.
A distinctive advantage of Moon Valley is our ability to eliminate the typical aftertaste associated with sweeteners like Stevia, which are often used in low-sugar beverages. Our unique formulation ensures that our sodas are not only low in sugar but also deliver an authentic, full-bodied flavor experience without any unpleasant aftertaste. With Moon Valley, consumers can enjoy a healthier, low-calorie soda that offers a satisfying taste experience, proving that health and flavor can coexist seamlessly in a soda.
What are you looking for from the Viaka community?
From the Viaka community, we seek both support and potential partnerships. As we prepare to launch our campaign on LaunchGood, we are hopeful for the community's backing in making it a success. Beyond that, we are eager to connect with potential investment partners who resonate with our mission and vision and are excited about the prospects Moon Valley presents.
Where will that take you?
With the support of the Viaka community, we aim to propel Moon Valley into a recognized market leader, known for its authentic Middle Eastern flavors, high-quality offerings, and its commitment to social impact. Ultimately, this support will enable us to realize our ambition of creating multiple billion-dollar Middle Eastern brands, making a significant stride towards cultural representation and diversity in the mainstream market.
Viaka Connect pulls together the top fractional service providers, freelancers, consultants and agencies in the Network, puts them in one place, and makes it super easy to access their services.
Service providers are Viaka Network members, vetted for their quality and experience, and have worked in North America, MENA, and Europe 🌍 Looking for something in particular, or just interested in the concept? Click here to check it out!
Upcoming Events
Below is a list of upcoming events from the Viaka Network & beyond over the next couple of weeks!
Viaka is hosting a panel on Palestine’s startup ecosystem. We've invited ecosystem leaders for an hourlong, virtual discussion to shed light on the good and the bad, the challenges and the reasons for optimism. Virtual panel on July 31st.
January Ventures is hosting a pitch “collective”. Founders based in the US and Europe will have a chance to pitch to early-stage investors without a warm intro! Read more here.
Viaka Connect launch webinar will give an overview of the platform and as well as introduce participating service providers and their credentials. Virtual event on August 7th.
If you’d like to share an event in this newsletter, we encourage you to join the Viaka Network and share the event with info@viaka.net!
Work Opportunities
Recent job openings from the Viaka Network & beyond!
CINCHONA is hiring a Digital Marketing Executive - Apply Here
Dunbar is hiring a data engineer - Apply Here
Seedstars is looking for a Partnerships Intern - Apply Here
If you’d like to share a job posting in this newsletter, we encourage you to join the Viaka Network and share the event with info@viaka.net!
Reads of the Week
Viaka has launched a Network Reading List, where Network members are encouraged to submit media suggestions of their own.
Due Diligence Checklist for Pre-Seed Companies (Charles Hudson)
How startups can raise money in emerging markets today (Robin Butler, Network Member)
Secondaries in LP Stakes (Ali Hamed)
Check out Viaka’s full reading list here.
Weekly News Digest
Check out our weekly digest — we provide news from all across the MENA startup ecosystem, every single Friday. Be sure to follow our LinkedIn and Twitter for more.
That’s it for this week. Thank you! 👋
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