Kingswood Capital and First Bev Invest in G FUEL

First Bev Makes Growth Investment in MAD TASTY

December 17, 2019

Food & Beverage

First Bev has made an investment in MAD TASTY, a hemp‑infused, zero‑sugar functional sparkling water brand founded by musician Ryan Tedder. The capital and partnership are intended to help MAD TASTY expand distribution and accelerate brand growth across consumer and creative markets.

Humble Growth Makes Minority Growth Investment in simplyFUEL

January 22, 2026

Food & Beverage

Humble Growth has acquired a minority growth-equity stake in simplyFUEL, the protein-snack brand founded by Mitzi Dulan. The partnership is intended to help simplyFUEL scale its brand and accelerate retail expansion (Costco, Sam’s Club, Walmart, Target) with Humble Growth providing hands-on operating and brand-building support.

InvestBev Provides Eight-Figure Financing to Registered Distillery One

May 13, 2025

Food & Beverage

InvestBev, via its private credit arm InvestBev Credit, closed an eight-figure financing agreement with Registered Distillery One (RD1), a Kentucky-based bourbon distillery. The financing will support RD1's ongoing expansion and growth initiatives, with InvestBev Credit highlighting its recent deployment of nearly $30 million in 2025 to beverage operators and barrel owners.

Gryphon Investors Acquires Majority Stake in Spindrift Beverage Co.

January 14, 2025

Food & Beverage

Gryphon Investors will acquire a majority stake in Spindrift Beverage Co., a Newton, Massachusetts-based maker of sparkling water and other fruit-based beverages, with founder Bill Creelman and the management team retaining a significant equity stake. The investment coincides with the appointment of Dave Burwick as CEO and is intended to provide financial and operational resources to accelerate the brand's growth; the deal is expected to close in Q1 2025 (terms not disclosed).

Keurig Dr Pepper Acquires Majority Stake in GHOST for $1.65B

October 24, 2024

Food & Beverage

Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) agreed to acquire a 60% stake in GHOST (GHOST Lifestyle LLC and GHOST Beverages LLC) for roughly $990 million, with plans to purchase the remaining 40% by 2028 for a total transaction value of $1.65 billion. The founders will remain in leadership, and KDP expects to integrate GHOST into its U.S. refreshment beverages segment and leverage its distribution network to scale the energy drink and sports nutrition brand.

Digital Fuel Capital Acquires Seattle Coffee Gear

September 18, 2020

E-Commerce

Digital Fuel Capital, a private equity firm focused on e-commerce, has acquired Seattle Coffee Gear, an omnichannel specialty retailer of coffee equipment, beans and repair services. Eagle Private Capital and Pine Street Capital Partners provided subordinated debt financing; founder Victor Gehlen will remain a significant shareholder and Mike Atkinson will continue as CEO as the company pursues accelerated growth through enhanced marketing and e-commerce capabilities.