The chicken fast food industry in the US is a vibrant sector dominated by quick-service restaurants specializing in chicken-based offerings. From fried chicken to grilled sandwiches and chicken nuggets, brands mising flavor with convenience appeal to a wide audience. With consumer demands shifting toward healthier and sustainable options, many establishments are now introducing plant-based alternatives. This industry is projected for continued growth, driven by innovations in cooking techniques and menu diversification. The increasing trend for delivery services also plays a significant role, highlighting an evolving marketplace primed for both traditional and modern investment opportunities.


The list features a mix of investors, including venture capital firms, private equity groups, and corporate investors, all located throughout key US regions. From Y Combinator in San Francisco to Cargill in Minnesota, the variety of headquarter locations illustrates the nationwide interest in the chicken fast food sector. Founded between 1865 and 2016, these investors offer a range of capital, from a handful to thousands of employees, influencing numerous companies in the industry. In 2024 alone, these investors participated in over 1,000 deals, emphasizing the financial attraction within this dynamic market.


Top 15 Chicken Fast Food Investors in the US


1. 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, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs and resources. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made notable investments in the food sector, including Rebellyous Foods, which raised $1,125,000 in a seed round in December 2018 and focuses on plant-based chicken products. They also invested in FoodCourt, which raised $500,000 in September 2022, and ChowCentral, which raised $500,000 in a pre-seed round in September 2023. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement with food-related startups, particularly those that may intersect with the chicken fast food industry.


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, founded in 1888 and based in Elgin, Illinois, is a leading manufacturer of commercial and residential cooking and industrial process equipment. They focus on providing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and quality in food preparation across various sectors, including restaurants. Notably, Middleby has made several strategic acquisitions that bolster their presence in the foodservice equipment market. For instance, their acquisition of Nieco Corp. in 2012, a manufacturer of automatic broilers, directly supports chicken cooking operations, while the acquisition of Perfect Fry Co. in 2010 enhances their offerings in frying equipment. Additionally, their acquisition of CP Packaging in 2022 and United Foodservice Equipment Group in 2020 further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their product range for food processing and service, which is vital for chicken fast food establishments.


3. Goldman Sachs

  • Website: goldmansachs.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1998
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 59
  • LinkedIn: goldman-sachs

Goldman Sachs is a prominent investment bank and financial services firm founded in 1998, headquartered in New York, New York. The firm provides a wide range of services including investment banking, asset management, and wealth management, catering to a diverse clientele that includes corporations, financial institutions, and individuals. In the context of the chicken fast food industry, Goldman Sachs has made notable investments, including a significant stake in Zaxby's Operating Company L.P., which operates the Zaxby’s fast-casual chain known for its chicken offerings. This investment, announced on November 18, 2020, highlights their commitment to the chicken fast food sector. Furthermore, Goldman Sachs has participated in funding rounds for Sapphire Foods, the largest franchisee of Yum! Brands in the Indian subcontinent, which includes KFC, a major player in the chicken fast food market. These transactions illustrate Goldman Sachs' active role in the chicken fast food industry, making them a relevant investor in this category.


4. 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. They provide capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups, to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Gaingels has been involved in several transactions relevant to the chicken fast food context, including investments in Nowadays, a health-focused plant-based meat company that specializes in chicken alternatives, and Sundial Foods, which also focuses on chicken products. Their investment in Territory Foods, a meal delivery service that may include chicken options, further demonstrates their engagement in the food sector. Overall, Gaingels combines a commitment to diversity with a strategic interest in innovative food companies, including those in the chicken space.


5. 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 is dedicated to transforming the global food system through sustainable practices. They invest in startups that innovate in plant-based foods and alternative proteins, providing essential support and consulting to entrepreneurs in the food industry. Notably, Unovis has invested in Alpha Foods, which offers plant-based chik'n nuggets, highlighting their engagement with the chicken fast food market. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other plant-based food companies like Wicked Kitchen and NOVAMEAT, which focus on creating alternatives to traditional meat products. Their mission aligns with addressing climate change and promoting animal welfare, making them a significant player in the evolving food landscape.


6. Valor Equity Partners

  • Website: valorep.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 23
  • LinkedIn: valor-equity-partners

Valor Equity Partners is a private investment firm based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in operational growth and technology-enabled companies. Founded in 2001, the firm partners with entrepreneurs to address challenges across various sectors, including biosciences and transportation. Notably, Valor has invested in the food industry, acquiring a controlling interest in Wow Bao, a fast-casual chain known for its innovative dining experience. This acquisition reflects their strategy of fostering growth in unique restaurant concepts. Additionally, they have invested in Roti Modern Mediterranean, which, while not a chicken fast food chain, indicates their interest in the broader fast-casual dining market. Their involvement in Tock, a restaurant reservation startup, further demonstrates their commitment to enhancing the restaurant industry's operational efficiency through technology. Overall, Valor Equity Partners is positioned as a versatile investor with a growing interest in the food sector, particularly in innovative dining solutions.


7. 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. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, helping them access capital and expertise to promote economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Among its notable transactions, IFC has invested in Srinivasa Farms, which raised significant funds in both 2018 and 2019, indicating its involvement in the poultry sector. This investment aligns with the chicken supply chain, which is essential for chicken fast food operations. Additionally, IFC's investment in City Mart Holdings Ltd, a major retail group in Myanmar, reflects its commitment to enhancing supply chains and supporting local businesses, which could indirectly benefit the chicken fast food industry.


8. Sun Capital Partners, Inc.

  • Website: suncappart.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: Boca Raton, Florida, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: sun-capital-partners

Sun Capital Partners, Inc. is a private equity firm based in Boca Raton, Florida, founded in 1995. The firm specializes in operationally driven investments, focusing on enhancing the efficiency and growth of businesses across various sectors, including food and consumer industries. Notably, Sun Capital has made significant acquisitions in the restaurant sector, including Boston Market, a chain known for its rotisserie chicken, acquired on August 27, 2007. They also acquired Fazoli's, a fast-casual restaurant chain, on October 20, 2006, and Johnny Rockets on June 18, 2013. These transactions highlight their active role in the food industry, particularly in chains that may offer chicken products, thus demonstrating their capability and interest in the chicken fast food market.


9. Advent


Advent International Corporation is a private equity firm based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializing in buyouts and investments across various sectors. Founded in 1984, Advent focuses on long-term value creation for its portfolio companies by providing capital and strategic guidance. Notably, Advent has made significant investments in the restaurant industry, including the acquisition of Bojangles' Restaurants Inc. in 2011, a prominent player in the chicken fast food market. This acquisition highlights Advent's commitment to the chicken fast food sector. Additionally, Advent has engaged in various other transactions, such as acquiring Frango Assado, a Brazilian restaurant chain, and Wagas, a healthy food chain in China, showcasing their diverse investment strategy while maintaining a foothold in the food industry.


10. Stray Dog Capital

  • Website: straydogcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Leawood, Kansas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: stray-dog-capital

Stray Dog Capital is a venture capital firm based in Leawood, Kansas, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in innovative early-stage companies within the food, beverage, and biotechnology sectors, with a strong emphasis on supporting entrepreneurs dedicated to creating healthier, humane, and sustainable products. Notably, Stray Dog Capital has made significant investments in the plant-based food sector, including a leading role in the Seed round for Nowadays, a company that produces plant-based chicken nuggets. This investment highlights their commitment to the chicken category, particularly in the context of alternative protein sources. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for Barvecue, which focuses on plant-based BBQ alternatives, further showcasing their interest in innovative food products that cater to evolving consumer preferences. Through these investments, Stray Dog Capital aims to foster both social impact and commercial success for its portfolio companies.


11. Garnett Station Partners


Garnett Station Partners is a private equity investment firm based in New York, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in private equity investments across various sectors, including food & beverage and automotive. They partner with entrepreneurs to provide capital and strategic support, helping businesses grow and thrive in their respective markets. Notably, Garnett Station Partners has been involved in several transactions within the food industry, including investments in Pollo Tropical, a restaurant chain known for its chicken dishes, and Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, which offers a variety of chicken menu items. Their acquisition of PJW Restaurant Group, which operates multiple restaurant brands, further demonstrates their active role in the food sector, making them a significant player in the chicken fast food investment landscape.


12. Sysco

  • Website: sysco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: sysco

Sysco Corporation, founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a leading food distributor that provides a wide range of food products, kitchen equipment, and culinary solutions to various sectors, including restaurants, healthcare, and educational institutions. With a vast distribution network, Sysco ensures that its customers receive high-quality products and services tailored to their operational needs. Sysco has been actively involved in the food service industry through several acquisitions, including Lincoln Poultry & Egg Co. in 2010, which enhances their poultry distribution capabilities. Other notable acquisitions include Doughtie's Foods, Newport Meat Company, and Buckhead Beef Co., all of which contribute to Sysco's extensive portfolio in food distribution. Their acquisition of Paragon Foods in 2021 further solidifies their position in the fresh produce and protein distribution market, making them a key player in supplying chicken and other poultry products to fast food chains and restaurants.


13. Cargill

  • Website: cargill.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Wayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1865
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: cargill

Cargill, Incorporated is a global food production and agricultural solutions company based in Wayzata, Minnesota, founded in 1865. With over 10,000 employees, Cargill provides a wide range of products and services, including animal nutrition, food ingredients, and risk management. The company has made significant strides in the poultry sector, acquiring several key players in the chicken industry. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Konspol Sp. z o.o., a Polish poultry manufacturer, which enhances Cargill's presence in Europe; Pollos El Bucanero S.A., a leading Colombian chicken producer, marking their entry into the Colombian market; and Seara Alimentos SA, Brazil's third-largest meat manufacturer, which strengthens their foothold in Latin America. These acquisitions reflect Cargill's strategy to expand its global poultry operations and enhance its offerings in the protein sector, making them a relevant investor in the chicken fast food industry.


14. New Crop Capital


New Crop Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in impact investing aimed at transforming the global food system. They focus on alternative proteins and sustainable food technologies, supporting entrepreneurs and companies in the food industry through funding and consulting services. Notable transactions include investments in Alpha Foods, which raised $28 million to expand its plant-based chicken products, and $7 million in a seed round, highlighting their commitment to companies that produce chicken alternatives. Additionally, they have invested in NOVAMEAT, which develops plant-based meat technologies, and Black Sheep Foods, further emphasizing their focus on innovative food solutions that align with the growing demand for sustainable and alternative protein options in the fast food sector.


15. Tyson Foods

  • Website: tysonfoods.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Springdale, Arkansas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1935
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: tyson-foods

Tyson Foods, Inc. is a prominent food manufacturer based in Springdale, Arkansas, specializing in protein products, including chicken, beef, and pork. Founded in 1935, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and serves a diverse range of customers, including consumers, restaurants, and food service providers. Tyson Foods is committed to sustainability and community support. Notably, Tyson has made strategic acquisitions to strengthen its position in the chicken market, such as the acquisition of Tecumseh Poultry LLC, a leading producer of organic chicken, which includes the Smart Chicken brand. This acquisition allows Tyson to tap into the growing organic chicken market. Additionally, their acquisition of AdvancePierre Foods for approximately $4.2 billion further solidifies their footprint in the poultry sector. These transactions highlight Tyson Foods' active role in the chicken industry, making them a significant player in the chicken fast food supply chain.



Chicken Fast Food Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
The Middleby CorporationElgin, Illinois, United States (USA)5001-1000018885
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
Unovis Asset ManagementNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020162
Valor Equity PartnersChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)51-200200123
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
Sun Capital Partners, Inc.Boca Raton, Florida, United States (USA)51-20019951
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
Stray Dog CapitalLeawood, Kansas, United States (USA)1-1020151
Garnett Station PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020132
SyscoHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+19691
CargillWayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)10001+18657
New Crop CapitalNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020150
Tyson FoodsSpringdale, Arkansas, United States (USA)10001+19355


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