Slow Coco
Slow Coco is a craft chocolate maker based in the Bronx, New York. They handcraft chocolate from bean to compost, creating bars and drinking chocolate that invites connection over distraction.
The Story
Slow Coco is a craft chocolate company based in the Bronx, New York, founded by Kobe Goodwin and his sister Tovia. The brand handcrafts chocolate bars and drinking chocolate using minimal, 100% natural ingredients with a focus on ethical sourcing and compostable packaging. Goodwin's journey began in 2019 when, as a college student at Loyola University Chicago, he started making coconut-oil products from his bedroom with just $200 in capital.
The company pivoted from lip balms to craft chocolate after Goodwin became disillusioned with the industrial chocolate industry's treatment of cacao farmers and environmental impact. He taught himself the craft through trial and error—his first batch was so bad he couldn't finish a single bar—and eventually learned from competitors who shared sourcing connections and technical advice.
Slow Coco sells primarily at farmer's markets across the New York tri-state area and through its online store. The brand has been doubling in size since inception and is on a mission to build a worker-owned co-op, inspired by New Belgium and Bob's Red Mill. Goodwin turned down a $300,000 offer from Kevin O'Leary on Shark Tank to maintain control of the company's values and direction. The brand's ethos is rooted in transparency, ethical supply chains, and building something that can exist for generations.
Key Facts & Metrics
Company Timeline
2017 — Enrolled at Loyola University Chicago
Kobe Goodwin begins studying computer engineering at Loyola University Chicago.
2019 — Founded Slow Coco
Launches coconut-oil product company from his bedroom with $200 in initial capital.
2020 — First major sales milestone
Reaches $15,000 in revenue, validating the product concept.
2021 — Appeared on Shark Tank
Pitches Slow Coco on ABC's Shark Tank; receives $300,000 offer from Kevin O'Leary which he turns down.
2023 — More than doubling revenue annually
Achieves consistent year-over-year doubling of revenue through farmer's markets and DTC online sales.
2025 — Hired first non-contractor employee
Brings on first full-time non-contractor employee, expanding the core team beyond founders.
