"I and love and you" Poised for Growth as it Announces Investment from Winona Capital Management

BOULDER, Colo., May 13, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- "I and love and you", the all-natural total pet care company, announced today that it has received a growth capital investment from Chicago-based Winona Capital Management to fuel additional business growth.

"We are excited to back a team of highly experienced professionals in the natural pet care market," said Jason Sowers, Principal, Winona Capital Management. "We believe the company is poised to capture significant national market share with its compelling brand story, high quality products, and value proposition."

"I and love and you" is positioning itself as a leader in the ultra-premium pet food and pet care market, capturing more than a third of the total pet category growth in the natural channel in 2013.  New product launches are planned and significant retailer partnerships are expected to be announced in summer 2014. 

"This strategic investment from Winona Capital Management will enable us to become a defining voice in what optimal nutrition and whole pet health mean for the broader pet market," said Steve Ball, CEO and Co-Founder of "I and love and you".  "What's more, the Winona Capital partnership provides us additional access to a depth of experience in supporting high growth brands."

As part of the "I and love and you" growth strategy, the company recently hired Brett Atkinson as Vice President of Operations and Zach DeAngelo as Director of Sales.  Atkinson previously served as Director of Supply Chain at The Boston Beer Company and DeAngelo was previously COO at Little Duck Organics.

The initial investment partner of "I and love and you", Revelry Brands, has supported the company's growth since its launch in 2012.  Revelry Brands, an investment group co-founded and led by Brendan Synnott, the co-founder of Bear Naked, EVOL, and "I and love and you" will continue to hold majority ownership in "I and love and you".  

"Revelry Brands was the first investor to see the market potential for our all-natural total pet care solution, and they have been instrumental in defining our brand," said Ball. "This partnership with Winona Capital is the next step in achieving the goals and building the brand Revelry helped us to develop."

The natural pet care market has experienced rapid growth in the U.S. in the last several years. This trend is expected to continue as increases in pet ownership and disposable income as well as the humanization of pets drive demand for premium pet products and services.  Consumers are paying close attention to pet wellness and are seeking the safest, most nutritious products available.

Winona Capital Management has previously funded companies such as Dragon Alliance, Peter Millar, Johnny's Fine Foods, Petsense and KJUS. Bryan Jaffe of Cascadia Capital, a Seattle based investment bank with expertise in the pet industry, acted as exclusive financial advisor to the company on the transaction.

About Winona Capital Management
Winona Capital Management provides acquisition and growth capital to consumer goods and services businesses in the lower middle market. Winona partners with high energy, passionate executives who have a shared focus on sustained growth over long-term investment horizons. Winona Capital manages more than $300 million on behalf of its investors. For more information, please visit www.winonacapital.com. 

About "I and love and you"
Founded in 2012 by a team of industry veterans and pet care experts, "I and love and you" (iandloveandyou.com) knows all about that special bond between pets and humans. Committed to helping give pets the very best, all products meet rigorous ingredient standards and are approved by an on-staff holistic veterinarian. "I and love and you" has created the first Total Pet Care Solution with natural, easy-to-use products: healthy food, treats + chews and supplements + remedies.  "I and love and you" offers everything a well-rounded pet needs. Minus a tummy rub. They're still trying to figure out how to put that in a package.

About Revelry Brands
Revelry Brands (www.revelrybrands.com) is an investment firm focused on providing growth-stage private equity to unique, innovative businesses in the natural foods and consumer products categories. Their companies have management teams with proven track records, innovative offerings, and authentic stories that translate into successful lifestyle brands. Revelry's commitment to investing hands-on operational expertise alongside their investment capital allows them to work with exceptional people and companies who are truly looking for a partner.   

Lisa Lazarczyk
[email protected] or 781-646-0667

SOURCE I and love and you