Katie Lefkowitz, a 2016 Harvard Business School graduate, made a strong comeback in the Harvard Business School Alumni New Venture Competition this year with her startup Harken Sweets. After being a finalist in the competition last year, she ended up winning the NY/Northeast U.S Region and went on to become the Global Runner Up and Global Crowd Favorite in the 2024 Global Finale. Her passion for equestrianism taught her the value of persistence, which has led to her success with Harken Sweets.
Harken Sweets is set to launch its all-natural, plant-based Harken bars in nearly 3,600 Walmart stores on April 1st. The bars have gained early distribution through various retailers such as ShopRite, Fairway, Gourmet Garage, and PopUp Grocer, as well as through the company’s website where they are sold in 12-packs for $44.99. The date caramel bars come in three varieties, including The Crunchy One, The Gooey One, and The Nutty One, all made with high-quality ingredients like Fair Trade cocoa, oats, and prebiotic tapioca.
Despite the rapid growth of her business, Lefkowitz has maintained an ultra-lean operation, with her husband and one recently hired employee helping out. She started Harken Sweets after discovering she needed to increase her fiber intake due to a medical condition. Experimenting with ingredients in a blender, she created a healthy candy bar packed with fiber, which she saw as a unique offering in the market.
Participating in the New Venture Competition helped Lefkowitz refine her idea and branding. Meeting other entrepreneurs and practicing storytelling and messaging has been beneficial for her. Mentoring has also played a significant role in the company’s growth, with Lefkowitz learning from her experience as COO of CAULIPOWER and receiving guidance from mentors like Gail Becker and Ana Kertesz. Kertesz believes that being in a room full of innovative entrepreneurs is energizing and inspiring.
Lefkowitz sees parents as a key market for Harken Sweets, as research shows that fiber is a crucial nutrient lacking in many people’s diets, especially children. The company has been able to build a cult following through organic social media and plans to expand its reach as it launches in new retail locations next month. With a focus on providing a healthier alternative to traditional candy bars, Harken Sweets aims to fill a gap in the market for high-fiber, better-for-you snacks that appeal to a wide range of consumers.
