Beta and Beverages

By Carrie Russo and Liz Martin

Manage My Co-op, a Eugene startup and maker of a software platform for cooperatives and buying clubs, is now in the beta testing stage. Five national co-ops who interface with local co-ops in all 50 states are currently promoting the use of Manage My Co-op’s beta version software. Nathan Gustafson, co-founder and developer of the group buying software company, estimates the company will see an increase of up to 10,000 users during the beta test.

Kimmy Gustafson, co-founder of Manage My Co-op, is also helping another new Eugene company with a go-to-market strategy. Mason-ry, a 2014 startup, is producing koozies — insulating silicon sleeves that fit over Mason jars, allowing them to be used for hot beverages. Gustafson believes offering Mason-ry’s product to group buying clubs makes sense because members of co-ops generally purchase the kind of product Mason-ry offers. Additionally, co-op members tend to be more tolerant of longer delivery times, making pre-orders a simple reality for an early-stage company.

Although Manage My Co-op’s mission is to simplify the online group buying process, The Gustafsons have plans for continued collaboration with other startups in the Willamette Valley.

“Once we develop a large enough audience on our group buying platform, we can help other startups gauge interest and take certain new products to market,” Kimmy Gustafson explains.

Kimmy Gustafson is one of three entrepreneurs who will be featured at this month’s SmartUps event, “Making Something From Nothing: A Panel Discussion.” The event takes place from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, June 26 at the Downtown Athletic Club, 999 Willamette St.