Brad’s Raw Foods founder Brad Gruno heads to pastures new
From here we head to snacking sensation Brad’s Raw Foods, which announced this week that its founder Brad Gruno is leaving the company to pursue new ventures in the health and wellness industry.
Represented by Silverwood Partners investment bankers, Gruno reached an agreement with investor group Pergament Advisors, LLC and Pergament LOHAS Fund, LLC in late January and will remain a minority stakeholder and board member in the business he founded in 2009, which now generates annual revenues of almost $20m.
"When I first started selling homemade raw chips at farmer's markets six years ago, I never imagined it would turn into the multi-million dollar business it is today," said Gruno. "I am so proud of the tremendous success of Brad's Raw Foods, and I'm confident that this nationally-known and respected brand will continue to expand."
He added: "I'm ready to take everything I've learned about the industry, the investment business and building a sustainable brand over these past several years and start something new. What I'm really passionate about is finding the next health and wellness product, service or technology that can make a real difference in how we approach our overall health in this country. I'm also looking forward to working with Nick McCoy, Mike Burgmaier and the Silverwood team on this next venture."
Gruno's next step is to connect with other entrepreneurs and investors. Throughout the month of February, he will be taking ideas and suggestions on Twitter using the hashtag #NextKale. People who submit the most promising pitches will be contacted directly by Brad for an in-depth conversation.
