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From Kernel to Kitchen: The Gourmet Popcorn Revolution

From Kernel to Kitchen: The Gourmet Popcorn Revolution

How Popsmith is Transforming At-Home Snacking with Innovation, Flavor, and Fun

November 20, 2024

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Invst Guru is your bi-weekly digest that explores the dynamics of equity crowdfunding. Delivered every Wednesday and Sunday, we connect startups with the power of the crowd and provide investors with access to groundbreaking ventures.

In each issue of Invst Guru, we'll spotlight the latest trends, share success stories, and offer insights from industry leaders. We aim to equip you with the knowledge and opportunities to participate effectively in equity crowdfunding, whether you're looking to fund your innovative startup or invest in potential unicorns.

Equity Crowdfunding Spotlight: Popsmith: A Gourmet Popcorn Revolution

Popcorn Lovers, Rejoice! Franklin's Popcorn, Inc., better known as Popsmith, is shaking up the $13.4 billion global popcorn industry. With over 20 years of experience, this company is redefining what it means to enjoy popcorn at home. From their premium stainless steel stovetop poppers to perfectly pre-measured popcorn-making kits, Popsmith brings gourmet, creative, and fun snack experiences into your kitchen.

With a proven track record of innovation and a strong foothold in the direct-to-consumer space, Popsmith is now opening the door for investors to join their journey. Here's what makes this equity crowdfunding opportunity worth exploring:

A Taste of Success: Strong Traction and Proven Growth

In 2023, Popsmith demonstrated its potential with $4.9 million in revenue, a testament to the rising popularity of high-quality, at-home popcorn solutions. This impressive figure was achieved after their highly successful $348,000 Kickstarter campaign validated consumer demand and helped catapult the brand into the limelight. The company is now setting its sights on ambitious goals, projecting revenues to double to $10 million by the end of 2025, driven by strategic retail partnerships and innovative new products.*

Popsmith’s growth strategy is backed by its expertise in dual branding. With Franklin’s Popcorn (founded in 2012) and the more recently launched Popsmith (2023), the company is leveraging two decades of experience to scale quickly in a growing market. Its leadership team is no stranger to success, boasting two prior brand exits and extensive experience in e-commerce.

Retail Expansion: Popping Onto Shelves Near You

This November marks a significant milestone for Popsmith, as their products launch on Costco.com and Williams-Sonoma.com. These partnerships have the potential to introduce Popsmith to millions of new customers, giving the brand exposure in some of the country's most trusted and high-traffic retail environments.

By entering these new channels, Popsmith aims to solidify its position in the market while tapping into the increasing demand for premium, at-home snack solutions. This expansion reflects the company’s commitment to accessibility and convenience, ensuring popcorn enthusiasts nationwide can easily enjoy their products.

Innovative Products for Modern Kitchens

At Popsmith, innovation is at the heart of everything they do. Their flagship stainless steel stovetop popper has been meticulously designed for durability, ease of use, and versatility. Unlike traditional popcorn makers, this popper is dishwasher safe and works on all stovetops, including induction. Whether you’re a fan of buttery movie-theater popcorn or sweet kettle corn, the Popsmith experience is about creativity and kitchen fun.

But the innovation doesn’t stop there. Popsmith is already planning its next wave of products, which includes:

Popcorn Kernel Pouches: Premium kernels for the perfect pop every time.
Shake-On Seasonings: Flavorful options to elevate every bowl of popcorn.
Professional-Grade Cabinet Poppers: Designed for movie theaters and other commercial venues, these are set to expand Popsmith’s market beyond home kitchens.

By continuously developing new products, Popsmith is catering to current consumer trends and positioning itself as a leader in the popcorn industry.

The Popcorn Market: Big Opportunities, Bigger Potential

The global popcorn market is on a rapid upward trajectory. It was valued at $13.4 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $22.1 billion by 2032. A shift toward healthier snacking options and a rising interest in premium, gourmet experiences fuel this growth.

Popsmith is uniquely positioned to capitalize on this trend. Its focus on high-quality products, combined with its expertise in e-commerce and retail partnerships, gives it a competitive edge. By blending tradition with innovation, Popsmith is tapping into a lucrative market that values convenience and quality.

Award-Winning Recognition

Popsmith’s commitment to quality and innovation hasn’t gone unnoticed. The brand has received accolades such as:

Fast Company’s Product Innovation by Design Award
Featured in Refinery29’s best small businesses
Highlighted in Food & Wine’s 2024 trend predictions

These recognitions validate the brand’s impact and enhance its reputation, making Popsmith a trusted name in the gourmet snack industry.

A Team Built for Success

An experienced and passionate team leads Popsmith:

Tal Moore, Founder & CEO, is a serial e-commerce entrepreneur with two decades of experience in popcorn and consumer brands. Having led two prior successful exits, Tal brings the expertise needed to scale Popsmith effectively.
David Stickland, Co-Founder & President, is a seasoned leader in direct-to-consumer brands with a proven track record of building high-performing teams and scaling operations.

This leadership team combines creativity, operational expertise, and a deep market understanding to drive Popsmith’s growth.

The Investment Opportunity

Popsmith’s Reg CF offering, available through StartEngine, allows investors to support a brand that’s transforming the popcorn experience. Here are the terms:

Price Per Share: $1.64
Valuation: $18.04M
Minimum Investment: $349.32
Deadline: January 29, 2025
Funding Goal: $15,000 to $1.23M
Shares Offered: 9,146 to 753,048 (subject to adjustments for bonus shares)

This equity crowdfunding opportunity is designed to fuel Popsmith’s next phase of growth, supporting product development, retail expansion, and marketing initiatives.

Why Join the Popsmith Revolution?

Investing in Popsmith means becoming part of a company dedicated to bringing joy to kitchens across the country. It’s an opportunity to support a brand with a proven track record, ambitious growth plans, and a clear vision for the future.

Popsmith lays the groundwork for sustained success, from retail partnerships to innovative new products. As an investor, you’ll play a role in shaping the future of gourmet popcorn, one kernel at a time.

Disclaimers and Risk Factors

This investment involves significant risks, including the potential loss of your entire investment. Popsmith’s financial projections are forward-looking and based on internal analyses. Actual results may differ due to market conditions, operational execution, and other factors. This is a speculative and illiquid investment. Potential investors should carefully review the offering materials and consult a financial advisor.

Join Popsmith Today
Ready to be part of the popcorn revolution? Visit StartEngine to learn more and invest in Popsmith. Together, let’s bring the joy of gourmet popcorn to homes—and taste buds—nationwide.