From Near-Death to National Shelves: How One Tulsa Founder Is Shaking Up the Energy Drink Market

Recap of the Tulsa World article by Michael Dekker

Tulsa entrepreneur Anna Cobb’s journey from a life-threatening experience with a common energy supplement to founding a nationally distributed wellness brand is nothing short of remarkable. As reported by Tulsa World, Cobb is the founder of Rejuvenation, a plant-based energy drink company that’s redefining what it means to power up—without caffeine or synthetic ingredients.

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The Spark Behind Rejuvenation

Following her recovery from a coma at age 20, Cobb turned her passion for health into a business. She began crafting fruit-based energy drinks with her grandmother in their kitchen—starting small with local markets and pop-ups. That homemade hustle evolved when a Harris Teeter rep spotted her product and encouraged her to pursue FDA compliance and professional branding.

Cobb’s background in plant science (from Tuskegee University) and her industry experience at AstraZeneca helped her take the leap. The result: Rejuvenation—a clean-label beverage made with guayusa, offering a smooth, natural energy boost.

Startup Ecosystem Support

According to Tulsa World, Cobb’s success was accelerated by key support networks tailored for minority-led startups. She joined Act House, a six-month startup accelerator program that awarded her $70,000, and also received backing from Build in Tulsa. She later won $100,000 through Pharrell Williams’ Black Ambition Prize.

Most recently, Cobb won the Startup World Cup Regional competition at Gradient, Tulsa’s Hub for Innovation, earning $5,000 and a spot to compete for $1 Million in startup funding at the Startup World Cup Global Pitch Competition in San Francisco.

A Blueprint for Pitching Like a Pro

Now leading a team with a manufacturing facility in Tulsa and a growing retail footprint in 75+ stores across eight states, Cobb continues to fine-tune her pitch. Her secret? Researching judges, tailoring her story, and bringing samples when allowed. With upcoming pitch events for Whole Foods and Hudson, Cobb remains hands-on—and unapologetically curious. “I have my own pH meter at the house,” she told Tulsa World. “Because I’m curious and I’m a nerd.”

Growing at Gradient

Anna Cobb’s journey is just one example of how founders thrive with the right support—and Gradient is where that support comes to life. As Tulsa’s Hub for Innovation, Gradient offers curated programs, mentorship, and workspace options for entrepreneurs at every stage. From pitch competitions and a state-certified incubator, to community events and capital connections, it’s designed to help founders start strong and scale with confidence. Whether you're refining an idea or building your next big venture, there's a place for you here. Interested in joining Tulsa’s Innovation Hub? Book a tour, grab a day pass, or apply for a membership at Gradient and take your next step forward.

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