Starco Acquires Soylent Nutrition

Soylent pioneered the plant-based "complete nutrition" and "functional food" categories.

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PRNewsfoto/Soylent

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — Starco Brands Inc. announced the acquisition of Soylent Nutrition Inc., which pioneered the plant-based "complete nutrition" and "functional food" categories.

Under the terms of the transaction, Soylent will operate as a separate business unit under the Starco Brands umbrella and continue to be led by Soylent CEO Demir Vangelov.

"Soylent is one of those rare brands that successfully transitioned from Silicon Valley tech start-up to mainstream with mass distribution, thanks to Demir and his team's operational execution and a global mission to improve human health and nutrition," said Starco Brands CEO Ross Sklar. "When combined with Starco Brands' portfolio of formulas, access to commercial manufacturing facilities, and disruptive marketing, Soylent's potential to grow its base and expand in adjacent category whitespaces will be game-changing."

"Starco Brands shares our vision of a world where every person can afford and access all the nutrition and calories they need," said Vangelov. "As global food insecurity increases due to climate change, supply chain shocks, and geopolitical conflict, we are confident that this partnership can accelerate our global scaleup and get our products to everyone on Earth who needs and deserves affordable, complete nutrition."

Founded in 2013 in San Francisco, Soylent ignited the "biohacking" trend with technology workers and gamers. Soylent quickly became the industry standard for the emerging complete nutrition category, developing a lineup of plant-based convenience shakes, powders and bars that contain proteins, healthy fats, functional amino acids and essential nutrients. Today it enjoys mass-market awareness with sales at Walmart, Target, Publix and other leading retailers. Soylent's investors include Andreessen Horowitz, GV, The Production Board, and other Silicon Valley investors.

The acquisition of Soylent is a significant milestone for Starco Brands as it continues to invent and acquire behavior-changing technologies and brands. In December 2022, it acquired Skylar Body, Inc., a pioneer and producer of aspirational and prestige hypoallergenic fragrances that are safe for sensitive skin. In September 2022, the company acquired The AOS Group Inc., the athlete-inspired personal care brand co-founded by Kobe Bryant.

In December 2021, Starco Brands launched Whipshots, one of the most innovative products ever to hit the spirits industry. Hailed as one of the most significant consumer product launches, the vodka-infused whipped cream combines integrated manufacturing, delectable flavors, cutting-edge creative direction, and a world-class celebrity and influencer partnership with global artist Cardi B.

Proskauer Rose LLP represented Starco Brands in the transaction. Mally Collective and Sheppard Mullin represented Soylent in the transaction.

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