CO/STUDIOS

INDUSTRY NEWS // Diageo Reshapes Innovation Strategy, Scaling Back Distill Ventures Diageo, one of the world’s leading spirits companies, is shifting its approach to early-stage brand investment by halting new entries into Distill Ventures, its dedicated accelerator program. Since 2013, Distill Ventures has played a key role in incubating emerging spirits brands, helping launch industry disruptors like Seedlip, Mr Black, and Ritual Zero Proof—several of which Diageo later acquired. However, following a strategic review, Diageo will no longer add new brands to the program, instead narrowing its focus on maximizing returns and driving sustainable growth across its existing portfolio. A smaller Distill Ventures team will remain to manage ongoing investments, though this shift has also resulted in job losses within the accelerator. This move reflects a broader trend in the beverage industry—where large players are re-evaluating their approach to venture-backed innovation in favor of leaner, more targeted growth strategies. #IndustryNews #SpiritsInnovation #nextgenbeverages #COStudios #venturemodels #investor

FEATURED SPRINT // BRAND FOUNDATION Early-stage brands move fast—building, launching, adapting. But at some point, growth demands more structure. Messaging starts to feel off. Positioning needs sharpening. The identity no longer fits where the business is headed. Brand Foundation is a focused sprint designed to refine how a brand says, acts, and looks—aligning positioning, messaging, and identity to create a stronger foundation for the next phase of growth. Starting. Not a reset. A recalibration. Making sure the brand moves with clarity, purpose, and impact. #COSPRINTS #BrandBuilding #ScalingSmart

INDUSTRY NEWS // FDA Moves to Eliminate Self-Affrimed GRAS A major shift for the food & beverage industry - longer approvals, tighter regulation and big implications for ingredient innovation Link in Comments #cpginnovation #regulatory #FDA #healthcare #safety #regulation #emergingindustries #COSTUDIOS

RECOMMENDED // "The $100 Trillion Disruption: The Unforeseen Economic Earthquake" via Wildfire Labs https://lnkd.in/gVtGWb_e

CO/MMUNITY // Last week, CO/ Principal, Miguel Garcia Castillo joined L'ATTITUDE VENTURES for an incredible dinner and conversation on the future of Latino-led businesses. L’Attitude Ventures is actively backing the next generation of founders, and their commitment to scaling emerging businesses is something we deeply align with. Being in rooms like this is about more than networking. It’s about finding real ways to collaborate and push the ecosystem forward. #community #LAttitudeVentures #EmergingIndustries #COSTUDIOS

Why /SPRINTS Matter Scaling companies need quick, effective solutions to real challenges. But they cannot afford to overcommit to long, drawn-out projects. CO/SPRINTS are designed for fast and focused execution. Each sprint is a structured engagement that tackles a critical challenge with a defined solution, ensuring it can be implemented efficiently. This is not about theoretical strategy. It is about making real progress in a short timeframe. With 15+ years of brand and innovation insights, we have optimized these sprints for impact. Interested? Reach out https://lnkd.in/g_FBNe-M

?? New FDA Regulations on Sunscreen Testing and Labeling The FDA Deemed Final Order and Proposed Order introduce new regulations to strengthen sunscreen safety and effectiveness. These updates impact SPF accuracy, broad-spectrum claims, and water resistance labeling. The proposed changes also address active ingredient safety and introduce mandatory animal testing to meet updated FDA requirements. ?? What’s Changing? ? Stricter SPF Testing – Sunscreens must undergo more rigorous testing to ensure labeled SPF values are accurate and meet updated efficacy standards. ? ?? Broad-Spectrum Requirements – Products labeled “broad spectrum” must meet stricter UVA and UVB protection criteria. Sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher must pass these tests to claim broad-spectrum benefits. ? ?? Water Resistance Claims – If labeled “water-resistant,” sunscreens must indicate whether protection lasts 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Testing is now required to validate these claims. ? ?? Ingredient Safety & Animal Testing – The FDA is re-evaluating the safety of several active ingredients commonly found in sunscreens. To gain approval, manufacturers must now submit additional human and animal test data to demonstrate safety and effectiveness. ?? Why It Matters These regulations aim to increase consumer trust in sunscreen products while ensuring manufacturers meet higher safety standards. Stronger testing requirements mean more reliable sun protection, but the introduction of animal testing has raised ethical concerns within the industry. This update is part of the FDA’s broader efforts to modernize OTC sunscreen regulations under the CARES Act. #FDARegulations #SunscreenSafety #ConsumerProtection #AnimalTesting

Introducing /SPRINTS by CO/STUDIOS CO/SPRINTS are quick-turn development services designed to solve core challenges for scaling companies. Each sprint is built to tackle a specific challenge with a clear goal, a focused process, and an emphasis on solutions that can be implemented efficiently. No wasted time, no unnecessary complexity. Just focused problem-solving designed for execution. We have been refining this model since our earliest days at CO/STUDIOS, learning what works and optimizing for impact. Now, it is one of our core business units, helping emerging consumer brands solve real problems with speed and precision. Have a challenge to solve? Let’s talk. #COStudios #COSPRINTS #EarlyStageGrowth #ScalingSmart #sprints #venturesupport

LBAN Scaling Program: Now Accepting Applications The LBAN/Latino Business Action Network (LBAN) Scaling Program is now accepting applications for its next cohort. This program, in collaboration with Stanford Graduate School of Business, is designed for Latino entrepreneurs looking to scale their businesses, increase revenue, and access capital. Through a combination of world-class education, expert mentorship, and a powerful business network, LBAN helps founders take their companies to the next level. Past participants have gone on to secure funding, expand operations, and build industry-leading brands. If you’re a Latino entrepreneur ready to scale with intention and impact, now is the time to apply. Learn more and submit your application today. #LatinoEntrepreneurs #ScalingSuccess #LBAN #BusinessGrowth

Is CO/WORKS the Right Fit for You? If you need brand and marketing leadership, CO/WORKS embeds experienced operators inside your business to drive execution and growth. Technical Founder? Building a product is one thing. Building a brand around it is another. CO/WORKS integrates brand and marketing leadership into technical teams, driving execution while founders stay focused on product and growth. Talent-Led Venture? For creators, athletes, and public figures, brand isn’t just marketing—it’s the business. CO/WORKS ensures audience, content, and monetization strategies work together, so talent can focus on creating while the business scales with intention. Scaling Organization? Hiring a brand and marketing team too early is expensive. Waiting too long slows momentum. CO/WORKS gives startups access to leadership and execution without overcommitting to full-time hires too soon.