About Connective Ventures Group

U.S. Retail Entry Operators bridging procurement intelligence with international execution.

Our Mission

We partner with high-performing consumer brands from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East to successfully enter and scale within major U.S. retailers. We don't "introduce." We prepare you to win.

Who We Are

Connective Ventures Group is a U.S. retail entry consulting firm specializing in bringing international consumer brands into the American market. Unlike traditional brokers or agents, we operate as strategic partners who understand both sides of the equation: what retailers need and what international brands face when entering a new market.

Our unique value proposition comes from combining deep retail procurement experience with proven international business execution. This allows us to prepare brands for U.S. market entry with both strategic insight and operational capability.

We focus on four primary sectors: Beauty, Health, Fashion, and Food & Beverage—categories where we have direct procurement experience and established retail relationships.

Our Founders

Bryson Niemann

Co-Founder | Former Target Procurement Officer

Bryson brings insider knowledge of retail procurement processes from his experience as a Procurement Officer at Target. He understands the buyer's perspective—what gets approved, what gets rejected, and why.

His procurement experience spans multiple major retailers, giving him unique insight into vendor onboarding standards, category review processes, and retail margin structures across the industry.

Core Expertise:

  • Buyer Psychology: Understanding how retail buyers evaluate new brands and make category decisions
  • Retail Margin Structure: Deep knowledge of pricing expectations and profitability requirements
  • Vendor Onboarding Standards: Exact requirements for compliance, insurance, and operational readiness
  • Category Review Processes: What gets approved vs. rejected in retail category reviews

Procurement Experience:

Target
CVS Health
Cub Foods
Walmart

He knows how U.S. buyers think.

Abdirahman Ali

Co-Founder | International Business Operator

Abdirahman is an entrepreneur with over 10 years of experience building and scaling companies across healthcare, retail, and international trade. He brings operational expertise in managing cross-border business complexities.

His background in international sourcing, supply chain development, and multi-market expansion provides the operational foundation needed to execute successful U.S. market entries for international brands.

Core Expertise:

  • International Sourcing & Import/Export: Managing cross-border product movement and compliance
  • Supply Chain Development: Building distribution infrastructure from international origin to U.S. market
  • Multi-Market Expansion: Scaling businesses across different geographic markets and regulatory environments
  • Regulatory Navigation: Managing compliance requirements across jurisdictions
  • Operational System Building: Creating scalable infrastructure for growth

Industry Experience:

Healthcare
Retail
International Trade

He knows how to execute globally.

Together, Connective Ventures Group bridges:

Procurement Intelligence + International Execution

This unique combination allows us to prepare international brands for U.S. retail success with both strategic insight and operational capability.

What Makes Us Different

Insider Procurement Knowledge

We've sat on the buyer's side of the table at Target, CVS, Cub Foods, and Walmart. We know exactly what procurement teams look for and what causes rejections.

International Execution Experience

10+ years of operational experience building international companies. We understand the complexities brands face when entering new markets.

Proven Process

Our 3-phase methodology builds proof before pitching hope. We validate, build regional momentum, then approach national retailers with data.

We Are:

U.S. Retail Entry Operators

Strategic partners who prepare international brands for U.S. retail success through procurement intelligence, operational execution, and proven market entry methodology.

Our Approach

Data-Driven Strategy

Retail buyers make decisions based on data, not enthusiasm. We help brands build the sales data, velocity metrics, and market performance proof that procurement teams require before considering new vendors.

Operational Readiness

Major retailers have strict vendor requirements: EDI capability, GS1 barcoding, product liability insurance, regulatory compliance, and logistics standards. We ensure brands meet every requirement before buyer meetings.

Phased Market Entry

We don't rush to national retailers. Our 3-phase approach validates product-market fit, builds regional retail momentum, and only then approaches major retailers with proven performance data. This dramatically increases approval rates.

Long-Term Partnership

U.S. market entry isn't a one-time event—it's an ongoing process. We remain strategic advisors throughout the scaling journey, helping optimize performance, navigate buyer relationships, and expand distribution strategically.

Ready to Partner With Us?

If you're a high-performing consumer brand from Europe, Asia, or the Middle East looking to enter the U.S. retail market, let's discuss your strategy.

[email protected] 612-496-8493