So you want to be the next Poppi or Olive & June?
The Founders' Guide to Creating Exceptional Value in Today's Deal Landscape plus Grüns and Jupiter launch at Target and more portfolio news.
“It ain't about how hard you can hit. It's about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward” - Rocky, Rocky Balboa (2006)
The smartest founders understand that remarkable exits begin with remarkable businesses. Recent acquisitions like PepsiCo's purchase of Poppi, the prebiotic soda brand, L'Oréal's acquisition of Aesop, the luxury skincare company, and Helen of Troy's acquisition of Olive & June, the direct-to-consumer nail care company, highlight this reality. These brands didn't just tell compelling stories – they built businesses with the fundamentals to attract major acquirers. While storytelling matters, the companies that command the most attractive valuations in consumer brand M&A demonstrate their worth through irrefutable evidence: pristine financial records, sustainable profitability, and loyal customers who come back again and again.
Think of acquisition preparation as building a championship team. The best athletes don't just show up on game day – they train meticulously, addressing weaknesses long before they step onto the field. Similarly, founders who invest in…
Read more on Brian’s blog, AirSugar.
Portfolio Companies in the News
💆♀️ Jupiter launched at Target with a refreshed look and more accessible pricing. Jupiter aims to balance premium quality with affordability as it expands its reach. They prepared for their Target launch by overhauling their supply chain to meet big-box retail standards. Jupiter’s Balancing Shampoo was honored in Men’s Health’s 2025 Grooming Awards for its effective dandruff control and scalp-soothing formula. Beauty Independent + Modern Retail + Men’s Health
🧸 Grüns has officially launched in 675 Target stores and is already seeing strong demand just five weeks in. The team delayed the announcement to focus on restocking, thanks to rapid sell-through and close collaboration with Target partners. With expansion to 1,000 more stores coming next month, Grüns is scaling fast while staying rooted in gratitude and momentum. LinkedIn Post
🌟 Starface’s new president, Kara Brothers, aims to grow the brand through retail expansion and creative marketing. She emphasizes authenticity and community to keep Starface’s playful identity strong while scaling. Fashionista
🫒 Brightland is praised by chefs for its bold flavor, high quality, and beautiful packaging. Its California-made oils stand out for their freshness and transparency in sourcing. The editors praise its robust flavor, ideal for drizzling over salads, roasted vegetables, or fresh bread. NY Mag + Food&Wine
🍫 Feastables is on track to hit $200 million in revenue this year, driven by strong sales and strategic retail expansion. It is now generating more revenue than MrBeast’s YouTube channel, highlighting the power of creator-led consumer brands. Feastables is becoming OU Kosher certified, expanding its accessibility to a wider audience. Fortune + FastCompany + PR Newswire
📍Hyper is revolutionizing indoor mapping by breaking away from the traditional, slow-moving enterprise model. With self-serve onboarding and a no-code app, it slashes setup time from months to days, making indoor location tech precise, affordable, and user-friendly. Link to X
🌎 EcoCart is a key player helping brands embed sustainability into their e-commerce experience. By offering carbon-neutral checkout options, EcoCart enables businesses to offset emissions and appeal to environmentally conscious consumers. yahoo! Finance
🧖♀️ Exponent founder Liz Whitman highlights how quitting alcohol can significantly enhance skincare results. With sobriety, users often see better absorption and performance of active ingredients, making routines like Exponent’s more effective. Women’s Health
🍀 Lucky Energy has launched its bold new “Don’t Lose Your Sh*t” campaign, introducing the concept of “Shangry” — a mix of shaky and angry feelings caused by low energy. Lucky Energy helps avoid this state. Wired also highlights the beverage as a standout energy drink for its clean ingredients, zero sugar, and refreshing taste. It’s praised for delivering a solid energy boost without the crash. PR Newswire + Wired
🤖 Webeyez explores how Gen Z and Millennials are reshaping e-commerce with their expectations for speed, personalization, and seamless digital experiences. These younger consumers demand intuitive design, mobile-first interfaces, and real-time support. Redefining eCommerce as We Know It