Top 14 Coffee Equipment Manufacturing Investors in the US
Top 14 Coffee Equipment Manufacturing Investors in the US
The coffee equipment manufacturing industry in the US involves businesses that design and produce a range of products designed for brewing coffee. This includes everything from espresso machines to grinders, coffee makers, and other essential tools. Companies in this space often combine innovation with craftsmanship to enhance the brewing experience for both consumers and professionals. As coffee culture continues to flourish and customers demand more sophisticated equipment, the industry is seeing a shift toward automation and smart technology. Growing sustainability concerns are also driving manufacturers to adapt by using eco-friendly materials and practices, ensuring they meet evolving consumer expectations.
The list features a collection of investors involved in the coffee equipment sector, spanning venture capital firms, private equity firms, and corporate investors. Headquartered across several key locations in the US, including New York, San Francisco, and New Orleans, these investors vary in size from small teams to large organizations with thousands of employees. Founded between 1888 and 2015, their investment activity in 2024 showcases a combined total of over 1,250 deals, highlighting a significant interest in coffee equipment and related innovations.
Top 14 Coffee Equipment Manufacturing Investors in the US
1. 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, founded in 1888 and based in Elgin, Illinois, is a prominent manufacturer specializing in commercial and residential cooking and industrial process equipment. With a workforce of 5,001 to 10,000 employees, Middleby focuses on providing innovative solutions for foodservice operators and consumers, enhancing efficiency and quality in food preparation. Their diverse product range serves various sectors, including restaurants and residential markets, with a commitment to advanced technology and customer engagement. In recent years, Middleby has made significant strides in the coffee equipment manufacturing sector through strategic acquisitions. Notably, in December 2019, they acquired Synesso, a Seattle-based coffee equipment manufacturer, to bolster their coffee and beverage platform. Additionally, in September 2014, they acquired Concordia Coffee Company, Inc., further expanding their product line in the beverage industry and expected to enhance revenue generation by $15 million. These acquisitions highlight Middleby's dedication to the coffee equipment market and its role as a key player in this industry.
2. 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, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. The firm provides venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed in various sectors, including health and climate technology. In recent transactions, Sosv has participated in funding rounds for Sidework Solutions, a beverage technology company, which raised over $10 million in a funding round with participation from multiple investors, including Sosv. This involvement highlights Sosv's interest in the beverage sector, which encompasses coffee equipment manufacturing, further supporting its relevance in this industry.
3. 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 provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in several coffee-related companies, including Sudden Coffee, which raised $120,000 in a Seed Round in January 2018, Seva Coffee, which also raised $120,000 in a Seed Round in August 2015, and Craft Coffee, which secured $120,000 in a Seed Round in August 2014. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the coffee sector, particularly in startups that may intersect with coffee equipment manufacturing.
4. 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 across various sectors, including agribusiness and affordable housing. They focus on supporting entrepreneurs in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in several transactions within the coffee industry, including debt financing for Kaldis Coffee Roasting Company in 2020 and 2016, as well as for Dubuque Coffee Company in 2015 and 2016. These investments highlight their engagement with businesses that are integral to the coffee supply chain, making them a potential player in the coffee equipment manufacturing space.
5. The Riverside Company
- Website: riversidecompany.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1988
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 12
- LinkedIn: the-riverside-company
The Riverside Company is a private equity investment firm based in New York, specializing in providing flexible capital solutions and strategic guidance to smaller middle-market businesses across various industries. Founded in 1988, Riverside manages a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies globally. Notable transactions include the acquisition of QualServ Solutions in 2004, a company that supplies equipment and services to the food and beverage sector, which may include coffee-related products. Additionally, Riverside has acquired other companies like AERCO International and GEV Group, which, while not directly in coffee equipment manufacturing, demonstrate their capability and interest in sectors that could overlap with coffee equipment. Their active investment strategy, with 12 investments in 2024 alone, showcases their commitment to fostering growth in various industries, including those related to coffee equipment.
6. Kkr
- Website: kkr.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1976
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 74
- LinkedIn: kkr
KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored investment solutions to institutional and individual clients. Among their notable transactions, KKR acquired WMF Group in 2012, a company known for its high-quality coffee machines and equipment, indicating their interest in the coffee equipment manufacturing sector. Additionally, KKR invested in Cafe Coffee Day, a major coffee chain, in 2010, further showcasing their engagement with the coffee industry. KKR's diverse portfolio and strategic investments reflect their capability to navigate complex investment landscapes while supporting growth in various sectors, including coffee equipment manufacturing.
7. The Coca-Cola Company
- Website: coca-colacompany.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Atlanta, Georgia, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1892
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 2
- LinkedIn: the-coca-cola-company
The Coca-Cola Company, founded in 1892 and headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a leading beverage manufacturer known for its extensive portfolio of soft drinks, juices, and other beverages. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Coca-Cola operates globally, focusing on sustainability and health while leveraging a well-established distribution network. In recent years, Coca-Cola has made significant investments in the coffee sector, including the acquisition of Costa Coffee for $5.1 billion in 2018, which positions the company to compete more effectively in the coffee market. Additionally, Coca-Cola Amatil's acquisition of Grinders Coffee Group in 2005 further demonstrates its commitment to expanding its coffee business. These transactions highlight Coca-Cola's strategic interest in the coffee industry, which may encompass coffee equipment manufacturing as part of its broader operational strategy.
8. 500 Global
- Website: 500.co
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 98
- LinkedIn: 500-startups
500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Notably, 500 Global has made several investments in the coffee sector, including multiple seed rounds for Copper Cow Coffee, a company known for its innovative coffee products, and Craft Coffee, which raised $200,000 in 2011. Additionally, they recently invested in Prefer, a bean-free coffee brand, indicating their ongoing interest in the coffee industry. These transactions highlight 500 Global's commitment to supporting innovative startups within the coffee market, aligning with the interests of coffee equipment manufacturing.
9. Gaingels
- Website: gaingels.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 60
- LinkedIn: gaingels
Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm provides capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups, to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. In 2022, Gaingels participated in the seed round for Nguyen Coffee Supply, a specialty Vietnamese coffee company, raising $2.6 million to support expanded distribution and product innovation. They also invested in Explorer Cold Brew, which raised $1.5 million in a seed round, and supported Crafty, which focuses on enhancing workplace culture through food and beverage programs. These transactions highlight Gaingels' engagement in the coffee sector, making them a relevant investor for coffee equipment manufacturing.
10. Advent
- Website: adventinternational.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1984
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 17
- LinkedIn: advent-international
Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm founded in 1984, based in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm specializes in buyouts and investments across various sectors, providing capital and strategic guidance to help companies achieve growth. Advent operates globally, focusing on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies. Notably, Advent has made significant investments in the coffee sector, including the acquisition of The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, which highlights their engagement in the coffee industry. Additionally, their investment in Gruppo Argenta, a leading vending machine operator, further connects them to coffee equipment through the vending space. These transactions illustrate Advent's diverse investment strategy while maintaining a presence in the coffee equipment manufacturing context.
11. Khosla Ventures
- Website: khoslaventures.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2004
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 97
- LinkedIn: khosla-ventures
Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm founded in 2004, based in Menlo Park, California. The firm specializes in providing funding and strategic guidance to startups, particularly in technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Among their notable investments, Khosla Ventures has backed Cafe X Technologies, which raised $4 million in a seed round in 2017, focusing on automated coffee solutions, and Philz Coffee, which secured $15 million in a Series A round in 2013, a well-known coffee chain. These transactions highlight Khosla Ventures' engagement in the coffee industry, showcasing their interest in innovative coffee equipment and services.
12. FJ Labs
- Website: fjlabs.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 169
- LinkedIn: fj-labs
FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. They provide capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. With over 1,000 companies in their extensive portfolio, many of which have achieved unicorn status, FJ Labs has demonstrated a strong track record in supporting innovative startups. Notably, they have invested in Blank Street, a specialty coffee company that raised significant funding to expand its retail presence and enhance its technology capabilities. This investment highlights FJ Labs' engagement in the coffee sector, particularly in businesses that may intersect with coffee equipment manufacturing.
13. Blackstone
- Website: blackstone.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1985
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- Number of deals in 2024: 57
- LinkedIn: blackstonegroup
Blackstone Inc. is a prominent investment management firm based in New York, specializing in alternative investments such as private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for creating strong businesses and delivering lasting value through its extensive portfolio. In 2024, Blackstone made headlines with its acquisition of 7 Brew, a coffee company, signaling its interest in the coffee sector. This transaction, along with their diverse investment strategies, positions Blackstone as a significant player in the coffee industry, even though their primary focus spans multiple sectors beyond just coffee equipment manufacturing.
14. Itw
- Website: itw.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: Glenview, Illinois, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1912
- Headcount: 10001+
- Number of deals in 2024: 1
- LinkedIn: illinoistoolworks
Illinois Tool Works Inc. (ITW) is a manufacturing company based in Glenview, Illinois, specializing in engineered fasteners, components, and specialty products. Founded in 1912, ITW operates with a decentralized business model, focusing on customer-back innovation to deliver high-quality solutions across various industries, including automotive, construction, and food and beverage. The company employs approximately 45,000 people globally and holds a significant patent portfolio. Notably, ITW has made strategic acquisitions in the food and beverage sector, including Peerless Food Equipment, which enhances their capabilities in coffee equipment manufacturing. Additionally, their acquisition of Hartness International, a company specializing in line integration and automation for the beverage industry, further solidifies their position in this market. These transactions demonstrate ITW's commitment to expanding its footprint in sectors that include coffee equipment manufacturing.
Coffee Equipment Manufacturing Insights: Key Investors in the US
Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
---|---|---|---|---|
The Middleby Corporation | Elgin, Illinois, United States (USA) | 5001-10000 | 1888 | 5 |
Sosv | United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1995 | 170 |
Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
Advantage Capital | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1992 | 5 |
The Riverside Company | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 1988 | 12 |
Kkr | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1976 | 74 |
The Coca-Cola Company | Atlanta, Georgia, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1892 | 2 |
500 Global | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2010 | 98 |
Gaingels | Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 60 |
Advent | Boston, Massachusetts, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 1984 | 17 |
Khosla Ventures | Menlo Park, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2004 | 97 |
FJ Labs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 169 |
Blackstone | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1985 | 57 |
Itw | Glenview, Illinois, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1912 | 1 |
Want to find more investors focusing on the coffee equipment manufacturing industry?
If you want to find more investors that are active in the coffee equipment manufacturingindustry, you can do that with Inven. We built this list and analysis throughInven's Investor Search, and there are a lot more private equity, venturecapital, and corporate investors like these globally.With Inven, you'll also get to know:
- Deal History: Number of deals and their sizes.
- Portfolio: Companies they've invested in.
- Contact data: Key dealmakers, including their emails and phonenumbers.
- ...and much more!
Trusted by 700+ companies

















