The food and beverage industry is undergoing a major transformation, driven by innovation, sustainability, and changing consumer preferences. From plant-based alternatives to functional beverages and tech-driven food solutions, startups are redefining how we eat and drink.
Since 2020, a new wave of food and beverage entrepreneurs has emerged, capturing the interest of investors eager to support disruptive ideas. In this blog, we highlight 15 promising food and beverage startups founded after 2020 that have successfully secured between $1 million and $5 million in funding.
These companies are not only introducing exciting products to the market but also shaping the future of the industry with cutting-edge ingredients, sustainable packaging, and novel business models. Let’s dive into the list and discover the brands making waves in the food and beverage space.
15 Emerging Food & Beverage Startups Raising $1M–$5M
Below is a list of 15 innovative food and beverage startups that have successfully secured funding between $1 million and $5 million. These companies are revolutionizing the industry with new flavors, sustainable solutions, and cutting-edge food technology.
| Company Name | Founded | Location | Number of Employees | Last Funding | Last Funding Date | Total Funding |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rekt Brands | 2023 | Wilmington, DE, USA | 1-10 | $1.5M | Nov 7, 2024 | $2.14M |
| Final Boss Sour | 2023 | Santa Monica, CA, USA | 1-10 | $3M | Oct 29, 2024 | $3M |
| Botanic Tonics | 2021 | Santa Monica, CA, USA | 101-250 | $2.4M | Nov 21, 2024 | $2.4M |
| Sauz | 2023 | Los Angeles, CA, USA | 1-10 | $4.7M | May 2, 2024 | $4.7M |
| Pure Simple Foods | 2021 | Ojai, CA, USA | Not Disclosed | $1.3M | Apr 29, 2024 | $3.3M |
| KEY Energy Drink From Ketones | 2024 | Wilmington, USA | 1-10 | $4M | Apr 24, 2024 | $4M |
| Leisure Hydration | 2022 | Venice, CA, USA | 1-10 | $2.47M | Sep 5, 2024 | $2.47M |
| Wild Common | 2021 | Wilson, WY, USA | 1-10 | $5M | Jun 11, 2024 | $5M |
| Mr Bing Foods | 2020 | New York, NY, USA | 1-10 | $3.6M | Nov 11, 2024 | $3.6M |
| Chubby Snacks | 2020 | Los Angeles, CA, USA | 1-10 | $3.25M | Mar 5, 2024 | $3.25M |
| Lady Nomada | 2024 | Denver, CO, USA | 11-50 | $1.18M | May 10, 2024 | $1.18M |
| Proper Good | 2019 | Bozeman, MT, USA | 1-10 | $5M | Jan 13, 2025 | $5M |
| CauliPuffs | 2023 | Salinas, CA, USA | 1-10 | $1.01M | Mar 13, 2024 | $1.01M |
| Alec’s Ice Cream | 2018 | Petaluma, CA, USA | 1-10 | $1.00M | Apr 18, 2024 | $2.14M |
| L.A. Grocery & Café | 2022 | Los Angeles, CA, USA | 11-50 | $225K | Oct 31, 2024 | $1.03M |
1. Rekt Brands
- Founded: 2023
- Location: Wilmington, Delaware, USA
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Internet Radio, NFT
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $1.5M (Latest Round: November 7, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $2.14M
Rekt Brands is a multi-industry company that combines food and beverage offerings with NFT and digital radio services. The company creates unique consumer experiences by integrating modern digital trends into traditional markets.
Their beverage line features innovative drinks designed to resonate with younger, trend-savvy consumers, while their NFT platform allows users to engage with exclusive digital assets. Additionally, their internet radio service provides a platform for alternative music, digital culture, and blockchain-driven content, making them a unique player at the intersection of technology and lifestyle brands.
Rekt Brands is focused on pushing boundaries in both physical and digital spaces, offering a disruptive approach to branding in the modern age.
2. Final Boss Sour
- Founded: 2023
- Location: Santa Monica, California, USA
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Gaming
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $3M (Latest Round: October 29, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $3M
Final Boss Sour is a gaming-themed snack brand that offers a healthier alternative to traditional sour treats. Inspired by retro gaming aesthetics, the brand merges bold flavors with a fun, nostalgic experience for gamers of all ages.
Unlike conventional sugary snacks, Final Boss Sour focuses on better ingredients, delivering low-sugar, high-energy options designed to fuel long gaming sessions without the crash. Their packaging and marketing tap into gaming culture, featuring references to boss battles, pixel art, and arcade nostalgia to create a unique brand identity in the food space.
With growing demand for health-conscious snacking, Final Boss Sour is positioned to bridge the gap between gaming culture and better-for-you treats, making it a standout in both the snack and gaming industries.
3. Botanic Tonics
- Founded: 2021
- Location: Santa Monica, California, USA
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Personal Health
- Number of Employees: 101-250
- Last Funding Amount: $2.4M (Latest Round: November 21, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $2.4M
Botanic Tonics specializes in plant-based wellness tonics, offering a natural alternative to alcohol, energy drinks, and synthetic focus enhancers. Their signature herbal supplement drink is formulated with a blend of kava and other ancient plants, designed to help consumers relax, focus, and feel good without artificial stimulants.
With the growing demand for natural and functional beverages, Botanic Tonics has positioned itself as a leading brand in the wellness drink market. The company’s products cater to individuals seeking clean energy, stress relief, and social alternatives to alcohol. Their tonics have gained popularity among professionals, athletes, and wellness enthusiasts looking for a balanced, plant-based boost to their daily routines.
4. Sauz
- Founded: 2023
- Location: Los Angeles, California, USA
- Industry: Food and Beverage
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $4.7M (Latest Round: May 2, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $4.7M
Sauz is a food and beverage company that specializes in premium pasta sauces. Their mission is to elevate home cooking by offering high-quality, flavorful, and convenient sauce options made from carefully sourced ingredients.
With a focus on authentic flavors and clean ingredients, Sauz aims to cater to busy professionals, home cooks, and food lovers who want a gourmet experience without the hassle. Their sauces are designed to be versatile and easy to use, allowing customers to create restaurant-quality meals at home with minimal effort.
5. Pure Simple Foods
- Founded: 2021
- Location: Ojai, California, USA
- Industry: Food and Beverage
- Number of Employees: Not Disclosed
- Last Funding Amount: $1.3M (Latest Round: April 29, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $3.3M
Pure Simple Foods is a food manufacturing company dedicated to producing healthy, organic, and minimally processed snacks and meals. Their mission is to provide nutritious, plant-based, and sustainably sourced food options that cater to health-conscious consumers.
With a focus on clean ingredients and sprouted foods, the company aims to offer wholesome alternatives free from artificial additives and preservatives. Their product lineup includes organic snacks, sprouted grains, and functional foods that support gut health, energy, and overall wellness.
Pure Simple Foods prioritizes transparency and quality, ensuring that all products are non-GMO, gluten-free, and made with responsibly sourced ingredients. The company continuously innovates to develop delicious, nutrient-dense options for individuals seeking balanced nutrition and sustainable living. Through partnerships with local farms and eco-friendly suppliers, they strive to minimize their environmental impact while promoting a healthier food ecosystem.
6. KEY Energy Drink From Ketones
- Founded: 2024
- Location: Wilmington, USA
- Industry: Food and Beverage
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $4M (Latest Round: April 24, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $4M
KEY Energy Drink is a pioneering all-natural energy beverage designed to provide sustained, smooth energy using ketones as its primary fuel source. Unlike traditional energy drinks that rely on caffeine and sugar, KEY offers a clean alternative with no crashes, jitters, or artificial stimulants.
Formulated for athletes, professionals, and health-conscious consumers, KEY helps enhance mental clarity, endurance, and overall performance while maintaining stable blood sugar levels. The drink is keto-friendly, sugar-free, and packed with essential nutrients that support optimal metabolism and sustained energy release.
KEY Energy Drink is crafted with premium, science-backed ingredients, making it an ideal choice for those seeking a natural and effective way to stay energized throughout the day.
7. Leisure Hydration
- Founded: 2022
- Location: Venice, California
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Nutrition, Wellness
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $2.47M (Latest Round: September 5, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $2.47M
Leisure Hydration is a brand dedicated to creating premium hydration beverages. Founded by two brothers, both former college athletes, Leisure Hydration was designed to offer delicious and effective electrolyte refreshers in a convenient canned format.
Their drinks are flavored, functional, and packed with the right balance of electrolytes to keep you hydrated and refreshed after workouts, during travel, or just as a healthy daily hydration option. The company focuses on providing clean, natural ingredients and a refreshing taste experience for anyone seeking to elevate their hydration game.
The brand is passionate about wellness, hydration, and promoting an active lifestyle. Through Leisure Hydration, the founders are helping to redefine what it means to hydrate with purpose.
8. Wild Common
- Founded: 2021
- Location: Wilson, Wyoming
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Wine and Spirits
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $5M (Latest Round: June 11, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $5M
Wild Common is an agave spirits company rooted in a deep commitment to tradition, community, and the land. The company is focused on creating premium agave-based beverages that honor the legacy of agave cultivation while respecting sustainable and ethical practices.
Their mission is to produce high-quality spirits that reflect the rich cultural history of agave, blending the craftsmanship of traditional methods with modern sensibilities. Wild Common takes pride in its ability to craft drinks that not only taste good but also carry a story—of the people, culture, and land that contribute to their creation.
The brand appeals to spirit enthusiasts who appreciate authenticity and are seeking flavors that embody craftsmanship and sustainability.
9. Mr Bing Foods
- Founded: 2020
- Location: New York, New York
- Industry: Food and Beverage
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $3.6M (Latest Round: November 11, 2024)
- Total Funding Amount: $3.6M
Mr Bing Foods is an East Asian street sauce company that began as a food kiosk chain in Hong Kong in 2012. The brand was awarded “Rookie of the Year” by the Vendy Awards for Best Street Food in NYC in 2015, highlighting its fast-growing popularity. In 2018, responding to customer demand, Mr. Bing launched its signature Chili Crisp sauce in grocery stores. Since then, the brand has expanded to offer a variety of delicious, bold, and flavorful sauces, including Thai-style sriracha and Sweet and Spicy Chili Crisp Wing Sauce.
Though their street food kiosks closed during the pandemic, Mr. Bing’s legacy continues as its sauces are now available nationwide in grocery stores, restaurants, and online. The brand’s mission is to bring the bold flavors of East Asia into everyday meals, from eggs and rice to burgers and hot dogs, offering a convenient and high-quality option for sauce lovers everywhere.
10. Chubby Snacks
- Founded: 2020
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Industry: Food and Beverage
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $3.25M
- Total Funding Amount: $3.25M (Latest Round: March 5, 2024)
Chubby Snacks is revolutionizing the classic peanut butter and jelly sandwich by creating a healthier, more convenient alternative without compromising on taste. The company offers a reimagined PB&J that’s not only delicious but made with wholesome ingredients, delivering a nutritious snack option for consumers of all ages.
The brand’s focus on using high-quality ingredients means each bite is packed with flavor, while remaining a healthier choice compared to traditional snack options. By providing a better-for-you alternative, Chubby Snacks aims to elevate the PB&J experience with a unique, more balanced approach.
With a strong emphasis on convenience, Chubby Snacks makes it easier than ever to enjoy the nostalgic flavors of peanut butter and jelly while maintaining a focus on health and nutrition. Whether you’re looking for a quick snack or a nutritious meal replacement, Chubby Snacks ensures that eating well can be both tasty and easy.
11. Lady Nomada
- Founded: 2024
- Location: Denver, Colorado
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Hospitality, Restaurants
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $1.18M
- Total Funding Amount: $1.18M (Latest Round: May 10, 2024)
Lady Nomada is a vibrant restaurant concept that brings a fresh and modern approach to dining. Specializing in flavorful, globally inspired cuisine, the restaurant offers a unique fusion of bold flavors, fresh ingredients, and a lively dining atmosphere.
With a strong focus on hospitality, Lady Nomada creates an inviting space where guests can enjoy a carefully curated menu, signature cocktails, and an energetic ambiance. Whether it’s a casual meal, a special occasion, or a night out with friends, the restaurant aims to provide a memorable culinary experience.
Committed to quality and innovation, Lady Nomada continuously evolves its menu to reflect seasonal ingredients and diverse influences. By blending traditional flavors with contemporary techniques, the restaurant is redefining the dining scene in Denver.
12. Proper Good
- Founded: 2019
- Location: Bozeman, Montana
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Food Delivery
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $5M
- Total Funding Amount: $5M (Latest Round: January 13, 2025)
Proper Good is a fast-growing food delivery company that is revolutionizing how busy individuals experience home-cooked meals. Specializing in 90-second, ready-to-eat meals made with clean and wholesome ingredients, Proper Good delivers a convenient and healthy alternative to traditional takeout.
Their diverse meal options include dishes like squash and sausage spaghetti, chicken cordon bleu, savory pumpkin tarts, and keto-friendly cauliflower tortillas, offering a range of choices to suit various dietary preferences. Every meal is designed to be both nutritious and delicious, making it easy for people to enjoy home-cooked flavors without the hassle of preparation.
The company prides itself on using high-quality ingredients, free from artificial additives or preservatives. Proper Good aims to bring wholesome meals directly to the customer’s door, helping them save time while maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Whether you’re craving comfort food or something lighter, Proper Good ensures every meal is satisfying, convenient, and nutritious.
13. CauliPuffs
- Founded: 2023
- Location: Salinas, California
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Organic Food, Snack Food
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $1.01M
- Total Funding Amount: $1.01M (Latest Round: March 13, 2024)
CauliPuffs is an innovative snack brand focused on creating delicious, non-GMO, and gluten-free snacks made from cauliflower. Designed as a healthier alternative to traditional puffs and chips, their snacks deliver a satisfying crunch without artificial ingredients, making them a go-to choice for health-conscious consumers.
Each bite of CauliPuffs is packed with wholesome nutrients while maintaining a light and airy texture. The brand is committed to using high-quality, plant-based ingredients, catering to those who seek better-for-you snack options that don’t compromise on taste.
With a growing demand for clean-label, vegetable-based snacks, CauliPuffs is revolutionizing the snacking industry by offering guilt-free indulgence. Whether you’re looking for a midday snack, a post-workout bite, or something to share at gatherings, CauliPuffs provides a flavorful and nutritious alternative.
14. Alec’s Ice Cream
- Founded: 2018
- Location: Petaluma, California
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Food Processing
- Number of Employees: 1-10
- Last Funding Amount: $1.00M
- Total Funding Amount: $2.14M (Latest Round: April 18, 2024)
Alec’s Ice Cream is a premium frozen food company dedicated to crafting organic, creamy, and delicious ice creams. With a commitment to sustainability and high-quality ingredients, Alec’s Ice Cream sources only the best organic dairy, ensuring a rich, indulgent texture while maintaining an eco-conscious approach to production.
Unlike traditional ice cream brands, Alec’s Ice Cream focuses on regenerative organic farming practices, which support biodiversity and soil health while reducing environmental impact. Each flavor is carefully developed to provide a perfect balance of taste and texture, making it a favorite among ice cream lovers who value both quality and sustainability.
The company has rapidly gained recognition for its innovative approach to frozen treats, offering a variety of flavors that cater to classic tastes and adventurous palates alike. Whether enjoyed as a nostalgic treat or a modern indulgence, Alec’s Ice Cream is redefining what it means to enjoy ice cream with purpose.
15. L.A. Grocery & Café
- Founded: 2022
- Location: Los Angeles, California
- Industry: Food and Beverage, Grocery, Restaurants
- Number of Employees: 11-50
- Last Funding Amount: $225K
- Total Funding Amount: $1.03M (Latest Round: October 31, 2024)
L.A. Grocery & Café is a unique fusion of a grocery store, café, and restaurant, providing customers with an all-in-one destination for fresh food, dining, and everyday essentials. The establishment offers a carefully curated selection of groceries alongside a welcoming café space where customers can enjoy fresh, locally sourced meals.
With a commitment to high-quality ingredients and community-driven service, L.A. Grocery & Café caters to health-conscious shoppers, busy professionals, and families looking for a convenient yet premium shopping and dining experience. The café serves a variety of artisanal coffee, fresh-baked goods, and wholesome meals, while the grocery section focuses on organic and specialty products.
The company prides itself on creating a warm and inclusive atmosphere, making it not just a place to shop and eat but also a hub for social gatherings and culinary exploration. Whether customers are stopping by for a quick coffee, a sit-down meal, or their weekly groceries, L.A. Grocery & Café offers an exceptional blend of convenience and quality.
Conclusion
The food and beverage industry is evolving rapidly, with innovative startups redefining how we eat and drink. These 15 emerging companies, founded after 2020, have secured significant funding to bring fresh ideas, sustainable practices, and unique flavors to the market. Whether through functional beverages, better-for-you snacks, or tech-driven food solutions, these brands are shaping the future of the industry. As they continue to grow and disrupt traditional markets, it will be exciting to see how they influence consumer preferences and dining habits in the years to come.
FAQs
Q. What trends are shaping the food and beverage startup space?
Answer: Key trends include the rise of plant-based and functional foods, sustainability-focused packaging, better-for-you snack alternatives, and beverages designed for wellness and hydration.
Q. How do these startups contribute to sustainability?
Answer: Many of the featured startups emphasize sustainability through eco-friendly packaging, ethically sourced ingredients, and reduced food waste initiatives.
Q. What’s next for these startups?
Answer: With continued funding and growth, these startups are expected to expand their product lines, enter new markets, and refine their branding and sustainability initiatives to meet evolving consumer demands.