Uncovering the Mystery: Who Actually Owns Zoo Culture?
Zoo Culture is a well-known fitness brand in the United States. Founded in 2016 by an American bodybuilder and entrepreneur, the brand has gained popularity among fitness enthusiasts, especially on social media platforms. However, the ownership of Zoo Culture has been a subject of controversy and confusion in recent years. In this article, we’ll delve into the mystery and find out who actually owns Zoo Culture.
The History of Zoo Culture
Before we proceed with the ownership details, let’s take a brief look at the history of Zoo Culture. As mentioned earlier, the brand was founded in 2016 by Bradley Martyn, a bodybuilder and social media personality. The concept behind Zoo Culture was to create a fitness community that promotes not just physical fitness but also mental and emotional wellbeing.
The brand’s name “Zoo Culture” was inspired by Martyn’s personal fitness regime, which involves training like an “animal” in a rigorous and intense manner. The brand quickly gained popularity and became synonymous with motivation, discipline, and hard work.
The Confusion Regarding Ownership
The confusion regarding who owns Zoo Culture began in 2019 when the brand announced its partnership with ghost kitchen company Virtual Dining Concepts (VDC). The partnership was aimed at launching virtual restaurants under the Zoo Culture brand, which would serve healthy food options to customers.
Following the announcement, VDC claimed that it had acquired a majority stake in Zoo Culture and was now the majority owner of the brand. However, neither Martyn nor Zoo Culture acknowledged or denied these claims.
In 2020, the confusion deepened when Zoo Culture announced another partnership with global fitness company Gymshark. The partnership involved the launch of a collaborative collection, which would be sold under both brands.
This led to speculation that Gymshark might have acquired Zoo Culture or at least a part of the brand. However, once again, neither brand confirmed or refuted the rumors.
The Truth About Ownership
It wasn’t until early 2021 that the truth about Zoo Culture’s ownership was finally revealed. In an Instagram post, Bradley Martyn confirmed that he had sold a majority stake in Zoo Culture to VDC. He also acknowledged the confusion that had been created due to the lack of transparency.
Martyn clarified that he still owns a minority stake in the brand and will continue to be involved in its operations and growth. He also assured his followers that the brand’s core values and beliefs would remain unchanged.
The Impact of Ownership Changes on the Brand
The ownership changes have undoubtedly had an impact on Zoo Culture as a brand. Many fans and followers have expressed disappointment and concern over the lack of transparency and the apparent lack of control that Martyn now has over the brand.
Moreover, the partnership with VDC has led to a shift in focus from just fitness to also include food delivery. While this move is aimed at expanding the brand’s reach, it has also raised questions about the authenticity and credibility of the brand’s message.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Zoo Culture’s ownership has been a subject of confusion and controversy in recent years. However, we now know that the majority stake in the brand is owned by Virtual Dining Concepts, while Bradley Martyn still owns a minority stake.
The ownership changes have raised questions about the brand’s authenticity and credibility, but it remains to be seen how this will impact its popularity and growth in the future. Regardless of ownership, Zoo Culture’s core values of motivation, discipline, and hard work remain at the heart of the brand.
