Who Owns Olipop?

Olipop was co-founded in 2018 by Ben Goodwin and David Lester in Oakland, California. Goodwin, who had previously co-founded another functional beverage company called Obi Probiotic Soda, brought years of experience in formulating health-oriented beverages. The pair started Olipop with approximately $100,000 in initial funding and a mission to create a soda that tasted great while actually supporting digestive health through prebiotics, plant fiber, and botanicals.

The company's early growth was driven by direct-to-consumer sales and placement in natural food stores and specialty retailers. Olipop's breakthrough came when it secured shelf space at major national retailers including Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Whole Foods Market. The brand's colorful, retro-inspired packaging and nostalgic flavor names like Vintage Cola, Classic Root Beer, and Orange Squeeze helped it stand out in the crowded beverage aisle.

Olipop attracted significant venture capital investment, raising over $243 million across five funding rounds. Celebrity investors including Gwyneth Paltrow, Camila Cabello, and Priyanka Chopra Jonas brought additional visibility to the brand. By 2023, Olipop had achieved a valuation of approximately $1.85 billion, making it one of the most valuable private beverage companies in the United States.

The brand's growth has been fueled by the broader consumer shift away from traditional sugary sodas toward healthier alternatives. Each can of Olipop contains 2-5 grams of sugar (compared to 39 grams in a typical cola) and 9 grams of dietary fiber from ingredients like chicory root, Jerusalem artichoke, and cassava root. In 2024, Olipop collaborated with Mattel to create a Barbie-themed Peaches and Cream flavor, which became a permanent addition to the lineup after overwhelming consumer demand. Olipop has grown to employ over 220 people and sells products in over 30,000 retail locations across the United States.