What Strategics Want

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Dreaming of your beverage brand being acquired by a major strategic company? This panel delves into the realities and strategies behind landing on a "strategic dance card." Hear from founders who've successfully sold their brands (Ghost, Vital Proteins), an investor/deal lawyer, and a seasoned M&A expert on what it really takes to get noticed, the critical importance of building an undeniably valuable brand, and how to navigate the complex world of big corporate acquisitions. They reveal that while selling might not be for everyone, understanding the pathway can attract top talent and investment, often leading to a dynamic multi-step exit strategy that aligns both entrepreneurial vision and financial goals.

Dan Lourenco is the CEO and Co-Founder of GHOST, a global sports nutrition and energy brand known for its disruptive collaborations, ingredient transparency, and loyal community. Though fitness has always been a passion of his, Dan’s professional journey started outside the industry, as a commercial pilot and flight instructor in his early twenties, before he made the leap into sports nutrition.

Nicholas Giannuzzi is currently a Founding Partner at Humble Growth, an investment firm with a $312 million debut fund dedicated to propelling disruptive companies that are changing the ways we eat, drink, feel, and live. Prior to founding Humble Growth, Mr. Giannuzzi was the Founder and Managing Partner of Giannuzzi Lewendon LLP, previously known as The Giannuzzi Group, LLP, the leading law firm in the high-growth food, beverage, and personal care industries.

Lou Prignano is a longtime executive with KDP and its associated companies. He has more than 30 years of M&A and Brand Licensing experience with over 50 completed deals.

Kurt Seidensticker is a NASA aerospace engineer turned serial entrepreneur and wellness innovator and strong consumer analytics background. He founded Vital Proteins and defined an entire new category of dietary supplements and defined an entirely new category of lifestyle consumer goods. He successfully led Vital’s strategic acquisition by Nestle Health Sciences, making him one of the most successful consumer entrepreneurs of the past decade.