The ice cream production industry in the US is a vibrant sector marked by innovation and evolving consumer tastes. This industry features a wide range of companies, from large-scale manufacturers producing familiar flavors to small artisanal brands experimenting with unique ingredients. With growing demand for alternative options like plant-based and dairy-free varieties, many companies are now catering to health-conscious consumers. The market is also seeing shifts towards online distribution and gourmet offerings, reflecting trends in convenience and quality. Interestingly, in 2023 alone, ice cream sales reached upwards of $10 billion, showcasing its enduring popularity.

The investors in this list represent various types, including venture capital and corporate investment firms. They are headquartered across the US, from California to New Orleans, and vary in size from small teams to large corporations. Founded between 1888 and 2023, these firms have collectively engaged in 1,668 deals within the ice cream production space in 2024. This dynamic group illustrates not only the significance of financial support in advancing ice cream innovation but also the industry's appeal to investors seeking growth opportunities.

Top 13 Ice Cream Production Investors in the US

1. Sosv

• Website: sosv.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1995
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 170
• LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, SOSV has made significant investments in the ice cream production context, particularly through its involvement with Perfect Day, which raised substantial funding in multiple rounds, including $90 million in Series E and $350 million in Series D. Additionally, Sosv has invested in Dollop Gourmet, a company that produces gourmet ice cream products, further solidifying its presence in the ice cream sector.

2. The Middleby Corporation

• Website: middleby.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Elgin, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1888
• Headcount: 5001-10000
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: middleby-corporation

The Middleby Corporation is a corporate investor based in Elgin, Illinois, specializing in the manufacturing of commercial and residential cooking and industrial process equipment. Founded in 1888, Middleby has a strong commitment to innovation and efficiency in food preparation. In recent years, they have made significant acquisitions that enhance their portfolio in the foodservice sector, particularly in ice cream production. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Flavor Burst on January 24, 2023, which specializes in flavoring technology for beverages and soft serve products, and the acquisition of Icetro on June 30, 2022, a South Korean manufacturer of ice, soft serve, and slush machines. These strategic moves highlight Middleby's focus on expanding its capabilities in the ice cream market, alongside their broader offerings in foodservice equipment.

3. Government of Canada

• Website: canada.ca
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1999
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 137
• LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In the context of ice cream production, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions, providing grants to companies such as Amalgamated Dairies, which raised $8,349,278 in March 2025, and Nanak Foods, which secured $5,000,000 in October 2024. Additionally, it supported La Petite Bretonne inc with a grant of $2,046,005 in January 2021. These investments highlight the government's role in fostering growth within the ice cream production industry.

4. Y Combinator

• Website: ycombinator.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 802
• LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that aids entrepreneurs in launching and growing their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among their notable investments, they have backed companies like Eclipse Foods, which raised $150,000 in a Pre-Seed round in 2019, and Nobell Foods, which also received early-stage funding. These companies are involved in the food industry, focusing on innovative products that could include ice cream alternatives. Additionally, Y Combinator has invested in Goldbelly, a platform that connects consumers with regional food producers, further emphasizing their interest in the food sector. This diverse portfolio highlights Y Combinator's commitment to supporting innovative food-related startups, including those in the ice cream production space.

5. Advantage Capital

• Website: advantagecap.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1992
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn: advantage-capital-partners

Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses, with a focus on agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. They aim to support entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities by offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in several transactions, including multiple rounds of debt financing for Sunflower Food & Spice Co., which raised significant amounts over the years, indicating their active role in the food sector. Although they have not directly invested in ice cream production, their experience with food-related businesses positions them as a potential investor in this industry.

6. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

• Website: av.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2023
• Headcount: 51-200
• Number of deals in 2024: 258
• LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has invested in Smitten Ice Cream, a company that raised funds in a Seed Round in April 2018, showcasing its engagement in the ice cream production industry. Additionally, the fund has participated in various other transactions, including investments in companies like Oobli and New Culture, although these are not directly related to ice cream production. The fund's diverse portfolio and its specific investment in Smitten Ice Cream highlight its relevance in the food and beverage sector, particularly in ice cream production.

7. CircleUp

• Website: circleup.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 51-200
• LinkedIn: circleup

CircleUp is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. They specialize in empowering consumer brands through funding and support, primarily in the consumer packaged goods sector. CircleUp leverages their Helio technology platform to provide data insights that help entrepreneurs make informed decisions. Notably, they have participated in funding rounds for brands like nutpods, which offers dairy-free creamers, indicating their interest in innovative food products. Additionally, they invested in Ruby's Rockets, a brand that focuses on healthier frozen treats, and Hail Merry Snacks, which aligns with the health-conscious consumer trend. These transactions highlight CircleUp's commitment to supporting brands that resonate with modern consumer preferences, including those in the ice cream production space.

8. Unovis Asset Management

• Website: unovis.vc
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: unovisvc

Unovis Asset Management is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2016, that focuses on transforming the global food system through sustainable practices. They invest in startups innovating in plant-based foods and alternative proteins, providing essential support and consulting to entrepreneurs in the food industry. Their mission aligns with addressing climate change and promoting animal welfare. Among their notable transactions, they participated in the Series C funding for Miyoko's Creamery, a company known for its plant-based dairy products, including ice cream. Additionally, they have invested in other plant-based food brands like Wicked Kitchen and NUMU Vegan, further emphasizing their commitment to supporting innovative food solutions that align with their sustainability goals.

9. Adm

• Website: adm.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1902
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn: adm

The Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (ADM), founded in 1902 and based in Chicago, Illinois, is a prominent player in the food processing and commodities trading sector. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, ADM specializes in human, pet, and animal nutrition, providing a diverse range of ingredients and solutions to food and beverage manufacturers. Their commitment to sustainability and innovation in nutrition is evident in their investment strategies. Notably, ADM has made significant investments in companies like Perfect Day, which raised $34.75 million in Series B funding, focusing on dairy alternatives that could be relevant to ice cream production. Additionally, their backing of Nature's Fynd, a food tech company that secured $80 million in Series B funding, further demonstrates their interest in innovative food solutions that may impact the ice cream industry. These transactions highlight ADM's potential relevance to ice cream production, as they are actively involved in sectors that intersect with this market.

10. IFC - International Finance Corporation

• Website: ifc.org
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1956
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 107
• LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, focused on fostering private sector development in emerging markets. With a presence in over 100 countries, the IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, helping them access capital and expertise to promote economic growth. Notably, the IFC has been involved in several transactions relevant to the dairy sector, which is integral to ice cream production. For instance, it invested $21,276,176 in Dodla Dairy, a company that plays a significant role in the dairy industry. Additionally, the IFC supported Alvoar Lácteos, the fifth largest dairy company in Brazil, with a R$160 million investment aimed at enhancing milk production and distribution. These transactions highlight the IFC's commitment to supporting the dairy industry, which is directly linked to ice cream production.

11. Siddhi Capital

• Website: siddhicapital.co
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Cherry Hill, New Jersey, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn: siddhi-capital

Siddhi Capital is a venture capital firm based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in the food and beverage industry, providing growth equity investments and operational consulting services to emerging and growth-stage brands. With a focus on consumer packaged goods and innovative food brands, Siddhi Capital aims to enhance operational efficiency and strategic growth. Notable transactions include leading a $10 million Series C funding round for Mid-Day Squares, a company that could potentially expand into ice cream-related products, and participating in funding rounds for brands like kencko, which, while not directly related to ice cream, indicates their active involvement in the food sector. Their investment strategy aligns with supporting brands that may intersect with the ice cream production market.

12. PepsiCo

• Website: pepsico.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Harrison, New York, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1898
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 6
• LinkedIn: pepsico

PepsiCo, Inc. is a leading food and beverage company founded in 1898, headquartered in Harrison, New York, USA. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, PepsiCo operates globally, offering a diverse range of products including snacks, beverages, and dairy items. The company is known for its popular brands such as Pepsi Cola, Frito-Lay, and Gatorade. In recent years, PepsiCo has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its product portfolio, including the acquisition of Wimm-Bill-Dann Foods in 2011, which is a significant player in the dairy sector. This acquisition could indicate an interest in expanding into ice cream production, as Wimm-Bill-Dann offers a variety of dairy products. Furthermore, PepsiCo's acquisition of Obela Fresh Dips & Spreads highlights its commitment to diversifying its offerings, which may extend to frozen desserts in the future. Overall, PepsiCo's active role in the food industry and its strategic acquisitions suggest a potential relevance to the ice cream production sector.

13. Swander Pace Capital

• Website: spcap.com
• Type: Private Equity
• Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1996
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: swander-pace-capital

Swander Pace Capital is a private equity firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 1996. The firm specializes in investing in consumer products companies, providing both financial support and operational expertise to help these businesses grow. With a focus on sectors such as Food & Beverage, Body & Wellness, and Home & Family, Swander Pace Capital partners with management teams to drive innovation and market expansion. Notably, they have invested in Oregon Ice Cream, raising funds in 2014, which highlights their engagement in the ice cream production industry. Additionally, their acquisition of companies like Passport Foods and Liberté showcases their broader strategy in the food sector, reinforcing their capability to support growth in related industries.

Ice Cream Production Insights: Key Investors in the US

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
Sosv	United States (USA)	51-200	1995	170
The Middleby Corporation	Elgin, Illinois, United States (USA)	5001-10000	1888	5
Government of Canada	Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)	10001+	1999	137
Y Combinator	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2005	802
Advantage Capital	New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)	51-200	1992	5
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)	Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)	51-200	2023	258
CircleUp	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	51-200	2012	0
Unovis Asset Management	New York, New York, United States (USA)	1-10	2016	2
Adm	Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)	10001+	1902	2
IFC - International Finance Corporation	Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)	1001-5000	1956	107
Siddhi Capital	Cherry Hill, New Jersey, United States (USA)	11-50	2017	4
PepsiCo	Harrison, New York, United States (USA)	10001+	1898	6
Swander Pace Capital	San Francisco, California, United States (USA)	11-50	1996	1

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