David Lester, Co-Founder of OLIPOP
When David Lester co-founded OLIPOP in 2018, soda wasn’t exactly seen as a health-forward category. That changed fast. What started as a prebiotic alternative to legacy soft drinks is now one of the most watched, fastest-growing brands in CPG.
David is joining the Beanstalk community, and we’re excited to spotlight how OLIPOP went from niche to nationwide, without losing its edge.
A big part of OLIPOP’s rise is its ability to connect – on shelves, on screens, and with consumers who care about what they’re putting into their bodies. The team launched a drink and built a brand people want to be part of.
David helped shape that vision, earning recognition as Ad Age’s Marketer of the Year for a content strategy that made soda feel modern again. The brand’s social presence has become a key driver of awareness and loyalty.
That connection has translated into serious scale. OLIPOP more than doubled revenue in 2024, crossing $400 million and landing in over 30,000 stores nationwide. The company also closed a Series C round at a $2 billion valuation. In a year when many CPG brands were tightening up, OLIPOP kept growing.
And they’ve done it while keeping values front and center. OLIPOP earned B Corp certification for its environmental and social standards.
The brand still runs on founder energy too: David ships cases to his parents in the UK, where they hand them out to neighbors like unofficial brand ambassadors.
That grassroots feel never went away.
David brings a sharp perspective on building brand, team, and community, and we’re more than glad to have him with us at Beanstalk.
Want to meet leaders like David at Beanstalk 2025?
Know someone who should be in the room?
Introductions are always welcome. Send them our way through vip@beanstalkevents.com.
