Intrepid announced today that it acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Datassential, a leading provider of food industry insights, trend software, predictive analytics and consumer insights, on its investment from Spectrum Equity (Spectrum), a top growth equity firm that provides capital and strategic support to innovative Internet, software and information services companies across the information economy. 
Founded in 2001 by Hooman Lahijani, Deron Quon, and Jack Li, Datassential helps hundreds of food companies innovate and sell more effectively with the industry’s most trusted data and most beloved user experience. The partnership with Spectrum will allow Datassential to expand its global reach, launch next generation tools, and grow its team at every level.
“Intrepid truly went the extra mile (thousands of extra miles, really) to help us achieve our primary goal –to strengthen our ability to enhance the lives of our customers and staff,” said Jack Li, CEO and Co-Founder of Datassential. “We have a lot of ideas that we are incredibly passionate about, and we’re so excited to be able to pursue more of them than ever before. When we innovate, everybody wins.”
“Working with Intrepid has been amazing. I was floored by the team’s unflinching tenacity and unerring pragmatism. We wanted to do this the Datassential way, and the Intrepid team helped us navigate those complexities and nuances like true rock stars,” further commented Li.
“Congratulations to Datassential—this is such a great thing for its amazing staff and world-class clients,” said Gary Rabishaw, Managing Director at Intrepid. “It was made clear to us at the start that the goal was to put the company in position to pursue new ideas at a faster pace, and we appreciate the opportunity to have helped Datassential make this happen. The company has landed an ideal partner in Spectrum, and we look forward to seeing its next generation of awesome products.”
“Datassential is a pure innovator and its creativity was on full display as we helped the company achieve this impressive milestone. We look forward to all the growth ahead”, said Christopher Park, Managing Director and Head of Software & Services at Intrepid.
Datassential will host its third annual Foodscape conference in Chicago on September 24-25, 2019, bringing together the world’s top food industry tastemakers, scientists and marketers. Discover the future of food: www.snap.pro/foodscape
Sklar Kirsh LLP were the legal advisors to Datassential, led by Jeff Sklar and Scott Ehrlich.
Deal Team Contacts
Gary Rabishaw, Managing Director
Christopher Park, Managing Director, Head of Software & Services
Media Contact
Stephanie Raven, Marketing Specialist
About Intrepid Investment Bankers
Intrepid provides M&A, capital raising and strategic advisory services to entrepreneurs and middle-market companies in various industry sectors. Our heritage breeds a culture that embraces teamwork, tenacity and creativity to help our clients win big. We believe that every company has an entrepreneurial passion that drives it and a story that defines it. Our team delivers results through skillful positioning and relentless execution. Based in Los Angeles, Intrepid augments its international capabilities through its active participation in Oaklins, an exclusive global alliance of M&A advisory firms.