Former Sunrise host David “Kochie” Koch has revealed his surprising new career move after his departure from breakfast television.
Koch announced on Thursday that he is now part of the “naturally sugar-free movement” after joining an Australian drinks brand by becoming a shareholder and advisor in Nexba and Goodness Group Global, a leading brand in “naturally sugar-free” soft drinks.
It’s the former morning news host’s first major investment since he decided to depart the Seven Network for a life away from the TV studio cameras.
Nexba, which claims to be on a global mission to rid the world of sugar and artificial ingredient consumption, is currently in market raising $7.75 million as part of its ambitious growth strategy.
The company states it has already removed more than 6 billion grams of sugar from global diets.
Its range of crafted soda, kombucha, nootropics, iced tea and mixers are sold in major supermarkets and retail outlets across Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, UK and Europe.
Koch’s investment comes after Australian cricket captain Pat Cummins signed on as a global brand ambassador and shareholder of Goodness Group Global, the parent company of Nexba.
Koch said he met the Nexba founders on a plane a decade ago and when the opportunity arose to become a shareholder, he jumped at the chance.
“I love supporting young Aussie entrepreneurs and Nexba joins a group of 6 other startups and scaleups I’ve invested in over recent years,” Koch added.
He also revealed there are a few key principles that guide him when he is deciding whether or not to invest in a certain company.
“One is the quality and integrity of the founders of the business and the other is having a strong purpose to deliver value and impact long term,” Koch said.
“In the case of Nexba and Goodness Group Global — I overwhelmingly support both.
“We know that Nexba is on a mission to create a lasting impact of better health and wellness and that’s not only a worthy journey to join, but is hopefully a good investment decision as well”, he added.
Nexba co-founder Troy Douglas said he was delighted to have such a well-know personality on board.
“Having Kochie join Goodness Group as an investor and advisor is a significant milestone in the journey of our business,” said Mr Douglas.
“Apart from being a much loved well-known figure, David brings immense expertise and experience in business and his guidance will prove to be invaluable.”
He added Nexba expanded this year to become Goodness Group Global with the aim of building a house of brands that “taste good and do good” while removing sugar and artificial ingredients from consumption.
Koch, known to fans as ‘Kochie’, announced he was quitting the role of co-host of Channel 7’s morning news show Sunrise in May after more than 20 years in the chair.
He told viewers he was leaving the show to work on other projects and spend more time with his family.
“It’s now time to work some business hours I reckon and have a bit of flexibility to focus more on… our very big family… our family business and frankly, my football club as well,” he said at the time.
Koch had been on the show since 2002, continuing at the helm to become the network’s longest-serving breakfast television host.
He’d done more than 5,300 shows in that time, amounting to about 16,000 hours of live television.