Wecheer wins Coca-Cola HBC’s start-up challenge

Wecheer will benefit from an award of €100k ($106k) and access to mentorship and industry expertise through Coca-Cola HBC’s Venture arm.

Now in its second year, Coca-Cola HBC’s €100k Start-Up Challenge aims to open up more opportunities to discover innovations and potential partnerships from across the startup ecosystem.

The challenge is supported by Rainmaking, a global cooperative of entrepreneurs who run start-ups and innovation programs in more than 40 countries.

Incredible insights of consumption occasions

Coca-Cola HBC’s focus is on solutions that strengthen and premiumise its product and service offering, and value for customers.

The 2023 €100k Start-Up Challenge sought to uncover the next big idea that could transform the hotel, restaurant and cafe channel in particular.

With more than 1,000 of potential start-ups scouted, Coca-Cola HBC shortlisted 24 before bringing nine forward to pitch to its Selection Committee, made up of executive leadership team members and experts from across the business.

“Wecheer and its Bottle-as-a-Service​ platform was the worthy winner, for its potential to revolutionise service delivery in the hotel, restaurant and café channel,” says Coca-Cola HBC. “Using image recognition, Wecheer’s patented ‘Smart Bottle Opener’ and app can track every bottle opened – identifying the time, location, and brand of consumption.

“Not only does the technology have the potential to provide incredible insights for consumption occasions, it also enables beverage companies to unlock promotional opportunities every time a brand is recommended, or a bottle is opened, using the connected Smart Bottle Opener.”

Karim Choueiri, CEO of Wecheer said, " We are thrilled to be the winners of the 2023 Start-Up Challenge, and are gearing up for a transformative year that promises growth, insights, and heightened consumer engagement."