Founder of Kapowder Faces Fraud Accusations from Woolworths, Neighbors, and Supermodel Partner
The article details alleged financial misconduct by Sarah Davey, founder of the vegan skincare and supplement company Kapowder. Davey faces accusations of fraud from multiple parties, including Australian supermarket giant Woolworths, a neighboring couple (Nick and Natalie Meadows), and her business partner, supermodel Valentina Ferrer.
Allegations by Woolworths
Woolworths alleges that between July and November 2022, it mistakenly overpaid Kapowder $2.75 million for products. The company states it believed the carton price was the unit price, leading to the overpayment.
Woolworths further claims that Davey then drafted and sent invoices matching the erroneous higher payments instead of rectifying the mistake.
Upon discovering the error in November 2022, Woolworths asserts Davey initially agreed to repay the funds. However, payments allegedly ceased by July 2023, leaving $1.36 million outstanding. Woolworths pursued legal action in August 2024, securing a default judgment in October, and in March 2025, orders declared Davey bankrupt.
Allegations by the Meadows Family
Nick and Natalie Meadows, former neighbors of Davey, claim they were deceived into providing a $100,000 loan to Kapowder in April 2024. The couple alleges Davey presented an investment prospectus projecting $6 million in revenue and a $50 million valuation for the company.
Based on their friendship and Kapowder's presence in Woolworths, the Meadows agreed to the loan, which was to be repaid or converted to equity within a year.
When the Meadows requested repayment of $120,000 (including a promised 20% return) in April 2025, Davey allegedly provided delayed responses, claiming funds were in transfer. She later sent a payment photo with an incorrect bank account digit. The Meadows reported Davey to Victoria Police for allegedly obtaining a financial advantage by deception. In November of the prior year, the Meadows initiated court action against Davey and Kapowder, leading to the appointment of liquidators due to unpaid debts.
Allegations by Valentina Ferrer
Supermodel Valentina Ferrer, who was a shareholder and spokesperson for Kapowder, also initiated legal action against Davey in Miami. Ferrer alleges Davey withheld critical information about Kapowder, including its legal issues, and expressed disappointment with Davey's conduct. In January, Ferrer obtained a default judgment against Davey.
Ferrer's lawyers stated that it was "very upsetting" to discover Davey's actions.
Background and Impact
Sarah Davey, described as charming and intelligent, founded Kapowder, a vegan skincare and nutritional supplement start-up. In 2019, she partnered with Valentina Ferrer, leveraging Ferrer's significant social media following and wellness reputation. Kapowder products were stocked by retailers like Erewhon, Revolve, and Woolworths.
The legal and financial issues have led to Davey being declared bankrupt, and the Kapowder brand is reportedly defunct. Victoria Police confirmed an ongoing investigation into the Meadows' complaint, with no arrests made as of yet.
Due to Davey's bankruptcy, parties like Ferrer and the Meadows family are considered unlikely to recover their funds.