Episode 107: Scaling and selling a coffee business – A conversation with Ed Barry

In today’s episode we’re returning to our funding mini series and speaking with entrepreneur Ed Barry about scaling and ultimately selling a coffee business.

Ed is the former owner of London-based independent cafe chain Over Under Coffee. Since 2017, Ed grew Over Under to a formidable eight-strong chain, plus a franchise in the Middle East, before selling the business to ambitious New York-based start-up Blank Street in 2022.

Following the acquisition, Ed has set up hospitality tech platform Edify Systems.

In this candid conversation, Ed shares his experience of the M&A process, from preparing the business for sale and lengthy due diligence to managing the transition period. He also highlights the importance of meticulous planning and maintaining a focus on sales during the acquisition process

Credits music: "Cry Don’t You" by IONA SKY in association with The Coffee Music Project and SEB Collective

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Guest

Ed Barry
Founder, Edify Systems

Ed Barry is the founder of Edify Systems and is the former owner of Over Under Coffee – a London-based independent café chain. After selling Over Under to Blank Street in 2022, Barry went on to set up tech platform Edify Systems, providing seamless data and back-of-house operation software for hospitality businesses.