Biography of Candace Nelson: Founder of CN2 Ventures, Pizzana & Investor
Candace Nelson: From Banking to Baking
Candace Nelson's journey to entrepreneurial success is a
tale of transformation. Originally from a background in investment banking and
internet startups, she took an unexpected turn by following her true passion:
baking. After years of working in finance, Candace decided to pursue a new
direction and attended pastry school. Little did she know, this would be the
beginning of an extraordinary career in the food industry.
The Birth of Sprinkles
In 2005, Candace made her mark on the world by opening the
doors of Sprinkles, the world’s first cupcake bakery. Located in Beverly Hills,
the small 600-square-foot bakery quickly revolutionized the bakery industry.
Despite skepticism from some early critics, Sprinkles went on to become a
global phenomenon, igniting the cupcake craze that took over the world.
Innovative Cupcake ATM
In 2012, Candace took her innovative spirit even further
with the introduction of the Cupcake ATM, a groundbreaking contactless system
for cupcake delivery. This novel idea allowed customers to purchase freshly
made cupcakes with the press of a button, making it easier than ever to enjoy
the sweet treats. This concept was ahead of its time and added to Sprinkles'
reputation for being at the forefront of innovation in the baking industry.
A Growing Empire
With Sprinkles continuing to grow, Candace sold the business
to the private equity firm KarpReilly in 2012. However, her entrepreneurial
journey did not stop there. By then, Sprinkles had sold over 200 million
cupcakes, opened over 20 locations, and created 30 Cupcake ATMs. Her success
had expanded beyond cupcakes, leaving a lasting impact on the global food
scene.
The Launch of Pizzana
Candace didn’t stop at cupcakes. In 2017, she co-founded
Pizzana, a rapidly growing chain of Neo-Neapolitan pizzerias. Known for its
innovative pizza offerings, Pizzana became a leader in the "third
wave" of pizza concepts. This new direction solidified Los Angeles as a
pizza destination, and the company revolutionized pizza takeout with its unique
heat-and-slice-at-home method. Pizzana also expanded nationally by offering
frozen pizza for shipping.
Best in Dough on Hulu
Candace's success as an entrepreneur also extends to
television. In 2021, she co-created and executive produced “Best in Dough,” a
Hulu show that stars Pizzana's Executive Chef, Daniele Uditi. The show
celebrates the art of pizza making, and Candace’s involvement further cemented
her status as a prominent figure in the culinary world. It is yet another
example of her ability to combine passion with business.
CN2 Ventures: Investing in the Future
In addition to her work in food, Candace founded CN2
Ventures in 2020, a family office and venture studio. CN2 Ventures focuses on
investing in early-stage consumer companies, particularly those with bold
concepts and strong leadership. Candace’s knack for spotting potential and
elevating simple ideas into successful brands has made her an influential
figure in the venture capital space.
Championing Female Founders
Through CN2 Ventures, Candace has made a concerted effort to
support underrepresented founders, especially women. Her focus on helping these
entrepreneurs grow and succeed aligns with her commitment to empowering others
in the business world. Candace’s investments reflect her dedication to
diversity and inclusion in the startup ecosystem.
Biography of Candace Nelson: Founder of CN2 Ventures, Pizzana & Investor-Entrepreneur#startup#age#net worth#Author#Candace Nelson story#CN2 Ventures
Author and Wall Street Journal Contributor
Candace is also a published author. Her book, Sweet Success:
A Simple Recipe For Turning Your Passion Into Profit, was released in November
2022 and became a Wall Street Journal bestseller. The book offers insights and
guidance for aspiring entrepreneurs looking to turn their passions into
profitable businesses. In addition to her book, Candace is a regular
contributor to the Wall Street Journal, sharing her expertise with a wider
audience.
Television Appearances: A Sweet Spot in Entertainment
Candace’s entrepreneurial accomplishments have earned her
appearances on popular TV shows. She is a star and executive producer of
Netflix’s Sugar Rush and a judge on Food Network’s Cupcake Wars, where she’s
appeared in over 100 episodes. Her role in these shows has made her a familiar
face to food lovers everywhere, further solidifying her influence in the
culinary world.
The Early Days: A Different Path
Before embarking on her entrepreneurial journey, Candace
worked in investment banking and internet startups. These early experiences in
the business world gave her valuable insights into the financial aspects of
running a company. However, her true passion for baking led her to a career
that was far more fulfilling, ultimately shaping her into the influential
entrepreneur she is today.
From Beverly Hills to the World
Sprinkles’ success was not limited to its small Beverly
Hills bakery. As the company grew, it spread its sweet offerings across the
globe. Candace’s innovative approach to baking, such as creating an ATM for
cupcakes, helped her brand stand out and capture the hearts of customers
worldwide. Today, Sprinkles is a household name in the dessert industry.
Pizzana's Impact on Pizza Culture
Candace’s Pizzana venture has been just as successful as
Sprinkles, disrupting the pizza industry in much the same way. By leading the
"third wave" of pizza, Pizzana has redefined how people view and
enjoy pizza. The company’s innovative approach to pizza, combined with its
commitment to quality ingredients, has earned it recognition as one of the top
pizzerias in the United States.
CN2 Ventures' Diverse Portfolio
Through CN2 Ventures, Candace has backed a diverse range of
startups in various sectors, including specialty food, health, wellness, and
early childhood education. Her keen eye for potential and her ability to
identify groundbreaking ideas has allowed her to build a portfolio of
successful businesses that align with her values of innovation and inclusivity.
Candace's Personal Life
In addition to her work as a businesswoman and television
personality, Candace is a wife and mother. She lives in Los Angeles with her
husband, two sons, and their Norwich terrier, Willy. Her family plays an
important role in her life, and she often draws inspiration from her personal
experiences as she navigates the world of business.
A Legacy of Sweet Success
Candace Nelson’s entrepreneurial journey is a testament to
the power of following one’s passion and turning it into a thriving business.
From revolutionizing the cupcake industry to reshaping the pizza world and
investing in the future of consumer goods, Candace continues to inspire others
with her creativity, drive, and commitment to success. Her legacy is one of
innovation, empowerment, and, of course, sweet success.
Timeline for story
Early 2000s: Candace worked in investment banking and
internet startups.
2005: Opened Sprinkles, the world’s first cupcake bakery in
Beverly Hills.
2012: Introduced the innovative Cupcake ATM at Sprinkles.
2012: Sold Sprinkles to private equity firm KarpReilly.
2017: Co-founded Pizzana, a chain of Neo-Neapolitan
pizzerias.
2020: Founded CN2 Ventures, a venture studio focused on
early-stage consumer companies.
2021: Co-created and executive produced Hulu’s Best in
Dough.
2022: Published Sweet Success, a Wall Street Journal
bestseller.
2022: Continued appearances as a judge on Cupcake Wars and
star on Sugar Rush.
