Ben Goodwin

Ben Goodwin is a food entrepreneur, beverage formulator, and co-founder and CEO of OLIPOP, a prebiotic soda brand recognized for its influence on the American soft drink industry. Goodwin’s interest in health and wellness began at age 14, following a personal dietary transformation that led to weight loss and increased mental clarity. This experience sparked his curiosity about nutrition and its effects on the body and mind. Opting out of an environmental science degree, Goodwin focused on entrepreneurship and became a dedicated student of the human microbiome, exploring ways to support overall wellness through gut health.

Goodwin has established three formulation and fermentation labs and developed more than 30 products from concept to commercialization. His entrepreneurial career started with the launch of Obi Probiotic Soda, a probiotic water kefir beverage that marked his entry into the functional beverage sector. He managed a multi-year research and development process, resulting in intellectual property in fermentation and probiotics, raised over $2 million in funding, and achieved $1 million in sales within 18 months. Goodwin exited the company after securing distribution with major retailers such as Ralphs, Whole Foods, Safeway, Sprouts Market, and Vitamin Shoppe.

Alongside co-founder David Lester, Goodwin launched OLIPOP with the objective of offering a beverage that supports healthier diets without requiring significant changes in consumer behavior. The OLIPOP formula combines botanicals, plant fibers, and prebiotics, including marshmallow root, nopal cactus, and Jerusalem artichoke. In its first year, OLIPOP generated $852,000 in gross revenue through sales in 40 grocery stores in Northern California. The brand has since achieved significant growth, earning recognition as a two-time Inc. 5000 honoree, reporting over 2,100 percent revenue growth over a three-year period, reaching $400 million in annual sales, and attaining profitability.

OLIPOP has received industry accolades, including BevNet's "Rising Star," AdAge's "Hottest Brands," and placement in TIME's "TIME100 Most Influential Companies." The brand has been valued at $1.85 billion following a Series C funding round and is available in more than 65,000 retailers nationwide. OLIPOP is recognized as a leading non-alcoholic beverage brand in the United States by both dollar sales and unit growth.

Goodwin is recognized as a speaker on entrepreneurship, gut health, and mission-driven business, with appearances at events such as SXSW and Inc. Founders House. In 2026, he transitioned from CEO to executive chairman of the board and head of innovation at OLIPOP. His ongoing focus is on bridging the gap between emerging health trends and mainstream consumer needs, expanding the reach and accessibility of health and wellness products.