Private Investing in Health, Wellness & Specialty Ingredients
Akoya Capital is a Chicago-based sector-focused private investment firm, specializing in the lower end of the middle market.
We work closely with family offices, high-net-worth individuals and institutional capital providers to invest in profitable, well-positioned businesses.
We partner with founders and CEOs of privately held businesses who are pursuing liquidity while prioritizing preservation of the company’s legacy. Investments are led by one of Akoya’s Sector Leaders whose operating expertise aligns with the business.
Our Difference is Our Sector Leaders
Our Sector Leaders are accomplished senior operating executives with decades of industry expertise. Sector Leaders play an active role in opportunity identification and evaluation, and post-close, serve as the Executive Chair of the Board, providing hands-on strategic and operational guidance.
With decades of experience across the value chain – including branded products, ingredients/flavors, and contract manufacturing – Akoya provides expert support to drive growth and help strong companies create even stronger futures.
Why Akoya is Interested in Investing
in Health, Wellness & Specialty Ingredients
- Globally, the health and wellness industry is expected to grow at 10.9% CAGR through 2032.
- In the U.S., the healthy eating, nutrition, and weight loss market is expected to grow at a 10% CAGR, reaching $276.9b by 2028.
- Consumer data suggests the momentum will continue, with 72% of Gen-Z claiming healthy eating is an integral part of their lifestyle.
- Sector expertise across the value chain and track record of successful value creation in the health & wellness segment.
Segments of Focus
- Branded Products
- Specialty Ingredients
- Flavors
- Contract Manufacturing
Investment Criteria
- Revenues from $25 M to $200 M
- Minimum EBITDA of $4 M
- Potential value creation through revenue growth and operational improvements
- North American headquarters
- Owners seek to reinvest in company
Sector Operating Expertise
Don Kremin
Managing Director Specialty Ingredients
30+ years in the food ingredients industry
Previously group vice president ofthe Specialty Foods division of Hormel Foods, Don was responsible for a $1.4B P&L. He serves on the boards ofthree privately held food ingredients companies.
David Burton
Managing Director Health & Wellness
30+ years in operations, 15+ years in nutrition
Over 13 years at Nutrisystem, mostrecently as COO, David was instrumental in product and process innovations, and played a key role in doubling the revenue of the business and quadrupling EBITDA.
Akoya
By the Numbers
Investment Team
Max DeZara
Founder & Managing Partner
312-546-8322
mdezara@akoyacapital.com
Liz Dominick
Managing Director
312-203-3443
ldominick@akoyacapital.com
Carr Preston
Managing Director
312-546-8312
cpreston@akoyacapital.com
Karen Scalise
Vice President
312-546-8302
kscalise@akoyacapital.com
Lukasz Wrona
Managing Director
312-546-8306
lwrona@akoyacapital.com
Matt Winkeljohn
Vice President
312-546-8301
mwinkeljohn@akoyacapital.com
Pat Riley
Managing Director
312-546-8303 priley@akoyacapital.com
Ben Schrimpf
Senior Associate
312-546-8309 bschrimpf@akoyacapital.com
Please contact a member of our investment team if you are aware of a company that fits our investment criteria.
Representative Investments
