September 21, 2023

By Lynda Kiernan-Stone, Global AgInvesting Media

There is a new name in food investment – Humble Growth. Andrew Abraham, the CEO and founder of Orgain, Nick Giannuzzi, the founder & partner of Giannuzzi Lewendon, and Peter Rahal, the founder of RXBAR®, have launched this growth equity firm dedicated to backing and scaling disruptive consumer brands that empower consumers to head healthier lives. 

The fund had already secured $312 million from an impressive list of high-profile backers including Nestlé Health Science; Verlinvest – a global evergreen investor that has backed Oatly, Vita Coco, Tony’s Chocolonely & Chewy.com; Mike Repole, co-founder of BODYARMOR Super Drink; Gary Hirshberg, founder & CEO of Stonyfield Farm;, Paulo Lima, co-founder of IT Cosmetics; and Sean Lang, founder of Ainsworth Pet Nutrition.

“We’re honored to officially launch Humble Growth and work closely with founders to propel their brands to new heights,” said Andrew Abraham, co-founder Humble Growth. “We’ve built, scaled and exited our own brands and understand the ongoing challenges founders face when growing their brands firsthand. With Humble Growth, we’re taking that knowledge and working alongside founders to support their mission and bring an empathetic perspective to scaling operations.”

Through Humble Growth’s platform, Abraham, Giannuzzi, and Rahal stated they will partner to launch and grow select top entrepreneurs with brands that are poised to enter a new phase of strategic growth and have a mission to guide consumers toward healthier lifestyles. 

Both Abraham and Rahal have founded their own wildly successful brands, and Giannnuzzi brings more than 25 years of experience as a legal expert in the CPG sector. Together, all three stated that their distinct viewpoints and expertise will bring value to their portfolio companies and will revolutionize the conventional private equity model to enhance Humble Growth’s strategy. 

“When the idea of Humble Growth began gaining momentum, I was thrilled to jump in as a founding investor,” said Gary Hirshberg, co-founder & chief organic optimist, Stonyfield Farm. “We are building a true win-win-win model for the investors, the investees and the business.”

“I would have killed to have had a Humble Growth available to support Stonyfield and help bring not only critical funding but also seasoned guidance during our growth years. I look forward to many years of fun and profitable collaborations with this truly exciting team.”

Ultimately, the goal is to foster the success of companies looking to change the way we eat, drink, feel, and live. Disruptive brands play a pivotal role in building a healthier population by challenging the status quo, promoting innovation, and driving positive changes in adjacent and related industries. These brands often leverage technology, consumer-centric approaches, and a commitment to health and well-being to bring about meaningful transformations for whole populations. 

“At Verlinvest, we’re committed to backing founders and businesses that are driving consumer revolutions forward while having a positive impact – and Humble Growth’s founding team shares this mission,” said Roberto Italia, CEO, Verlinvest. 

“The combination of Andrew, Nick and Peter creates a unique advantage with their decades of market experience and expertise and we are delighted to partner alongside such an esteemed group of co-investors,” continued Italia. “I am pleased to support the entire team in backing earlier-stage companies on their growth journeys.”

Michael Repole, co-founder of BODYARMOR Super Drink, added, “Nick, Andrew and Peter all bring invaluable expertise to the industry. The formation of Humble Growth is going to be a gamechanger for up-and-coming brands looking to benefit from the experience they bring in building consumer brands. I am excited to be an investor in Humble Growth and work alongside the founders to identify, nurture and grow the next generation of innovative brands.”

~ Lynda Kiernan-Stone is editor in chief with GAI Media, and is managing editor and daily contributor for Global AgInvesting’s AgInvesting Weekly News and  Agtech Intel News, as well as HighQuest Group’s Unconventional Ag. She can be reached at lkiernan-stone@globalaginvesting.com.

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