Kahawa 1893 Coffee is a Kenyan coffee brand started by Margaret Nyamumbo. It appeared on Shark Tank Season 14 in 2023. The brand sources coffee from women farmers in Africa and has a unique tipping program to support them.
Emma Grede, a guest shark, invested $350,000 for an 8% stake. This valued the company at about $4.375 million.
Before Shark Tank, Kahawa 1893 had already made $2 million in sales in a year. The show’s exposure and investment boosted the brand. It now grows by about 20% each year, making its net worth around $8.75 million in 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Kahawa 1893 Coffee is a Kenyan coffee brand that sources its beans from women farmers in Africa.
- The company received a $350,000 investment from Shark Tank investor Emma Grede in exchange for an 8% equity stake.
- Prior to Shark Tank, Kahawa 1893 had $2 million in gross revenue sales in the 12 months leading up to the show.
- After the Shark Tank appearance, the company experienced a significant boost, with an estimated 20% yearly growth rate.
- Kahawa 1893’s current net worth is estimated to be around $8.75 million as of 2024.
The Inspiring Journey of Kahawa 1893 Coffee
Kahawa 1893 Coffee is a story of courage and making a difference. It was started by Margaret Nyamumbo, a Kenyan who grew up on a coffee farm. This brand has grown from Kenya to a global leader in coffee.
From Kenyan Roots to a Global Brand
Margaret Nyamumbo’s journey with Kahawa 1893 Coffee began with her love for African coffee. She grew up with coffee’s smell but really appreciated it in college in the U.S. This experience led her to start Kahawa 1893 in 2018.
Her goal was to honor coffee’s origins and help women farmers. These women are crucial to the coffee industry but often face challenges.
Empowering Women Farmers in Africa
Kahawa 1893 focuses on helping women farmers in Africa. These women do most of the work on coffee farms but often don’t own the land. The company buys premium beans from Kenya, Rwanda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
This ensures more money goes back to the farmers. Kahawa 1893 uses innovative tipping programs and fair trade practices to support these women. This effort has made a real difference in their lives.
“Our mission is to celebrate the rich origins of coffee in Africa and to empower the women farmers who do the majority of the work on coffee farms, but typically do not own the land.”
– Margaret Nyamumbo, Founder of Kahawa 1893 Coffee
Kahawa 1893’s Appearance on Shark Tank
In 2023, Margaret Nyamumbo, the founder of Kahawa 1893, appeared on Shark Tank. She asked for a $350,000 investment for a 5% stake in her coffee brand. Nyamumbo’s story and mission to help women coffee farmers in Africa moved the Sharks.
Margaret Nyamumbo’s Pitch
Nyamumbo talked about Kahawa 1893’s unique way of supporting women on coffee farms. These women make up 90% of the workforce but often don’t own the land. The brand has a tipping program that lets customers support these women, with the company matching every tip.
The Sharks were moved by Nyamumbo’s passion for the brand’s social mission. They saw the potential in Kahawa 1893’s growth, with sales expected to hit $4 million by 2023. This made Nyamumbo’s investment pitch very compelling.
“Kahawa 1893 is not just a coffee company – it’s a movement to uplift women farmers and change the face of the industry.”
Nyamumbo’s confident and clear pitch won over the Sharks. This set the stage for a crucial negotiation that would shape Kahawa 1893’s future.

The Sharks’ Reactions and Deal
The Sharks were impressed by Margaret Nyamumbo’s pitch for Kahawa 1893 Coffee. They saw the brand’s deep social impact. Kevin O’Leary dropped out, but Emma Grede saw great potential. She offered $350,000 for a 12.5% stake.
Robert Herjavec then joined Grede, adding another $350,000 for 12.5% more. They saw the value Nyamumbo’s company offered. Nyamumbo countered with $350,000 for 8%, which Grede accepted.
| Shark Tank Investors | Offers | Equity Stake |
|---|---|---|
| Emma Grede | $350,000 | 12.5% |
| Robert Herjavec | $350,000 | 12.5% |
| Margaret Nyamumbo (Counter Offer) | $350,000 | 8% |
The Sharks were excited about Kahawa 1893’s mission and Nyamumbo’s leadership. This partnership with Grede and Herjavec was a big step for the company. It set the stage for future success.
Kahawa 1893 Coffee net worth after Shark Tank
Kahawa 1893’s time on Shark Tank was a turning point. The coffee company’s worth has skyrocketed since then. In 2022, it was set to reach $4 million in sales, up from $2 million before the show.
The Shark Tank deal was key to Kahawa 1893’s growth. Founder Margaret Nyamumbo wanted $350,000 for 5% of the company. But Emma Grede saw more potential and offered $350,000 for 8%. Nyamumbo accepted, valuing the company over $4 million.
With more distribution and partnerships, Kahawa 1893’s value has grown. Experts say its net worth is now over $7 million, showing the brand’s strength and the success of its social impact.
| Key Metrics | Pre-Shark Tank | Post-Shark Tank |
|---|---|---|
| Revenue | $2 million | $4 million (projected for 2022) |
| Valuation | $4 million (based on $350,000 for 8% deal) | $7+ million (estimated) |
| Investment Raised | $350,000 | $350,000 |
| Equity Sold | 8% | 8% |
Kahawa 1893’s success on Shark Tank shows the power of socially conscious businesses led by women. The company’s growth is a beacon of hope in the coffee world. It proves that businesses can thrive by focusing on both profit and social good.

Expanding Distribution and Partnerships
Since its success on Shark Tank, Kahawa 1893 has made big deals. Now, its premium coffee is in many large grocery chains across the U.S. The Kahawa 1893 retail partnerships have helped a lot with its Kahawa 1893 distribution growth.
Kahawa 1893 teamed up with Keurig, a huge win. Now, its coffee is in K-cups. This move has reached over 40 million households that use Keurig brewers. The Kahawa 1893 Keurig collaboration has opened up a huge market for the brand.
| Retail Partner | Year of Expansion | Number of Stores |
|---|---|---|
| Meijer | 2022 | 240 |
| Gelson’s | 2023 | 27 |
| H-E-B | 2021 | 300 |
| Trader Joe’s | 2021 | 200 |
These new places to buy Kahawa 1893, including the Kahawa 1893 retail partnerships and the Kahawa 1893 Keurig collaboration, have helped the company grow and succeed.

Giving Back to Farming Communities
Kahawa 1893 is all about supporting the women farmers who grow its coffee. They have a special tipping program. Customers can help by scanning a QR code on the packaging.
Every tip is matched by Kahawa 1893. This has led to $45,000 going straight to African farming communities. It’s making a real difference in their lives.
Kahawa 1893 does more than just tip. They also pay farmers more than the minimum fair trade price. This ensures farmers get a fair share of the profits.
This focus on fair trade is key to Kahawa 1893’s business. They believe the true value of their coffee is in the stories and lives of the farmers.
Tipping Program and Fair Trade Practices
Kahawa 1893’s tipping program has sent $45,000 to African farming communities. They match every tip, making a bigger impact. They also pay farmers more than the minimum fair trade price.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Total Tips Delivered to Farmers | $45,000 |
| Fair Trade Price Premium Paid | Above Minimum |
| Farmers Reached | Around 500 |
Kahawa 1893 is not just about great coffee. They’re also making a big difference in African farming communities. Their approach shows they care about both profit and people.
The Future of Kahawa 1893 Coffee
Kahawa 1893, a specialty coffee brand, was started by Margaret Nyamumbo. It has big plans for the future. With Shark Tank’s investment and more distribution, it’s ready to grow even more.
Nyamumbo wants to make Kahawa 1893 coffee more available. She’s working with Keurig to sell it in over 40 million homes. This is a big step towards making quality coffee easy to find.
She also wants to help the farmers more. Nyamumbo aims to keep more coffee profits in the farming communities. This supports her goal to empower women farmers in Africa.
“We’re focused on reshaping the future of the coffee supply chain and making specialty coffee more accessible to a wider audience.”
Kahawa 1893 has already made big strides. It’s the first coffee brand at Trader Joe’s and now in Target stores everywhere. Its strong vision, ethics, and innovation make it a top player in specialty coffee.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Investment from Shark Tank | $44 million for 8% equity |
| Valuation after Shark Tank | $500 million |
| Revenue in 2023 | Over $3 million |
| Tipping Program Contributions | $90,000 to 500 African farmers |
Margaret Nyamumbo, Kahawa 1893’s founder, is a true entrepreneur. She’s committed to making a positive difference. As Kahawa 1893 grows, so does its impact on the communities it serves.
Lessons from Kahawa 1893’s Success Story
Kahawa 1893’s journey is full of lessons for entrepreneurs and businesses. Its founder, Margaret Nyamumbo, shows how to succeed while helping others. She empowers women farmers in Africa, blending business with social good.
Entrepreneurial Spirit and Social Impact
Nyamumbo knows the struggles of small coffee growers, especially women in Kenya. Kahawa 1893 gives these farmers a fair share of profits. This shows businesses can grow and make a difference.
The brand is known for its sustainable and ethical coffee. It offers a variety of coffee flavors. This appeals to those who want to buy products that help others.
- Kahawa 1893 sought $350,000 at a $7 million valuation in exchange for a 5% equity stake on Shark Tank, ultimately securing a $350,000 investment from Emma Grede for an 8% equity stake, valuing the company at $4.375 million.
- The company’s current net worth stands at $5 million, showcasing the positive impact of its Shark Tank appearance and continued growth.
- Kahawa 1893 offers 14 coffee flavors on its website, including the popular Safari (medium) and Serengeti (dark) roasts, all sourced from a single origin in Ethiopia using 100% Arabica beans.
Kahawa 1893’s story is an inspiration for those who want to do good and make money. By helping women farmers and using ethical practices, it shows how businesses can change lives.
“Kahawa 1893’s ability to blend entrepreneurial spirit with a deep commitment to social impact sets it apart as a trailblazer in the coffee industry.”
Learning from Kahawa 1893 can guide other businesses. It shows how to succeed and make a real difference in the community.
Conclusion
Kahawa 1893 Coffee’s journey from a small startup to a thriving brand is amazing. It shows the power of entrepreneurship and making a positive change. Their appearance on Shark Tank and growth have made a big difference.
This company has not only grown but also helped women coffee farmers in Africa. It’s a great example of how businesses can be successful and help others at the same time.
Kahawa 1893 is expected to be worth $7 million by 2024. This shows how fast it’s growing and its increasing value in the coffee world.
Their success story is a big inspiration for new entrepreneurs and businesses. They empower women farmers, form strategic partnerships, and use new technologies like blockchain. This has helped them grow and make a difference in the coffee industry.
The Kahawa 1893 Shark Tank legacy will keep inspiring others. It shows how to make a lasting impact on the African coffee industry and beyond.
