The Relationship

A trusted relationship at the intersection of consumer and wellness.

Investing in Rocana came about from a long-standing relationship AG had with co-founder Sumesh Sachar. AG particularly liked the methodology Rocana uses to pick winners in better-for-you consumer brands, including Olipop, now valued at $1.85 billion, and Poppi, which was acquired by PepsiCo for $1.95 billion. Rocana doesn’t just write cheques. Its team backs operator-led founders and then helps them get onto shelves through distribution and retail support. Additionally, Rocana gives ArGento exposure to the consumer packaged goods (CPG) space, a sector the rest of the portfolio doesn’t touch, and to health and wellness, an area AG already knows well.

Sumesh launched Rocana back in February 2018 with Gurdeep Prewal, bringing together his own background as a CFO, COO and CEO and Gurdeep’s 17 years in investment banking at J.P. Morgan and BNP Paribas. Operating from LA, the firm is on its third fund today, focused mostly on younger businesses across food and drink, personal care and mind-body wellness. Beyond those two sodas, its portfolio spans over 25 companies, including Hu Chocolate, which Mondelez bought out at the start of 2021, as well as Kettle & Fire and Recess.