A handful of local meetups laid the foundation for what has become a national B2B media operation. Founder Daniel Scharff, who leads Startup CPG, has explained that the company began as a series of in‑person gatherings focused on consumer‑packaged goods professionals. Over time, those meetups evolved into a broader media platform that now produces podcasts, hosts events, and manages a Slack community.

The Slack community alone has reached 40,000 members, providing a space for industry peers to share insights, ask questions, and collaborate on projects. In addition to the chat hub, the company curates podcast episodes that cover trends, case studies, and practical advice for creators and brands navigating the CPG landscape. Live and virtual events further extend the reach, offering networking opportunities and educational content tailored to the audience’s needs.

According to Scharff, the pandemic acted as a catalyst for this transformation. With in‑person meetups paused, the team shifted its focus to digital channels, using the crisis as an opportunity to scale the community beyond its geographic origins. This pivot allowed the organization to serve a national audience while maintaining the intimate, peer‑driven feel that characterized the early gatherings.

For creators and entrepreneurs, the expanded media ecosystem offers multiple touchpoints for learning and growth. Podcasts deliver on‑demand expertise, events provide real‑time interaction, and the Slack forum enables ongoing peer support. The combination of these resources reflects a model where community building drives media creation, rather than the reverse.

As the company continues to develop its offerings, the core lesson remains clear: a modest series of local meetups can, with the right timing and digital adaptation, grow into a versatile B2B media presence that serves creators across the country.