The food processing machinery industry in the US encompasses a wide range of companies dedicated to producing equipment that processes, packages, and preserves food. This sector includes manufacturers of cooking equipment, packaging machines, and automated systems designed to enhance efficiency within production lines. As the demand for sustainable and innovative food solutions continues to grow, businesses in this industry are increasingly adopting advanced technologies like robotics and artificial intelligence. Notably, sustainability initiatives are becoming central, driving the development of greener machines that reduce waste and improve resource management, with an eye on healthier consumer choices.


The featured investors showcase a mix of venture capital firms, private equity entities, and corporate investors, predominantly located in major cities like New York and San Francisco. Founded between 1888 and 2023, these investors range in size from small firms to powerhouse corporations, collectively engaging in a remarkable 1,155 investments in 2024 alone. Their focus on food processing machinery reflects a strong belief in the industry's growth potential, as innovative solutions rapidly reshape how food is processed and delivered.


Top 15 Food Processing Machinery 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 leading 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. The company has a diverse product range that serves various sectors, including restaurants and residential markets, and is committed to advanced technology and customer engagement. Notably, Middleby has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its food processing equipment division, including:1. **Cozzini Inc.'s Food Equipment Division** - Acquired on September 22, 2010, this acquisition was part of Middleby's strategy to enhance its Food Processing Equipment Division, which includes well-known brands like Alkar and RapidPak.2. **Hinds-Bock Corp.** - Acquired on February 1, 2018, Hinds-Bock specializes in filling and depositing solutions, enhancing Middleby's offerings in high-volume baking and processing solutions.3. **Scanico A/S** - Acquired on December 7, 2017, Scanico is a Danish manufacturer of industrial cooling and freezing equipment specifically for the food processing industry, further solidifying Middleby's position in this market.These transactions highlight Middleby's active role in the food processing machinery sector, making it a significant player in the 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 has played a crucial role in the technology startup ecosystem, providing funding and mentorship to early-stage companies. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has a diverse portfolio. Among its notable transactions, it invested in Rebellyous Foods, which raised $1,125,000 in a seed round in December 2018. This company is focused on producing plant-based food products, which ties into the food processing industry. Additionally, Y Combinator has invested in Supplant, a company that raised $18 million in a Series A round in October 2021, which produces alternative sugar products, further indicating its interest in food-related innovations. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the food sector, particularly in companies that may influence food processing technologies.


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 operate accelerator programs that provide resources and mentorship to help entrepreneurs scale their operations. Notable transactions include their lead investment in Cocuus, a biotechnology company focused on food technology, which raised €2.5 million in a pre-Series A funding round. They also invested in Innocent Meat, which raised funds in both seed and pre-seed rounds. These investments indicate their commitment to supporting innovative food solutions that may involve advancements in food processing technologies.


4. Advantage Capital


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, particularly in sectors such as agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. Advantage Capital is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the food processing machinery industry, including multiple rounds of financing for Vogt-Ice, a company that specializes in food processing equipment. Their transactions include a Series A round and subsequent debt financing, demonstrating their commitment to supporting businesses in this sector. Additionally, their investment in Twin Rivers Foods, which raised significant debt financing, further highlights their engagement in the food processing and agribusiness landscape.


5. 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 has been involved in several transactions that support the food processing sector, including grants to the Saskatchewan Food Industry Development Centre, which raised $5,000,000 and an undisclosed amount in 2023. These grants are aimed at fostering development and innovation within the food industry, which is closely related to food processing machinery. Additionally, the Government has provided funding to other organizations in the food sector, indicating its role in promoting growth and sustainability 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. The fund has been involved in notable transactions in the food processing machinery sector, including investments in Chef Robotics, which raised significant funding to develop robotic solutions for food assembly, and Picnic, a company specializing in pizza-making robots. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to supporting technological advancements in food processing and automation.


7. 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. With a global focus, 500 Global has made significant investments across various sectors, including food technology. Notable transactions include their investment in eFishery, which raised $4 million in Series A funding in 2018, targeting innovations in aquaculture and food production. They also participated in funding for Pantry's Smart Fridge, which aims to enhance food storage and management. These investments highlight 500 Global's engagement with companies that have relevance to the food processing machinery industry, showcasing their versatility in supporting innovative solutions in food technology.


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 based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. 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 actively involved in funding companies that are revolutionizing food production, such as UPSIDE Foods, which has raised substantial amounts in multiple funding rounds (including $400 million in Series C funding) to build a commercial-scale production facility for cultivated meat. Additionally, they have invested in The EVERY Company, which focuses on creating animal-free egg proteins. These transactions highlight IndieBio's commitment to advancing food technology and processing, making them a relevant player in the food processing machinery sector.


9. AgFunder

  • Website: agfunder.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: agfunder

AgFunder is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2013. The firm specializes in foodtech and agtech investments, providing funding and consulting services to startups in the food and agriculture sectors. AgFunder aims to help these startups innovate and grow, contributing to the advancement of the agri-food technology landscape. In 2024, AgFunder has already made 20 investments, showcasing their active role in the industry. Notable transactions include investments in LYRO Robotics, which focuses on robotics solutions for food processing, and Hyphen, which raised $7 million to enhance food production processes. These investments highlight AgFunder's commitment to supporting technologies that can improve food processing efficiency and sustainability.


10. 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 provides asset management solutions to institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes and achieve strong financial returns. Notably, KKR has made significant investments in the food processing machinery sector, including the acquisition of Bettcher Industries, a manufacturer of food processing equipment, in November 2021. This strategic move highlights KKR's commitment to the food processing industry. Additionally, KKR has a history of acquiring companies like WMF Group and Jiangsu Yuguan, further demonstrating their capability and interest in sectors related to food and processing. With 74 investments in 2024 alone, KKR leverages its extensive expertise and resources to support its clients' investment needs across various industries, including food processing machinery.


11. 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. Founded in 1988, Riverside has built a diverse portfolio of over 140 companies across various industries. Notably, they have made significant acquisitions in the food processing sector, including Parker Food Group in 2017, which highlights their interest in food-related businesses. Other relevant transactions include the acquisitions of Capol and QualServ Solutions, which also align with food processing and equipment. This focus on the food industry, alongside their broader investment strategy, positions Riverside as a key player in the food processing machinery market.


12. 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, dedicated to 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. Notably, IFC has invested in companies like Twiga Foods, which raised significant funding to enhance food distribution in Africa, indicating its involvement in the food sector. Additionally, IFC's investment in Apeel Sciences, which focuses on extending the shelf life of produce, further demonstrates its engagement in initiatives that support food processing and sustainability.


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 founded in 1865 and headquartered in Wayzata, Minnesota. With over 10,000 employees, Cargill provides a wide range of products and services, including animal nutrition, food ingredients, and risk management. They are committed to enhancing food security and sustainability through innovative practices. Cargill has been actively involved in various transactions that align with the food processing machinery context. For instance, their acquisition of Degussa's Food Ingredients business for approximately $670 million in 2005 significantly bolstered their specialty ingredients offerings. Additionally, Cargill's participation in funding rounds for companies like Aleph Farms and UPSIDE Foods highlights their interest in innovative food technologies, including cultivated meat production, which is closely related to food processing advancements. These activities demonstrate Cargill's strategic focus on enhancing food production capabilities, making them a relevant investor in the food processing machinery sector.


14. 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 firm based in New York, founded in 2010, that 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 recent years, Collaborative Fund has participated in several notable transactions in the foodtech space, such as leading a $22 million Series A funding round for Hoxton Farms, a company producing animal fat from stem cells, and investing in Compound Foods, which raised $4.5 million in seed funding. These investments reflect their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the food industry, particularly those that align with sustainability and reduced environmental impact.


15. Lineage

  • Website: onelineage.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Novi, Michigan, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: lineage-logistics

Lineage, Inc. is a corporate investor based in Novi, Michigan, specializing in logistics with a focus on temperature-controlled warehousing and supply chain solutions. Founded in 2012, Lineage has grown to become a leader in the cold storage sector, providing critical support to businesses in the food industry. Their notable transactions include the acquisition of U.S. Growers Cold Storage, which expanded their warehousing capabilities in Southern California, and the significant acquisition of Preferred Freezer Services, which positioned them as the largest public refrigerated warehouse operator globally. These strategic acquisitions enhance their logistics and supply chain services, making them a vital player in the food processing ecosystem, even if they do not directly invest in machinery.



Food Processing Machinery Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
The Middleby CorporationElgin, Illinois, United States (USA)5001-1000018885
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Big Idea VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201810
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
AgFunderSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201320
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
The Riverside CompanyNew York, New York, United States (USA)201-500198812
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
CargillWayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)10001+18657
Collaborative FundNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201029
LineageNovi, Michigan, United States (USA)10001+20124


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