{"id":12388,"date":"2025-03-26T04:49:13","date_gmt":"2025-03-26T04:49:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=12388"},"modified":"2025-03-26T04:49:13","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T04:49:13","slug":"poppi-investors-russell-westbrook-24kgoldn-cash-in-on-2b-pepsico-deal","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/finderica.com\/?p=12388","title":{"rendered":"Poppi Investors Russell Westbrook, 24KGoldn Cash In On $2B PepsiCo Deal"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MARCH 17: Cans of Poppi soda are displayed inside of a store on March 17, 2025 … More<\/span> in New York City. On Monday, PepsiCo announced that it is buying prebiotic soda brand Poppi for nearly $2 billion. (Photo by Spencer Platt\/Getty Images)<\/span><\/p>\n

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PepsiCo\u2019s $1.95 billion acquisition of Poppi<\/u><\/a> soda stands as one of the most impressive success stories in the beverage industry. This deal has brought substantial returns to its star-studded roster of investors including NBA star Russell Westbrook, musician 24KGoldn and actress Olivia Munn. The acquisition has $300 million in predicted cash tax benefits.<\/p>\n

The Breakdown You Need To Know:<\/strong><\/h2>\n

NBA star Russell Westbrook and recording artist 24kGoldn became Poppi investors during a $13.5 million funding round in 2023. CultureBanx reported that this investment marked a significant growth phase for the prebiotic soda brand. The brand had been bootstrapped except for the original $400,000 investment from Shark Tank, where Guest Shark Rohan Oza, claimed 25% of the company. His original stake would now be worth about $487.5 million, an incredible 1,218\u00d7 return on investment<\/a>, USA Today reported.<\/p>\n

Westbrook\u2019s investment lined up with his portfolio of strategic collaborations in consumer brands. 24kGoldn joined other musicians like Halsey, the Chainsmokers, and Kygo who backed the functional beverage. These celebrities saw the brand’s unique position between wellness and cultural relevance.<\/p>\n

Stephen Ellsworth, founder and CEO of Poppi, shared his enthusiasm at the time: “We\u2019re really excited to have these new celebrity partners as an extension of our Poppi team \u2013 we have no doubt that they will play important roles in helping us scale awareness and grow our community as we continue to challenge big soda”.<\/p>\n

Early Investment Rounds Drew Star Power<\/strong>:<\/h2>\n

PepsiCo’s strategic move targets the functional soda category, which has shown remarkable momentum with 465% year-over-year growth<\/u><\/a> based on SPINS data. Poppi’s investor roster grew beyond musicians and athletes to include actors and social media personalities. Olivia Munn celebrated the acquisition<\/u><\/a> on Instagram: “After my very first @drinkpoppi I called the founders and asked to be an early investor. What a ride”.<\/p>\n

Other notable figures who backed the better-for-you beverage included:<\/p>\n