NBA Stars Invest in US Ready-to-Drink Coffee Brand Beekeeper

Beekeeper Coffee, a US-based ready-to-drink coffee brand, has secured investment from a group of NBA players. Notable athletes such as Draymond Green and Anthony Davis are part of this group, which also includes Zach LaVine, Fred VanVleet, and De’Aaron Fox. The specific amount of the investment has not been disclosed.

Founded in September 2023 by Fara Leff, Paul Rivera, David Creech, Andrew Forbes, and Nate Forbes, Beekeeper aims to leverage this funding to accelerate its retail expansion, enhance product innovation, and focus on marketing initiatives that resonate with younger consumers. Currently, Beekeeper's products are available in over 2,500 locations across the United States, including retailers like Target, Wegmans, and The Fresh Market. They also sell their products online through platforms such as Thrive Market and Gopuff.

The brand specializes in ready-to-drink lattes available in various flavors such as mocha, caramel, and hot honey, produced in St. Paul, Minnesota. Rich Paul, founder and CEO of Klutch Sports Group, is among the investors, emphasizing Beekeeper's goal to cater to the evolving preferences of the younger generation. Paul noted the brand's potential in ready-to-drink coffee to offer a fresh perspective and a strong cultural appeal.

In addition to the NBA players, the investment round saw participation from golfer Min Woo Lee, entrepreneur Matthew Pritzker, and NFL player Jared Goff, showcasing a diverse group of backers. The company articulated its plans to expand through big-box retailer Target and the natural grocery channel as part of its growth strategy for the upcoming months.