AXUM CAPITAL PARTNERS LAUNCHES NEW $300M FUND WITH EXPANDED LEADERSHIP TEAM AND SHARPENED FOCUS ON FOOD & BEVERAGE BRANDS

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Sept. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Axum Capital Partners ("Axum" or the "Firm") today announced the launch of its new fund targeting $300 million in committed capital. The fund will implement Axum's sharpened investment thesis emphasizing health and wellness-centric food and beverage brands, and an expanded leadership team will help drive the Firm's next phase of growth.

Founded by Managing Partners Denis Ackah-Yensu, Muhsin Muhammad II, and Raymond Groth, Axum is a Charlotte-based private equity firm investing in health and wellness-focused food and beverage companies. The Firm has built a track record of resilience and substantial sector expertise, navigating market challenges stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic while continuing to deliver value to its investors, partners, and portfolio brands.

With consumer demand for healthier food and beverage options accelerating, Axum is doubling down on companies where health and wellness are core values and strategic differentiators. The Firm will continue to prioritize family-owned and founder-led businesses with strong profitability, high growth potential, and mission-driven leadership. Axum will concentrate specifically on ingredients, packaged goods, and food service with a preference for companies based in the Southeastern United States.

"Our food choices are fundamental—and today's consumers want healthier, better-for-you options," said Muhsin Muhammad II, Managing Partner. "This is where Axum thrives. We not only live this lifestyle, but we've also been investing in this space for years, and our expertise and relationships give us a clear advantage in building the next generation of leading brands."

Axum's recent investment in Le Botaniste, a 100% organic, plant-forward restaurant, reflects the Firm's refined strategy and underscores its commitment to scaling innovative, health-focused concepts.

Expanded Leadership Team

To effectively execute its strategy, Axum has thoughtfully designed its platform and added to the Firm's leadership team with seasoned investors, transaction experts and operators, along with a unique and highly disciplined ability to add value through the Firm's access and influence.

• Lance Johnson and Derrick Brown joined the Firm as General Partners. In addition to their roles on the investment team, Johnson and Brown will co-lead the Firm's deal origination efforts focused on unlocking access to privileged investment opportunities for Axum.
  
  
  • Johnson brings 25-plus years of mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and corporate finance experience to Axum. He recently served as managing director and head of middle market sponsor coverage at Wells Fargo Securities and Truist Securities.
    
    
  • Brown is an expert in building industry relationships and establishing strategic partnerships as part of Axum's deal sourcing strategy. After an 11-year professional basketball career in the NBA and EuroLeague, Brown co-founded a private investment firm, Free Fenix, with ownership interests in Clean Juice, Salata Salad Kitchen, and Hustle House Fitness.
    
    
• Ezra Field will serve as Advisor to Axum, having previously spent 14 years at Roark Capital, one of the largest global food and beverage private equity firms with over $30 billion of assets under management, including as Chief Investment Officer.
  
  
• Josh Burris has joined Axum as an Operating Partner. He is a veteran consumer executive, brand builder, and former CEO of GNC (General Nutrition Centers).
  
  
• Lynn Girts will be Chief Financial Officer. She has over 20 years of extensive experience in fund management, internal process optimization, and back-office operations.
  
  
• James Floyd joined the Firm in 2023 as Operating Partner and will continue to work directly with leadership teams across the portfolio to help drive strategic growth initiatives.
  
  
• In addition to the core investment team, Axum has also established a strong and comprehensive fund advisory board and an extensive network of industry experts who support the Firm's investment activities.

"As a firm, we believe strongly in the importance of relationships, both internally and externally," said Muhammad. "This team came together organically through trusted relationships built over many years. We are united by shared values --- teamwork, excellence, accountability, resilience ---- and by a passion for helping entrepreneurs scale mission-driven businesses."

Athlete & Cultural Capital Platform

With Muhammad (NFL) and Brown (NBA/EuroLeague) on the leadership team, Axum views the engagement of the professional athlete community and cultural influencers as an integral part of its platform with a unique ability to add value to the Firm's investment activities and its portfolio companies. 

Axum has established a strategic partnership with 7K, the creative firm founded by NBA star Stephen Curry, to amplify its unique approach to athlete engagement and cultural capital. The Firm has also established a partnership with Toronto-based Acuity Partners, a private markets strategic advisory firm that has overseen over $70 billion of fund commitments for 500-plus private equity clients. Acuity Partners will assist Axum's adoption and implementation of fund best practices as it continues to evolve its platform and integrate its unique athlete engagement model.

"We're incredibly excited about what's ahead and believe our unique platform will provide access to exclusive investment opportunities," Muhammad added. "Our mission is simple: partner with visionary entrepreneurs to grow exceptional brands and deliver meaningful value for all stakeholders."

About Axum Capital Partners

Axum Capital Partners is a Charlotte, NC-based private equity firm that invests in established, health and wellness-oriented food and beverage brands. For more information, visit www.axumcp.com.

SOURCE Axum Capital Partners