Morning Mingle: Preparing for Investment
From the center of the natural products industry comes Naturally Colorado’s Morning Mingle!
When:
June 27, 7:45-8:45 AM
Where:
Impact Hub Boulder (1877 Broadway #100)
What:
On the last Wednesday of every other month, Naturally Colorado’s Morning Mingles are THE place to learn with 80-90 natural products professionals and network around a timely, hot topic.
June’s Theme:
Preparing for Investment
Our 2018 finance track has previously covered different types of investment instruments, and we have met with private equity and venture capital investors to understand what they look for in an investment opportunity.
Join in the conversations and learnings! At our June Morning Mingle, we will hear from the CEOs of three different companies — at three different life stages. We will explore their side of the table: what they look for in an investor and an investment instrument. Whether you’re a very early start up, or a maturing brand, or anywhere in between, you will gain valuable insight on what to look for in an investment partner.
Learn from the Experts:
Alan Murray, CEO & President, NextFoods Inc.
Sarah Bird, CEO, Bhakti, Inc
Dustin Finkel, CEO/Founder of Ancient inGRAINed Snack Co
Cost:
Members: FREE
Non-members: $10
Panelist Bio’s
Alan Murray, CEO & President, NextFoods Inc.
With more than 30 years’ experience in the food industry, Alan Murray is a thought leader in innovation strategies, business development and management. As CEO of NextFoods, Inc., Alan was intricately involved with the creation of GoodBelly products and continues to lead the company through its rapid growth, engaging with key retailers, investors, and suppliers. Prior to joining NextFoods and its GoodBelly brand, Alan served as CEO of Tetra Pak North America, the world leader in processing and packaging systems for the food industry, with global sales exceeding $13B. He is an active board member with experience in both private and public companies. Originally from South Africa, Alan holds a Science degree in Biochemistry from the University of Cape Town. With a background spanning Europe, Africa, and America, he also brings a broad geographic coverage and knowledge to the table. In his free time, Alan enjoys skiing, golfing, and playing tennis and surfing. And if asked nicely, he does public speaking engagements about his passion for African wildlife, comparing their behaviors to those seen in management teams and board rooms.
Sarah Bird, CEO, Bhakti, Inc
Sarah Bird has over 25 years of brand building experience and is fueled by a passion for doing well and doing good. She is CEO of Boulder, CO based Bhakti, Inc, a mission-driven, natural tea company devoted to craft brewed beverages, vibrant flavors and sustainability. Prior to Bhakti, Sarah was Chief Sales and Marketing Officer for Three Twins Organic Ice Cream and before that Chief Commercial Officer for Ecologic, a sustainable packaging company. Sarah was CMO at Annie’s, Inc. from the time Annie’s was a small mac and cheese company thru its IPO and to the General Mills acquisition. Sarah began her career with marketing roles at Frito Lay, followed by Nestle and then PowerBar. Sarah recently completed 3 terms (9 years) on the Organic Trade Association’s Board of Directors. She is currently on the board of Just Label It, an organization focused on federal GMO labeling.
Dustin Finkel, CEO/Founder of Ancient inGRAINed Snack Co
Dustin began his career as an investment banker and equity research analyst at Goldman Sachs, but realized his true passion was for building businesses in the food and nutrition categories. Following his MBA from Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, he shifted into general management, marketing, operations, and sales roles for both large and small companies in the conventional CPG and natural foods space. Dustin started his food career at General Mills where he led a team to transition Chex Cereal to Gluten Free, the first national gluten-free product from a multinational CPG. As a leader at WhiteWave (now DanoneWave), he turned Horizon Organic from a commodity milk brand into the leading milk brand in the world. At Famous Brands, he introduced strategic licensing leading to the two best launches in company history, including the first plant-based vegan frozen yogurt in partnership with Silk Almond Milk. Dustin then joined Abbott Labs to transform the company’s nutritious snacking business. In parallel with these roles, Dustin founded MacGray, LLC specializing in providing leadership, strategy, marketing, financial, and valuation services to business primarily in the food space, as well as Private Equity groups looking to invest in the Food Space. In this role, Dustin has served as interim CEO & CMO, advisor, and board member to numerous natural foods companies for well recognized natural foods companies across the country.
