November 13th – Davis, CA – Pair Anything, Inc. receives funding from legendary Techstars to bring consumer inclusivity and data-driven innovation to the world of wine. As the world’s most active pre-seed investor, Techstars has invested in more than 3,700 early-stage startups as diversified as they are unique. Now, Techstars is backing a rising food and beverage tech venture based in Davis, California that is simplifying the way wine is enjoyed. It is the first Techstars investment in the Greater Sacramento Region.
Pair Anything, Inc. provides an AI-powered digital platform for retail businesses to attract a wider consumer audience, while setting the trend in Connected Commerce. The idea was developed through a deeply personal experience that led to a question that Filipina-American founder Christy Serrato was determined to answer while her mother was cooking her favorite Filipino dish. “What wine pairs well with Chicken Adobo?” Without an easily accessible answer to her question, Christy realized this problem not only existed for her, but exists for many other culturally diverse consumers while the current state of the wine industry fails to provide equitable solutions. As Christy realized the weight of this consumer problem, she was set on creating a meaningful solution of her own. With Pair Anything, one of the largest retailers in the U.S. is leading the industry with a fresh and innovative connected wine pairing experience that appeals to more shoppers, opening up across-the-aisle opportunities to boost basket size.
“Christy’s dedication, passion and unwavering determination has led her to develop and adapt her venture through the Bâtonnage mentorship program for women in wine, which is dedicated to creating lasting change within the wine industry by supporting and empowering women like her. It’s been a pleasure to have Christy as a member of our community and through mentorship, she has been paired (pun intended!) with and connected with various professional women in the wine industry which has helped her with valuable insights to innovate and grow PairAnything,” said Annette Alvarez-Peters, founder of annette a.p. wine & spirits inc and former Costco VP – Beverage Alcohol.
Known for backing many of the world’s best and brightest entrepreneurs, Techstars has invested $100,000 in Pair Anything through the Rising Stars pre-seed fund that provides promising underrepresented founders access to investments at the beginning of their startup journey. Techstars Managing Director Neal Sáles-Griffin shared his enthusiasm by saying that “we are excited to support PairAnything because of Christy’s personal connection to the problem, her genuine passion, and her vision for the company’s future.
Ms. Serrato grasps the importance of investing in women as an effective way to reduce economic inequality. She shares that the backing from Techstars sparks a multiplicative impact: “My gratitude goes beyond the financial boost, which is profound, given that WOC founders receive less than 1% of startup funding. It’s the ripple effect that this check creates—to open doors to other investors, more customers and new partners that will accelerate scaling our business to positively impact the economy. As a Techstars portfolio company, I gain access to a worldwide network for unparalleled mentorship and wider opportunities for growth.”
About Pair Anything, Inc.
PairAnything is the WOC-led technology company that is harnessing AI to bring consumer inclusivity and data-driven innovation to the world of wine and make its enjoyment more accessible to underserved consumers. For large retailers that desire to engage more shoppers in a personal and ground-breaking way, PairAnything provides an in-store digital companion for wine discovery that delivers unique insights to grow sales. PairAnything launched in 2019 after winning the UC Davis Big Bang! Business Competition for Food & Agricultural Innovation. To learn more, visit www.PairAnything.com and follow us on www.facebook.com/PairAnything and @PairAnything on Instagram and X.
