BIGR Ventures Raises $55M To Invest In Early-Stage Natural & Organic Brands

BOULDER, United States  Boulder Investment Group Reprise (BIGR) has raised over $55 million in a funding round, earmarked for natural and organic brands.

The fund, founded by Wall Street veteran Carole Buyers, operational expert Duane Primozich, and Bill Weiland, formerly of natural foods brokerage house, Presence Marketing, builds on the success of their former fund, Boulder Brands Investment Group (BBIG).

With previous investments in American juice brand Suja Juice (now a strategic partner of Coca Cola), as well as EPIC Bar, which was acquired by General Mills in January of this year, the duo have enjoyed highly successful returns – which they hope to replicate.

“We’ve had the privilege of partnering with some terrific brands and are humbled by the enthusiasm we have received for this next fund,” said Primozich.

“We’re thrilled to be able to continue the momentum we created with Boulder Brands Investment Group, and carry it forward into Boulder Investment Group Reprise.”

With a wealth of experience in making investments in early-stage natural and organic product companies, the three partners initially established BBIG as an in-house venture fund for Boulder Brands in early 2013, where Buyers and Primozich held senior executive positions.

Their thoughtful counsel, industry relationships and overall holistic understanding of the natural products industry, has played an instrumental part in the success of Suja’s growth, says Jeff Church, Suja Juice co-founder and CEO.

Having already made three investments; including organic hummus brand Hope Foods, organic, frozen bone broth seller, Bonafide Provisions and makers of raw, organic kombucha and sparkling drinking vinegars, Live Beverages, BIGR has plans to invest in several more startups within the next year.

And, according to Primozich the latest fund isn’t about cashing in on a trend.

“There’s a lot of money flowing into the natural foods world,” Primozich told BevNet. “Today’s consumer can find out whatever they want to about ingredient and source. We want to make sure the products we are backing — and the ones they are buying — are walking their talk. I do want to protect against those values being watered down.”

Read more: North Castle Secures $300M For Wellness Focused Investments

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