Built to Scale: Lessons from a Founder Who Sold

What this episode covers

Zoë Sakoutis, Co-Founder and CEO of Bittman’s and founder of the now-acquired Blueprint, details her journey from bootstrapping a cold-pressed juice brand with a $5,000 loan to selling it to Hain Celestial, and her current efforts raising capital for Bittman’s whole grain sourdough bread. She explains how discovering High Pressure Processing (HPP) provided the necessary 'kill step' to make raw juice safe for retail shelves, unlocking national distribution and attracting strategic acquirers. Sakoutis discusses the complexities of the acquisition diligence process, particularly the burden of four production facilities, 120 employees, and 10-year leases, and offers advice on maintaining a clear business thesis while navigating investor feedback and team-building decisions.