Stein, a triathlete and former nutrition coach, initially created her products to offer clients healthier post-race fuel. Her brand, Purely Elizabeth, eventually expanded into a national staple, popularizing ancient grains like quinoa, amaranth, and chia within the mainstream breakfast aisle. The acquisition price represents more than four times the company’s estimated $250 million in annual revenue.
In section CEO World
From Upper West Side Kitchen to an $850 Million Exit
Seventeen years ago, Elizabeth Stein was packing muffin mixes in her New York apartment for a handful of nutrition clients. Today, that side hustle has culminated in an $850 million acquisition by Ferrero, marking one of the most significant deals in the natural foods sector in recent memory.

Unlike many founders who step away following a buyout, the 45-year-old Stein will remain at the helm as CEO. She views this transition as a blueprint for female entrepreneurs to prove that building a startup and leading a scaled corporation are not mutually exclusive career paths.
Comments (0)
No comments yet. Be the first!