| Maxim Partners helps e-Commerce businesses navigate Amazon, and diversify into retail. |
| Amazon can be a lucrative channel – just look at Maxim’s two Amazon-based nutrition businesses. Zenwise is now the #1 provider of digestive enzymes online, and Zesty Paws recently became the online leader in pet supplements and was sold to a publicly-traded Hong Kong company for $610 million. But competition has intensified dramatically since our initial investment in 2018. This year, Amazon is expected to surpass Walmart’s total retail sales to become the largest US-based retailer, with $600 billion in gross merchandise volume (GMV) – almost 3X what it achieved in 2017. Brands can no longer rely on strategies targeted toward e-Commerce or retail, but must excel in both in order to succeed. Maxim’s skillset helps entrepreneurs succeed at both. Amazon adds 3,500 new sellers every day (that’s 146 per hour). Against such fierce competition, Maxim helps its portfolio companies understand what lies in and out of bounds and how to pivot quickly to adapt. Maxim works directly with marketing teams to plan, launch, and grow new products aggressively while watching out for the many (often disguised) pitfalls brands can run into. And when brands are ready to continue growing, Maxim knows how to diversify into off-Amazon development. Maxim’s network of Operating Executives brings direct experience inside top retailers. With Zesty Paws, the Maxim team sought to expand the brand beyond Amazon and Chewy.com. Instead of leaping at the first opportunity, Zesty thoughtfully selected partners that would align with its long-term retail vision in both pet specialty and big box chains. The meticulous effort paid off: Zesty products are now sold at 1,500 Target and 1,500 PetSmart locations nationally. Maxim is eager to tailor its expertise across e-Commerce and retail channels to other brands within the Pet, Nutrition, Fitness or Education sectors. If you are seeking a partner who brings the capital and expertise to help you achieve your vision, reach-out to Maxim and let’s have a conversation about how we can work together. We are eager to share our expertise in the Nutrition, Fitness, Pet, and Education sectors. |