NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Brand Velocity Group (BVG), an innovative private equity firm, today announced that Eric Grib has joined the firm as a Principal. Grib brings to BVG over 15 years of experience in private equity, corporate M&A, and investment banking across sectors such as consumer, media, technology, sports, and entertainment.
“BVG’s strategy of driving the growth of its portfolio companies through deep in-house marketing resources, connectivity to sports and entertainment, and focus on human capital very much aligns with my core strengths and philosophy,” said Grib. “I’m excited to be a part of a team that approaches private equity investing in truly creative and thoughtful ways.”
Prior to joining BVG, Grib was a Principal at Acamar Partners, an investment group focused on consumer and retail verticals such as health and wellness, fitness, food and beverage, luxury goods, fashion and apparel, beauty and personal care, specialty retail, and restaurants. While at Acamar, Grib helped lead the firm’s investment in CarLotz (NASDAQ: LOTZ), one of the largest automotive e-commerce disruptors in the U.S. Acamar made the investment through its special purpose acquisition company, Acamar Partners Acquisition Corp., which had raised $300 million in an IPO in 2019. Acamar’s business combination with CarLotz, valued at $827 million, closed in 2021.
Before Acamar Partners, Grib held positions with multiple private equity investment firms and was a Senior Director of M&A at IAC/InterActiveCorp (NASDAQ: IAC). Grib began his career in the investment banking division of Credit Suisse.
“Eric’s experience across our sectors of focus will be invaluable as we build out the BVG platform further and reach our full potential,” said Steve Lebowitz, Founding and Managing Partner at BVG. “We are thrilled to have him on board and are confident that he will deliver outstanding results for our portfolio companies and stakeholders.”
About Brand Velocity Group
Brand Velocity Group (BVG) is an innovative private equity firm focused on investing in businesses that are well-positioned to benefit from its operational expertise, deep in-house marketing resources, and thoughtful approach toward human capital. BVG has deep strategic partnerships with specialty brand marketing agencies that develop and execute marketing plans across its investments. Portfolio companies also leverage BVG’s vast sports and entertainment networks to create accretive partnerships with athletes, celebrities, and other businesses. In addition, BVG recognizes the worth of all portfolio company employees, each of whom is valued and critically important to their continued, collective success. In recognition, the firm dedicates 10% of its total carried interest pool (i.e., its primary means of compensation as investment managers) in every investment to the employees. This is the Share the Gains program, which ensures that all employees of portfolio companies share in the success of the firm’s united efforts. To learn more about BVG, its portfolio companies, and its innovative growth strategies, please visit www.brandvelocitygroup.com.
