From Upper West Side Kitchen to an $850 Million Exit

Stein, a triathlete and former nutrition coach, initially created her products to offer clients healthier post-race fuel. Her brand, Purely Elizabeth, eventually expanded into a national staple, popularizing ancient grains like quinoa, amaranth, and chia within the mainstream breakfast aisle. The acquisition price represents more than four times the company’s estimated $250 million in annual revenue.

Unlike many founders who step away following a buyout, the 45-year-old Stein will remain at the helm as CEO. She views this transition as a blueprint for female entrepreneurs to prove that building a startup and leading a scaled corporation are not mutually exclusive career paths.