Poppi Co-Founder Joins DropOut to Help Build Next-Gen Food Brands
Stephen Ellsworth becomes operating partner as DropOut accelerates innovation and scales modern takes on childhood classics
DropOut Companies, a modern consumer products house creating the next wave of perennial food brands, announced Stephen Ellsworth, co-founder of Poppi, as operating partner. In this role, Ellsworth will provide strategic support across DropOut's growing portfolio, leveraging his expertise in brand building, product innovation, and strategic scaling to support Dropout's mission of reimagining childhood classics for today's families.
Ellsworth is widely recognized for helping transform Poppi alongside his wife from a homemade apple-cider-vinegar refresher into one of the fastest-growing beverage brands in the United States. After gaining early traction at local farmers' markets, Poppi surged in national awareness following its viral Shark Tank appearance in 2019. The brand passed $100 million in annual sales by 2023 and, in 2025, secured a strategic distribution partnership with PepsiCo valued at approximately $2 billion. Poppi is credited with reshaping the modern soda category through its focus on gut health, low sugar, and clean ingredients.
Ellsworth joins DropOut at a moment of rapid momentum for the company. Its first major launch, JAMS PB&J—hit both Walmart and Target nationwide in its first 4 months. Boosted by cultural heavyweights, Jams is only the beginning: DropOut has multiple category-shifting brands preparing for national rollout before the end of 2025, and in 2026 as it continues rebuilding childhood classics big food left untouched.
Dropout Companies is a Nashville-based consumer products house founded in 2023 by Connor Blakley and co-founder Josh Franko. Focused on building the next generation of consumer-packaged goods (CPG) brands, Dropout develops innovative, "better for you" products alongside notable talent.
Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!
