Top 14 Nutritional Snack Investors in the US
Top 14 Nutritional Snack Investors in the US
The nutritional snack industry in the US focuses on products that provide health benefits without sacrificing taste. Companies range from small startups to well-known brands, offering everything from protein-rich bars to organic nut mixes and innovative alternatives like plant-based snacks. Recent trends highlight a shift towards clean eating and snack options that cater to dietary restrictions, such as gluten-free and vegan choices. As consumers become more health-conscious, the industry has seen a surge in demand for transparency in ingredients and sustainability in packaging. This evolving landscape showcases a growing commitment to health and innovation within snack options.
The investors in this list represent various types, including venture capital and private equity firms, headquartered mostly in cities like San Francisco and New York. Established between 1989 and 2023, these firms range in size from small teams to larger groups with portfolios exceeding 500 investments. Their collective focus in 2024 yielded impressive deal counts, emphasizing a vibrant investment scene targeting the nutritional snack sector. Investors such as Y Combinator and L Catterton have played crucial roles, showcasing their belief in the growth potential of health-focused snack companies.
Top 14 Nutritional Snack 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 invested in several companies within the nutritional snack sector, including Abbys Better, which focuses on healthy snack options, and Foodcloud, which also operates in the food space. These investments demonstrate SOSV's commitment to supporting startups that align with health and nutrition, making them a relevant player in the nutritional snack industry.
2. 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. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has invested in companies like Soylent, which raised $120,000 in a Pre-Seed round in 2012, focusing on meal replacement products, and Taali Foods, which raised $150,000 in a Seed round in 2019, known for its healthy snack options. Additionally, they have invested in FitHub and Replenish, further showcasing their engagement in the nutritional space. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's interest in supporting innovative companies that contribute to health and nutrition, particularly in the snack sector.
3. Big Idea Ventures
- Website: bigideaventures.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2018
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 10
- LinkedIn: bigideaventures
Big Idea Ventures is a venture capital fund and startup accelerator based in New York, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in food innovation, investing in startups that are developing alternative proteins and sustainable food solutions. They provide funding and mentorship to entrepreneurs in the food technology sector, helping them scale their operations. Notable transactions include investments in Confetti Snacks, Angie's Tempeh, and Little Bandits, all of which are involved in the nutritional snack industry. Additionally, they have invested in WTH Foods, further demonstrating their commitment to supporting innovative food solutions. Through their accelerator programs, Big Idea Ventures connects startups with industry resources and expertise, fostering growth in the nutritional snack market.
4. 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. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions in the nutritional snack industry, including participation in the Series B financing round for Thistle, which raised US$10.3 million to expand operations and enhance its nutrition-focused services. Additionally, the fund invested in Yumi, a company specializing in organic baby food, showcasing its commitment to health-oriented food products. These investments reflect the fund's engagement in the nutritional sector, particularly in companies that prioritize health and wellness.
5. 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 financial services company founded in 2012, based in San Francisco, California. It empowers consumer brands through funding and support, offering business loans and equity financing. CircleUp leverages its Helio technology platform to provide data insights that help entrepreneurs make informed decisions. The firm primarily targets businesses in the consumer packaged goods sector seeking capital to grow. Notably, CircleUp has been involved in several transactions within the nutritional snack industry, including investments in Barnana, a healthy banana-based snack company; Verb Energy, which focuses on energy bars; The Good Crisp Company, known for its healthier snack alternatives; Hail Merry Snacks, which offers raw snacks; and Wilde Brands, a company specializing in protein snacks. These transactions highlight CircleUp's commitment to supporting innovative and health-conscious snack brands.
6. 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 founded in 2010, based in San Francisco, California. 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 significant investments in the nutritional snack industry, including a seed funding round for BoxGreen, a Singapore-based healthy snack subscription service, and Ample Foods, a nutrition start-up based in San Francisco. Additionally, they have been involved in multiple funding rounds for LeCupboard, a company focused on healthy food options. These transactions highlight 500 Global's active role in supporting innovative startups within the nutritional snack sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.
7. 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 recent years, the Government of Canada has also engaged in supporting the nutritional snack industry by providing financial assistance to companies such as DeeBee's Organics, which raised $1,400,000 in a grant in July 2022, and Big Mountain Foods, which similarly received $1,400,000 in grants. Additionally, they have supported Dose Juice with debt financing, indicating a proactive approach to fostering growth in the nutritional sector.
8. IndieBio
- Website: indiebio.co
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2015
- Headcount: 1-10
- Number of deals in 2024: 76
- LinkedIn: indiebio
IndieBio is a venture capital firm founded in 2015 and based in San Francisco, California. It specializes in biotechnology and supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them develop innovative solutions across various sectors, including climate and food. IndieBio has been particularly active in the food sector, as evidenced by their multiple investments in Oobli, a company focused on creating innovative food products. Oobli has successfully raised funds through several rounds, including a Series B round of $25 million in May 2022 and a Series A round of $6.9 million in July 2020, showcasing the potential of their offerings in the nutritional snack market. This involvement highlights IndieBio's interest in advancing food technology and nutrition, making them a relevant player in the nutritional snack investment landscape.
9. L Catterton
- Website: lcatterton.com
- Type: Private Equity
- Headquarters: United States (USA)
- Founded year: 1989
- Headcount: 201-500
- Number of deals in 2024: 23
- LinkedIn: l-catterton
L Catterton is a private equity firm specializing in investment management, focusing on consumer brands across various sectors. Founded in 1989, the firm partners with middle market companies and high-growth enterprises, providing capital and strategic guidance to enhance brand equity and market presence. With a strong emphasis on consumer insights, L Catterton aims to drive growth and innovation within its portfolio companies. Notably, L Catterton has made significant investments in the nutritional snack sector, including the acquisition of The Good Bean, which integrates bean-based snacking options, and Kodiak Cakes, a brand known for its nutritious products. They have also invested in Protein Bar, further solidifying their presence in the nutritional snack market. These transactions highlight L Catterton's strategic focus on health-oriented consumer brands, reinforcing their relevance in the nutritional snack industry.
10. Collaborative Fund
- Website: collabfund.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2010
- Headcount: 11-50
- Number of deals in 2024: 29
- LinkedIn: collaborative-fund
Collaborative Fund is a venture capital investment firm based in New York, founded in 2010. The firm focuses on backing innovative companies across various sectors, including renewable energy, consumer goods, and health technology. They provide financial support and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs and startups aiming to create positive societal and environmental impacts. In the context of nutritional snacks, Collaborative Fund has made notable investments in companies such as Exo, which specializes in cricket protein-based food products, and Daily Harvest, known for its healthy meal options. These transactions reflect their interest in promoting healthier food choices and innovative nutritional products, aligning with their mission of pushing the world forward.
11. Plug and Play Tech Center
- Website: plugandplaytechcenter.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2006
- Headcount: 501-1000
- Number of deals in 2024: 253
- LinkedIn: plug-and-play-tech-center
Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. While their primary focus is on the technology sector, they have made significant investments in the nutritional snack industry, notably in companies like NatureBox, which raised $8.5 million in Series A funding in 2013 and $2 million in a Seed Round in 2012. Additionally, they invested in Oobli, which raised $6.9 million in Series A funding in 2020 and continues to attract investment in subsequent rounds. These transactions highlight their active role in supporting nutritional snack startups, showcasing their versatility as an investor.
12. Chobani
- Website: chobani.com
- Type: Corporate
- Headquarters: New Berlin, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2005
- Headcount: 1001-5000
- LinkedIn: chobani
Chobani is a food manufacturer based in New Berlin, New York, specializing in yogurt and plant-based products. Founded in 2005, the company has established itself as a leader in the market, offering a variety of Greek yogurt, dairy-free alternatives, and snacks that cater to health-conscious consumers. Chobani is recognized for its commitment to quality and community engagement. In addition to its core products, Chobani has actively invested in the nutritional snack sector, providing non-equity assistance to several companies, including 88 Acres, Wildway, Puffworks, Partake Foods, and Fresh Bellies. These investments reflect Chobani's dedication to promoting nutritious food options and supporting innovative brands within the snack industry.
13. 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 based in Harrison, New York, founded in 1898. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, PepsiCo operates globally, providing a diverse range of products that include popular brands like Pepsi Cola, Frito-Lay, and Gatorade. In recent years, PepsiCo has made significant strides in the nutritional snack sector through strategic acquisitions. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Health Warrior, a snack bar company known for its nutritional offerings, and PopCorners, a healthier snack brand. Additionally, PepsiCo's agreement to acquire Siete Family Foods, a tortilla chip business, further emphasizes its commitment to enhancing its presence in the healthier snack market. These investments reflect PepsiCo's strategy to cater to the growing demand for nutritious snack options among consumers.
14. 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 leading food processing and commodities trading corporation with a workforce of over 10,000 employees. ADM specializes in human, pet, and animal nutrition, providing a wide range of ingredients and solutions to food and beverage manufacturers. The company emphasizes sustainability and innovation in nutrition. Notably, ADM has made strategic acquisitions and investments in the nutritional space, including the acquisition of Wild Flavors GmbH, a producer of natural food ingredients, and Eatem Foods, a company focused on natural and organic flavors. Additionally, ADM has backed Nature's Fynd, a food tech company that secured $80 million in Series B funding, showcasing their commitment to advancing nutritional solutions. These transactions highlight ADM's active role in the nutritional snack industry and its dedication to enhancing its offerings in this sector.
Nutritional Snack Insights: Key Investors in the US
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sosv | United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1995 | 170 |
| Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
| Big Idea Ventures | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2018 | 10 |
| 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 |
| 500 Global | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2010 | 98 |
| Government of Canada | Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1999 | 137 |
| IndieBio | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2015 | 76 |
| L Catterton | United States (USA) | 201-500 | 1989 | 23 |
| Collaborative Fund | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2010 | 29 |
| Plug and Play Tech Center | Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 2006 | 253 |
| Chobani | New Berlin, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 2005 | 0 |
| PepsiCo | Harrison, New York, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1898 | 6 |
| Adm | Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1902 | 2 |
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