When David Woodburn was asked to be the CEO of Blue Prarie, he didn't know what chicory was. Now, he is leading the charge developing prebiotic, chicory-based ingredients that help maintain a healthy gut environment for beneficial bacteria while replacing fast-digesting starches.

David is pleased to announce that Blue Prarie has completed a $6 million Series A Investment round.

While the nutrition space highlights probiotics, prebiotics should arguably be the #1 focus. Learn about prebiotic nutrition, chicory, and an awesome biotech company:

• Chicory definition and history
• Prebiotics vs probiotics
• Inulin and soluble fiber
• Understanding the giant market opportunity
• B2B relationship building
• The biggest challenges/opportunities of their business model
• What they are looking for in a VP of Sales + Marketing

He founded GoodPop on a ramen noodle budget in 2009 and hasn’t accepted investments since. College student at the time, Daniel couldn’t find an all-natural popsicle, snow cone or frozen treat to beat the Texas heat.

Daniel Goetz decided to quit his advertising internship to launch GoodPop with his first retailer, Whole Foods. GoodPop has since seen triple digit growth every year, revenue in the millions and recently received a loan from Whole Foods.

Now, at the age of 30, Daniel has transformed GoodPop from its humble beginnings as a popular, local Austin brand to a nationally-recognized leader in the natural frozen novelty category.

Daniel radiates positive energy and perseverance. Learn about:

• His initial market research when GoodPop a dorm room startup
• The long-term goal of the company
• Creating customer experience
• How did you get a loan from Whole Foods?
• Moments of struggle/perseverance
• What makes GoodPop successful?
• How do you manage hiring/growth?
• Working with seasonality and different regions of the United States
• Channeling nostalgia and improving access to food

Cookies in Saudi Arabia, pomegranates in Croatia, bananas in Ecuador, Olive oil in Georgia. Tim has done it all.

In the food business since 1988, he helps companies add thousands of retail locations, millions of dollars in revenue, and millions of capital investment.

Tim has worked with large and small companies from all around the world. With experience working at the big boys (Unilever and Nestle), he applies their advanced, proven practices to smaller ones.

Fun stories and practical advice for all:

• Georgia Olive Farms story
• How he brought Keebler to Saudi Arabia without permission
• Food Network endorsements + PR tis
• The 4-5 key metrics you must pay attention to
• How to recognize the key issues during growth
• 9 pillars of successful food brands
• The retail index coefficient
• Bananas, Ecuador, and Whole Foods
• Results-based consulting pay
• Tips for raising capital

Scott Jensen is Co-Founder and CEO of Rhythm Superfoods, a manufacturer of organic plant-based superfoods snacks. I am snacking on their delicous broccoli bites as we speak!

He is the former CEO & President of One World Foods (Stubb’s Bar-B-Q), which he co-founded 20+ years ago with C.B. Stubblefield and two close friends.

One World Foods was successfully sold to McCormick & Co. in 2015. Scott led Stubb’s in its national and international expansion to be the largest SuperPremium Bar-B-Q and Marinade brand in the country.

Scott is personable, intelligent, and happy to impart his wisdom from his many years of success in the food industry. From marinades to superfood snacks:

• The Stubbs BBQ story
• How they came across the Kale chips idea
• Working with co-founder Clayton Christopher (of Sweet Leaf Tea and Deep Eddy Vodka)
• Why did Kale become popular? (19:30)
• Moving production facilities 3x
• Handling demand spikes in the Kale dehydrating niche business
• Becoming a produce buyer
• Sourcing and supply chain tips
• Benefits of working with General Mills - 301 INC.

Everything changed on his visit to the Central Market in Valencia, Spain: Victor Friedberg realized that food is a system.

He returned to the U.S. and dove head first into learning about food systems.

At S2G Ventures, Victor and his team invest in innovative food startups. Many of the startups have been guests on our show, including Maple Hill Creamery, TerraMera, Myco, Mercaris, Kuli Kuli, Back to the Roots, Shenandoah Growers, and SVO.

S2G has built an amazing community and portfolio. Victor is sharp and insightful. We talk about:

• Victor's diverse work and life background
• His trip to Valencia, Spain
• The different stages of investing
• Investing in great "systems"
• What he sees in some of the food startups that he has invested in
• Synergy between his food startups
• Creating alpha
• How they advise their portfolio of companies
• The advisors to Victor and his fund (an impressive group)