The food and beverage industry is undergoing a delicious transformation, driven by innovation and changing consumer demands. Behind many of today’s most exciting food startups are venture capital firms fueling their growth. In this blog, we spotlight the top investors shaping the future of what we eat and drink.
Meet the VCs Behind the Brands
From sustainable packaging to plant-based products and smart food tech, these VC firms are backing bold ideas that are redefining the food and beverage landscape. Below is a curated list of investors who are actively supporting the next generation of F&B innovators.
1. S2G Investments
- Investment Stage: Convertible Note, Debt, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Post-IPO, Seed, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 172
- Number of Lead Investments: 74 (Ripple Foods, Once Upon a Farm, Eat the Change, etc)
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Founded Year: 2014
- Investor Type: Venture Capital
S2G Investments is a Chicago-based venture capital firm that backs innovative companies in food, agriculture, oceans, and energy. Since 2014, they’ve focused on building a healthier and more sustainable world through smart investments. With over 170 companies in its portfolio and lead roles in brands like Ripple Foods, Once Upon a Farm, and Eat the Change, S2G supports bold ideas that reshape how we grow, produce, and consume food. Their mission is to fuel the future of food with purpose and impact.
2. Prelude Ventures
- Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 150
- Number of Lead Investments: 43 (Mill, Mori, Ripple Foods, etc)
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Founded Year: 2013
- Investor Type: Venture Capital
Prelude Ventures is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that invests in companies tackling climate change, including those in the food and beverage space. Since 2013, they’ve supported early and growth-stage startups that are building a more sustainable future. With lead investments in innovative companies like Mill, Mori, and Ripple Foods, Prelude backs bold ideas that improve how we produce and enjoy food. Their mission is to invest in solutions that are good for both people and the planet.
3. Big Idea Ventures
- Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Private Equity, Seed, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 140
- Number of Lead Investments: 62 (SoundEats, Inc., Grounded Foods Co., WTH Foods, etc)
- Location: New York, NY
- Founded Year: 2018
- Investor Type: Accelerator, Micro VC, Venture Capital
Big Idea Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm and accelerator that supports startups in the food and beverage space. Founded in 2018, it focuses on solving big global challenges by backing bold entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers. With over 140 investments and lead roles in companies like SoundEats, Grounded Foods Co, and WTH Foods, Big Idea Ventures helps bring sustainable, innovative food ideas to life. Their mission is to build a better future through smart food solutions that benefit people and the planet.
4. TechRise Chicago
- Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Grant, Seed
- Number of Companies Invested: 139
- Number of Lead Investments: 94 (Not Just Cookies Wholesale Bakery, Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream and Treats, The Virgie, etc)
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Founded Year: 2021
- Investor Type: Startup Competition, Venture Capital
TechRise Chicago is a startup competition and venture initiative that supports Black and Latinx tech founders, including those in the food and beverage space. Launched in 2021, TechRise helps early-stage entrepreneurs grow their businesses through funding and community support. With nearly 140 investments and lead roles in companies like Not Just Cookies Wholesale Bakery, Ida’s Artisan Ice Cream and Treats, and The Virgie, TechRise is helping diverse founders bring fresh, creative food ideas to market. Its mission is to build a more inclusive and thriving startup ecosystem in Chicago.
5. Cleveland Avenue
- Investment Stage: Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Seed, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 135
- Number of Lead Investments: 46 (Beyond Meat, Farmer’s Fridge, Rare Hare Spirits, etc)
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Founded Year: 2015
- Investor Type: Venture Capital
Cleveland Avenue is a Chicago-based venture capital firm that invests in food and beverage companies at all stages—from seed to growth. Founded in 2015, the firm supports bold entrepreneurs who are reshaping how we eat and drink. With over 130 investments and lead roles in standout brands like Beyond Meat, Farmer’s Fridge, and Rare Hare Spirits, Cleveland Avenue backs ideas that blend innovation with flavor. Their mission is to help build the next generation of food and drink brands that people love and trust.
6. AgFunder
- Investment Stage: Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Seed
- Number of Companies Invested: 133
- Number of Lead Investments: 32 (KEY Energy Drink From Ketones, Umaro Foods, etc)
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Founded Year: 2013
- Investor Type: Micro VC, Venture Capital
AgFunder is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage food and agtech startups working to change the global food system for the better. Founded in 2013, AgFunder backs bold ideas that aim to make food healthier, more sustainable, and more accessible. With over 130 investments and lead roles in companies like KEY Energy Drink From Ketones and Umaro Foods, they support founders building the future of food. Their mission is to drive positive change by funding innovation from farm to table.
7. Branded Hospitality
- Investment Stage: Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity, Seed, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 73
- Number of Lead Investments: 11 (Mr Bing Foods, Innovative Tap Solutions Inc, Lavit, etc)
- Location: New York, NY
- Founded Year: 2017
- Investor Type: Accelerator, Corporate Venture Capital, Investment Bank, Private Equity Firm, Syndicate, Venture Capital
Branded Hospitality is a New York-based investment firm that supports food and beverage startups with fresh ideas and strong growth potential. Since 2017, they’ve focused on backing ventures, tech solutions, and media that drive innovation in the hospitality space. With over 70 investments and lead roles in companies like Mr Bing Foods, Innovative Tap Solutions Inc., and Lavit, Branded Hospitality helps bring exciting food and drink experiences to life. Its mission is to fuel the future of hospitality through smart investments and hands-on support.
8. NGEN Partners
- Investment Stage: Debt, Early Stage Venture, Grant, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 66
- Number of Lead Investments: 21 (BrightFarms)
- Location: New York, NY
- Founded Year: 2001
- Investor Type: Venture Capital
NGEN Partners is a New York-based venture capital firm that invests in innovative food and beverage companies. Since 2001, they’ve been committed to supporting passionate entrepreneurs with bold ideas that make a positive impact. With lead investments in companies like BrightFarms, NGEN Partners helps bring fresh, sustainable food solutions to the market. Their goal is to back businesses that improve health, support the planet, and shape the future of how we eat.
9. VMG Partners
- Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Seed, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 51
- Number of Lead Investments: 34 (nutpods, SmashMallow, Spindrift, etc)
- Location: San Francisco, CA
- Founded Year: 2005
- Investor Type: Private Equity Firm, Venture Capital
VMG Partners is a San Francisco-based private equity and venture capital firm that partners with founders to grow standout consumer brands. Since 2005, they’ve focused on helping food and beverage companies reach their full potential. With lead investments in popular names like Nutpods, SmashMallow, and Spindrift, VMG Partners supports businesses that bring fresh, high-quality products to market. Their mission is to fuel the growth of brands people love by providing both capital and hands-on expertise.
10. Siddhi Capital
- Investment Stage: Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 51
- Number of Lead Investments: 9 (Mid-Day Squares, Momofuku Goods, Good Fish, etc)
- Location: Cherry Hill, NJ
- Founded Year: 2017
- Investor Type: Private Equity Firm, Venture Capital
Siddhi Capital is a Cherry Hill-based venture capital and private equity firm that invests in growing food and beverage companies. Since 2017, they’ve focused on helping brands scale with smart funding and industry expertise. With lead investments in exciting names like Mid-Day Squares, Momofuku Goods, and Good Fish, Siddhi Capital backs bold founders who are changing the way we eat. Their mission is to support high-quality, innovative food brands that connect with today’s consumers.
11. Acre Venture Partners
- Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 47
- Number of Lead Investments: 24 (Uplifting Results Labs, The Safe + Fair Food Company, Back to the Roots, etc)
- Location: Santa Monica, CA
- Founded Year: 2016
- Investor Type: Venture Capital
Acre Venture Partners is a Santa Monica-based venture capital firm that invests in food and agriculture companies driving real change. Since 2016, they’ve backed early and growth-stage startups that focus on health, sustainability, and transparency. With lead investments in companies like Uplifting Results Labs, The Safe + Fair Food Company, and Back to the Roots, Acre supports brands that are reshaping how we grow and enjoy food. Their mission is to build a better food system—one innovative company at a time.
12. Lever VC
- Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Seed, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 44
- Number of Lead Investments: 14 (THIS, Nude, Marvelous Foods, etc)
- Location: Brooklyn, CT
- Founded Year: 2018
- Investor Type: Venture Capital
Lever VC is a Brooklyn-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage food and beverage companies focused on alternative proteins. Founded in 2018, Lever VC backs startups that are creating better, more sustainable ways to produce meat, dairy, and other protein-rich foods. With lead investments in companies like THIS, Nude, and Marvelous Foods, they support bold ideas that are changing what we eat and how it’s made. Their mission is to shape the future of food with smarter, healthier, and more sustainable options.
13. RSE Ventures
- Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 43
- Number of Lead Investments: 11 (Milk Bar, &pizza, Momofuku Goods, etc)
- Location: New York, NY
- Founded Year: 2012
- Investor Type: Incubator, Private Equity Firm, Venture Capital
RSE Ventures is a New York-based private investment firm that backs bold brands in food, lifestyle, tech, and more. Since 2012, they’ve focused on early-stage companies with fresh ideas and strong growth potential. In the food and beverage space, RSE has led investments in standout names like Milk Bar, &pizza, and Momofuku Goods. Their mission is to partner with creative founders and help build brands that connect with people, shape culture, and stand out in today’s market.
14. Leap Venture Studio
- Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Seed
- Number of Companies Invested: 42
- Number of Lead Investments: 22 (Omni, Pawgone Good, Skona Pet Food, etc)
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Founded Year: 2018
- Investor Type: Accelerator, Corporate Venture Capital, Venture Capital
Leap Venture Studio is a Los Angeles-based startup accelerator and venture capital firm that supports early-stage companies in the pet care space. Since 2018, they’ve focused on driving innovation in the growing pet ecosystem, including pet food and wellness. With lead investments in companies like Omni, Pawgone Good, and Skona Pet Food, Leap backs brands that bring healthier, smarter options to pet owners. Its mission is to help build the future of pet care through creative ideas and strong partnerships.
15. GroundForce Capital
- Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Seed, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 40
- Number of Lead Investments: 22 (Fermented Sciences, Miyoko’s Kitchen, Beanfields, etc)
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Founded Year: 2015
- Investor Type: Private Equity Firm, Venture Capital
GroundForce Capital is a Los Angeles-based investment firm that backs high-potential companies in the food and beverage space. Since 2015, they’ve focused on supporting brands that bring better, more sustainable products to market. With lead investments in companies like Fermented Sciences, Miyoko’s Kitchen, and Beanfields, GroundForce helps bold founders grow businesses that make a real difference. Their mission is to drive positive change through smart investments in the future of food.
16. Unovis Asset Management
- Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 39
- Number of Lead Investments: 7 (NUMU Vegan, Wicked Foods, Paragon Pure, etc)
- Location: New York, NY
- Founded Year: 2016
- Investor Type: Venture Capital
Unovis Asset Management is a New York-based venture capital firm that invests in the future of food by supporting plant-based and cultivated alternatives to animal products. Since 2016, they’ve partnered with forward-thinking companies to create more sustainable and ethical food choices. With lead investments in brands like NUMU Vegan, Wicked Foods, and Paragon Pure, Unovis backs founders reimagining what we eat. They aim to help build a healthier planet through smarter, plant-powered innovation.
17. CAVU Consumer Partners
- Investment Stage: Convertible Note, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity, Seed, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 37
- Number of Lead Investments: 24 (Native Pet, Poppi, Once Upon a Farm, etc)
- Location: New York, NY
- Founded Year: 2015
- Investor Type: Venture Capital
CAVU Consumer Partners is a New York-based venture capital firm that invests in “better-for-you” food and beverage brands. Since 2015, they’ve focused on helping health-conscious, consumer-focused companies grow and thrive. With lead investments in popular brands like Native Pet, Poppi, and Once Upon a Farm, CAVU supports founders who are creating products people love and trust. Their mission is to back bold ideas that make everyday choices healthier, tastier, and better for all.
18. Danone Manifesto Venture
- Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 31
- Number of Lead Investments: 12 (Harmless Harvest, MOJU, Laird Superfood, etc)
- Location: New York, NY
- Founded Year: 2016
- Investor Type: Venture Capital
Danone Manifesto Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm that partners with entrepreneurs leading the food revolution. Founded in 2016, their goal is to bring health through food to as many people as possible. They focus on early-stage investments in brands that promote wellness and sustainability. With lead investments in companies like Harmless Harvest, MOJU, and Laird Superfood, Danone Manifesto Ventures supports bold founders creating better food for a better world.
19. InvestBev
- Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Post-IPO, Seed, Venture
- Number of Companies Invested: 29
- Number of Lead Investments: 19 (Renais Spirits, Sèchey, Rare Character Whiskey, etc)
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Founded Year: 2018
- Investor Type: Private Equity Firm, Venture Capital
InvestBev is a Chicago-based private equity and venture capital firm that focuses on growing premium adult beverage brands. Founded in 2018, they invest in early-stage and emerging companies that bring fresh ideas to the drink space. With lead investments in brands like Renais Spirits, Sèchey, and Rare Character Whiskey, InvestBev supports bold founders who are reshaping the future of beverages. Their mission is to blend tradition with innovation and help unique brands thrive in a competitive market.
20. Morrison Seger Venture Capital Partners
- Investment Stage: Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Seed
- Number of Companies Invested: 22
- Number of Lead Investments: 8 (CATCH’N Ice Cream, Siempre Spirits, NOMAD Grills, etc)
- Location: Dallas, TX
- Founded Year: 2022
- Investor Type: Venture Capital
Morrison Seger Venture Capital Partners is a Dallas-based venture capital firm that invests in exciting, fast-growing companies, including those in the food and beverage space. Founded in 2022, the firm focuses on supporting early and late-stage startups with big potential. With lead investments in brands like CATCH’N Ice Cream, Siempre Spirits, and NOMAD Grills, Morrison Seger backs bold entrepreneurs bringing fresh ideas to market. Its mission is to help emerging businesses grow and make a lasting impact.
Conclusion
As consumer tastes evolve and food innovation accelerates, these VC firms are playing a key role in shaping the industry’s future. Whether you’re a founder or a food enthusiast, keeping an eye on these investors reveals where the next big trends in food and beverage are being born.
FAQs
Q. What types of food and beverage companies do VC firms invest in?
Answer: Venture capital firms typically invest in innovative food and beverage startups, such as plant-based products, health-focused snacks, sustainable packaging, alt-meat, functional beverages, and food tech platforms.
Q. How can a food startup attract VC funding?
Answer: Startups should showcase strong product-market fit, consumer traction, scalable operations, and a clear vision. A solid brand story and alignment with current trends (e.g., wellness, sustainability) also help attract investors.
Q. At what stage do VC firms invest in food startups?
Answer: It varies. Some firms invest early (seed and Series A), while others join during growth stages. Many food-focused VCs provide long-term support across multiple funding rounds.