The food and beverage industry is constantly evolving, with innovative startups at the forefront of transforming the way we eat, drink, and think about food. Between 2015 and 2020, a new wave of food and beverage companies emerged, bringing fresh ideas, unique products, and sustainable practices to the market.
These startups are not only disrupting the industry but also attracting significant investments to fuel their growth. Recently, many of these companies have successfully raised between $10M to $50M, signaling strong investor confidence in their potential.
In this blog, we’ll spotlight 10 food and beverage startups founded between 2015 and 2020 that are making waves and securing major funding to continue their innovative journeys. Let’s dive into the world of cutting-edge food and beverage innovation!
Food & Beverage Startups Founded Between 2015-2020 That Raised $10M to $50M
| Company Name | Founded | Location | Number of Employees | Last Funding | Last Funding Date | Total Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Immi | 2019 | San Francisco, California | 11-50 | $3M | Dec 12, 2024 | $16.8M |
| Wilde Brands | 2015 | Boulder, Colorado | 51-100 | $20M | Apr 23, 2024 | $26.1M |
| Hawaiian Bros Island Grill | 2018 | Kansas City, Missouri | 1001-5000 | $650K | May 21, 2024 | $48.6M |
| Crafty | 2015 | Chicago, Illinois | 101-250 | $8.7M | May 31, 2024 | $24.8M |
| Row 7 Seed Company | 2018 | Dobbs Ferry, New York | 1-10 | $5.3M | Nov 15, 2024 | $25.4M |
| TeaRIOT | 2016 | Marina Del Rey, California | 1-10 | $700K | Jul 24, 2024 | $10.7M |
| Fresho | 2016 | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | 51-100 | $17M | Nov 26, 2024 | $34.23M |
| Liven | 2015 | Melbourne, Victoria, Australia | 101-250 | A$14.03M | Dec 2, 2024 | A$14.03M |
| Vytal | 2019 | Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany | 51-100 | €6.2M | Jun 28, 2024 | $19.07M |
| Lucky Saint | 2018 | London, England, United Kingdom | 11-50 | £10M | Feb 28, 2024 | £10M |
1. Immi
- Founded: 2019
- Location: San Francisco, California
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Funding Raised: $3M (Latest Round: Dec 12, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $16.8M
Immi is a food and beverage company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in manufacturing instant ramen with low net carbs and high protein. With a team of 11-50 employees, the company provides plant-based, keto-friendly, high-fiber, and low-sodium instant ramen, offering consumers a healthier, quick meal option. Founded in 2019, Immi has raised a total of $16.8 million in funding, with its latest round securing $3 million. The company’s mission is to provide healthier alternatives in the instant noodle space and make nutritious meals accessible to busy consumers.
2. Wilde Brands
- Founded: 2015
- Location: Boulder, Colorado
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Manufacturing
- Number of Employees: 51-100
- Funding Raised: $20M (Latest Round: Apr 23, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $26.1M
Wilde Brands is a food and beverage company based in Boulder, Colorado, specializing in manufacturing meat-based protein snack bars and chips. With a team of 51-100 employees, the company produces slow-roasted, premium protein snacks made from hand-cut lean meats and superfoods. Wilde Brands offers a variety of products, including beef jerky, dried fruit, dried vegetables, meat-based snacks, and vegetable chips, catering to meat lovers seeking healthy, convenient snacks. Founded in 2015, Wilde Brands has raised a total of $26.1 million in funding, with its latest round securing $20 million. The company’s mission is to deliver delicious, protein-packed snacks that support an active lifestyle.
3. Hawaiian Bros Island Grill
- Founded: 2018
- Location: Kansas City, Missouri
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Restaurants
- Number of Employees: 1001-5000
- Funding Raised: $650K (Latest Round: May 21, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $48.6M
Hawaiian Bros Island Grill is a restaurant chain based in Kansas City, Missouri, offering authentic Hawaiian plate lunches, sides, and salads. With a large team of 1001-5000 employees, the company is driven by a mission to spread the Aloha Spirit to customers, employees, communities, and partners. Founded in 2018, Hawaiian Bros Island Grill has raised a total of $48.6 million in funding, with its latest round securing $650,000. The company focuses on bringing the flavors and culture of Hawaii to the mainland, offering customers a unique dining experience with a variety of delicious Hawaiian-inspired dishes.
4. Crafty
- Founded: 2015
- Location: Chicago, Illinois
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Software
- Number of Employees: 101-250
- Funding Raised: $8.7M (Latest Round: May 31, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $24.8M
Crafty is a platform based in Chicago, Illinois, that streamlines food, beverage, and supply management for workplaces. With a team of 101-250 employees, Crafty supports in-office, remote, and hybrid teams globally by managing services such as pantry stocking, catering, and office supplies. Founded in 2015, Crafty partners with global brands to enhance workplace experiences and productivity, serving over 260 offices and 300,000 employees monthly. The company has raised a total of $24.8 million in funding, with its latest round securing $8.7 million. Crafty aims to transform workplace environments by offering convenient and customizable food and beverage solutions.
5. Row 7 Seed Company
- Founded: 2018
- Location: Dobbs Ferry, New York
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Marketplace
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Funding Raised: $5.3M (Latest Round: Nov 15, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $25.4M
Row 7 Seed Company, based in Dobbs Ferry, New York, is an organic food company offering an online marketplace for organic, unpatented seeds. With a small team of 1-10 employees, the company was created by chefs and breeders to provide high-quality seeds for organic farming. Founded in 2018, Row 7 has raised a total of $25.4 million in funding, with its latest round securing $5.3 million. The company’s mission is to make organic seeds more accessible and to support sustainable food production practices.
6. TeaRIOT
- Founded: 2016
- Location: Marina Del Rey, California
- Industry: Food and Beverage
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Funding Raised: $700K (Latest Round: Jul 24, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $10.7M
TeaRIOT is a tea brand based in Marina Del Rey, California, specializing in organic fresh-brewed tea designed to provide natural energy. With a small team of 1-10 employees, the company blends tea with fruits and vegetables, ensuring a product that is free from cane sugar, preservatives, and GMOs. Founded in 2016, TeaRIOT has raised a total of $10.7 million in funding, with its latest round securing $700,000. The brand’s mission is to offer a delicious and healthy alternative to traditional energy drinks, supporting an active and balanced lifestyle.
7. Fresho
- Founded: 2016
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Industry: Food and Beverage
- Number of Employees: 51-100
- Funding Raised: $17M (Latest Round: Nov 26, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $34.23M
Fresho is a Melbourne-based software company that provides a seamless ordering and management platform for fresh food wholesalers and suppliers. The software helps businesses streamline order processing, warehouse operations, invoicing, and payments, making daily operations more efficient. Designed for accessibility anytime and anywhere, Fresho aims to revolutionize the fresh food supply chain by enhancing productivity and reducing waste. Since its founding in 2016, the company has secured $34.23 million in funding, with its latest round raising $17 million.
8. Liven
- Founded: 2015
- Location: Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Hotel, Loyalty Programs
- Number of Employees: 101-250
- Funding Raised: A$14.03M (Latest Round: Dec 2, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: A$14.03M
Liven is a Melbourne-based tech startup specializing in blockchain-powered digital payments and customer engagement solutions for the hospitality industry. As a winner of Richard Branson’s Extreme Tech Challenge, Liven offers a plug-and-play platform that helps venues attract, reward, and retain customers through unique incentives such as LVN rewards, exclusive experiences, and pre-purchased Foodollars. By empowering brands to own their data and build dedicated communities, Liven eliminates the need for costly third-party platforms. Since its founding in 2015, the company has raised A$14.03 million to enhance its mission of revolutionizing customer loyalty in the food and hospitality sectors.
9. Vytal
- Founded: 2019
- Location: Cologne, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Germany
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Recycling, Snack Food
- Number of Employees: 51-100
- Funding Raised: €6.2M (Latest Round: Jun 28, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $19.07M
Vytal is a Cologne-based company providing software-enabled reusable packaging solutions aimed at eliminating single-use waste in the food and beverage industry. The company offers a smart reusable container system and management software to support sustainable takeaway and delivery services. Serving restaurants, supermarkets, caterers, canteens, and event organizers, Vytal’s innovative approach helps businesses reduce environmental impact while maintaining convenience. Since its founding in 2019, the company has raised over $19 million to drive the transition toward a circular economy in food packaging.
10. Lucky Saint
- Founded: 2018
- Location: London, England, United Kingdom
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Manufacturing, Wine and Spirits
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Funding Raised: £10M (Latest Round: Feb 28, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: £10M
Lucky Saint is a London-based brewery specializing in high-quality, alcohol-free beer. Known for its superior unfiltered lager, the company blends heritage brewing techniques with modern innovation to create a full-flavored drinking experience without the alcohol. By focusing on craftsmanship and premium ingredients, Lucky Saint has positioned itself as a leading brand in the growing non-alcoholic beer market. Since its founding in 2018, the company has raised £10 million to expand its production and distribution.
Conclusion
The food and beverage industry is evolving rapidly, with companies like Fresho, Liven, Vytal, and Lucky Saint leading the way through innovation and sustainability. From streamlining supply chain operations and enhancing customer engagement to promoting eco-friendly packaging and redefining beverage choices, these businesses are shaping the future of the industry. Technology-driven solutions, digital payment integrations, and sustainable practices are becoming essential for long-term success. As consumer preferences shift toward convenience, transparency, and environmental responsibility, companies that adapt to these changes will continue to thrive in an increasingly competitive market.
FAQs
Q. How is technology shaping the food and beverage industry?
Answer: Technology is streamlining operations, improving customer engagement, and enhancing sustainability efforts. Platforms like Fresho optimize supply chain management, Liven integrates digital payments and loyalty programs, and Vytal offers reusable packaging solutions to reduce waste.
Q. Why is sustainability important in the food and beverage sector?
Answer: Sustainability helps reduce environmental impact, minimize food waste, and meet consumer demand for eco-friendly solutions. Companies like Vytal are leading the way by offering reusable packaging, while brands like Lucky Saint focus on healthier, alcohol-free beverage alternatives.
Q. What challenges do food and beverage startups face?
Answer: Startups often face challenges such as high competition, regulatory compliance, supply chain management, and adapting to changing consumer trends. However, leveraging technology and sustainability can provide a competitive edge in the industry.