Lotza named WI Gov’s BPC finalist

Food and Beverage industry newcomer, Lotza, headquartered in Menomonee Falls, is a finalist in the Wisconsin Governor’s Business Plan Competition. Launched in 2023, Lotza is an alcohol-free “carbonated drink mixer made with real fruit, plants, vitamins, and adaptogens.”

The beverage company is competing in the Advanced Manufacturing category.

The Wisconsin Technology Council recently announced the list of 25 finalists in the contest. Eleven of the companies named as finalists are headquartered in the Milwaukee 7 Region.

“I am a nobody, so getting involved in competitions like this allows me to get my name on the map and be taken seriously,” Laura Markewicz, company founder and CEO said.

“As a new founder, it also legitimizes what I’m doing and builds confidence that I’m on the right track”, she continued.

“It’s resonating with people. I had a fear that as a fun girly brand, it’s not something that would be taken seriously in an environment like the Governor’s Business Plan Competition. It’s been really cool to see the interest in this medically-backed brand with legitimate claims behind what it can do… it’s just exciting to be recognized,” she said.

The brand is planning a launch in the coming months.

“We’re going to do a ‘Springing into Summer’ launch that’s going to be the official launch for Lotza. We are lining up press, we’re lining up influencers, we’re lining up collaborations for that to happen at the end of May or early June,” she said.

In the midst of this planning, Markewicz is also busy applying for pitch contests, business accelerator programs and connecting with potential investors.

The next round of the competition will reveal the 12 companies that will present at the 2024 Wisconsin Entrepreneur’s Conference, held June 5-6 at the Italian Community Center in Milwaukee. Known as the “Diligent Dozen,” these companies will be announced in late May.

To learn more about Lotza, connect with the company here.