Top 15 Food Supply Chain Investors in the US
Top 15 Food Supply Chain Investors in the US
The food supply chain industry in the US is a complex network responsible for the sourcing, processing, distribution, and sale of food products. It includes a variety of companies, such as farms, food processors, distributors, and retailers, all working together to ensure food safety and accessibility. Emerging technologies like blockchain, robotics, and advanced logistics are reshaping operations, focusing on sustainability and efficiency. Consumers are increasingly demanding transparency and eco-friendly practices, prompting significant innovation within the sector. As food technology evolves, significant opportunities arise for growth, making this industry pivotal for both the economy and food security.
The investors listed here represent a broad spectrum of funding types within the food supply chain sector. Spanning venture capital, private equity, and corporate investments, these firms are headquartered in key states like California, New York, and Illinois. With a range of firm sizes from small startups to large enterprises, they vary in experience, having been founded from as early as 1888 to as recently as 2023. In 2024, they collectively made numerous strategic investments, maximizing their footprints in the rapidly transforming food supply chain landscape.
Top 15 Food Supply Chain 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 through a structured program that helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has invested in several companies within the food supply chain sector, including GrubMarket, which raised $90 million in Series D funding and has previously secured $10 million in Series A and $2.1 million in seed funding. Additionally, Y Combinator has backed EdenFarm Indonesia, which raised $1.725 million in a seed round, and Frubana, which raised $10 million in a seed round. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the food supply chain industry, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in this space.
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, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital investment but also resources to help startups grow and succeed. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in companies like FreshSpoke, a wholesale local food platform that raised $550,000 to expand its distribution capacity and grow its team. Additionally, they have supported Mori, which raised $4 million in a seed round, and Journey Foods, which focuses on food technology. These investments highlight SOSV's engagement in the food supply chain sector, alongside their broader focus on health and climate technology.
3. 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. In recent years, 500 Global has made significant investments in the food supply chain sector, including multiple rounds of funding for FarMart, a company that raised a total of $12.5 million across Seed and Series A rounds to enhance food distribution and supply chain efficiency. Additionally, they have invested in FreshKet and FIFOplus, both of which are involved in food-related services. These transactions highlight 500 Global's active role in supporting innovative solutions within the food supply chain, aligning with their broader mission to foster growth in various industries.
4. 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. In 2024 alone, they made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Journey Foods, a startup focused on food technology, and Winich Inc (Winich Farms), which raised $2.5 million in a seed round in October 2024, indicating their engagement in the food supply chain. Additionally, their participation in the funding of Mayani, a startup aimed at transforming the Philippine rural food value chain, highlights their commitment to supporting innovations in the food sector.
5. 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 is dedicated to 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 leading a €2.5 million pre-Series A funding round for Cocuus, a Spanish biotechnology company focused on scaling its business in the food sector, and a $10 million seed round for GOURMEY, a company specializing in cultured meat. Additionally, they have invested in Thrilling Foods, which raised $550,000 in a pre-seed round. These investments highlight Big Idea Ventures' active role in the food supply chain, particularly in innovative food technologies.
6. 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 a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many achieving unicorn status, FJ Labs has made significant investments in the food supply chain sector. Notable transactions include a $20 million Series B investment in GrubMarket, which focuses on food distribution, and a $25 million Series A investment in Frubana, a Colombian startup that connects farm products with restaurants and businesses. They also participated in a funding round for ProcSea, a B2B marketplace for seafood, showcasing their commitment to enhancing food supply chain efficiency through technology and innovation.
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, dedicated to promoting private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, facilitating access to capital and expertise to drive economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty and promoting sustainable development. Among its notable transactions in the food supply chain, IFC has invested in Agrocorp International, providing $32.5 million in debt financing in December 2022. Additionally, IFC participated in a $117 million Series D fundraising round for WayCool Foods, a company focused on food distribution, and provided $22 million in debt financing to WayCool in January 2022. Furthermore, IFC supported OLAM International with $176 million in post-IPO debt financing in April 2020. These transactions highlight IFC's active role in financing and supporting the food supply chain sector.
8. 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
The 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. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm focuses on connecting them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the fund has been involved in significant transactions in the food supply chain sector, including investments in GrubMarket, which raised $25 million in Series C and $32 million in Series B, both aimed at enhancing food distribution and supply chain efficiency. Additionally, the fund participated in the Seed Round for Ingrediome, which raised $2.25 million in 2024, further emphasizing its commitment to food technology and supply chain innovation.
9. Tiger Global
- Website: tigerglobal.com
- Type: Venture Capital
- Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
- Founded year: 2001
- Headcount: 51-200
- Number of deals in 2024: 25
- LinkedIn: tiger-global-management
Tiger Global Management, LLC is a New York-based investment firm specializing in public and private equity investments. Founded in 2001, the firm manages approximately $50 billion and focuses on innovative companies leveraging technology. Its clients include institutional investors and high-net-worth individuals seeking expert investment management and advisory services. Notably, Tiger Global has invested in several key players in the food supply chain, including Meicai, which raised $800 million in Series F funding in October 2018 and $450 million in Series E funding in January 2018, and GrubMarket, which raised $120 million in Series F funding in September 2022. Additionally, they invested in Mercanto (previously Miferia), which raised $7 million in a Seed Round in August 2022. These transactions highlight Tiger Global's commitment to supporting innovative companies within the food supply chain.
10. 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, the government 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 food supply chain investments, the Government of Canada has been involved in several significant transactions. For instance, it provided a grant of $1,900,000 to Simpson Seeds in November 2024, and previously supported La Fromagerie Champêtre inc with a grant of $747,542 in August 2019. Additionally, the government invested $4,368,888 in Sustainable Produce Urban Delivery in March 2022, and allocated funds to Open Food Network Canada to enhance local food infrastructure. Furthermore, the government has committed $200 million under the Emergency Food Security Fund to support food banks and local food organizations, highlighting its role in addressing food insecurity and improving access to healthy, nutritious, and local foods.
11. 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 particular focus on agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. Advantage Capital is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities by offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions within the food supply chain, including significant debt financing for Lamm Food, which raised $2.3 million in 2020, and $5.5 million in 2012. Additionally, they provided $7.76 million in debt financing to Central Florida Repack in 2013. These transactions highlight their active role in the food supply chain sector, making them a relevant investor in this space.
12. 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 strong emphasis on temperature-controlled warehousing and supply chain solutions. Founded in 2012, Lineage has rapidly expanded its operations across multiple countries, providing essential services such as cold storage, transportation, and food processing support. Their strategic acquisitions, including VersaCold Logistics Services, Preferred Freezer Services, Kloosterboer Norway facility, Henningsen Cold Storage Co., and Maines Paper & Food Service, highlight their commitment to enhancing their capabilities within the food supply chain. By becoming the largest public refrigerated warehouse operator globally, Lineage plays a crucial role in managing the cold chain from production to delivery, ensuring that food products are stored and transported under optimal conditions.
13. 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 built a reputation for providing asset management solutions to both institutional investors and individual clients, helping them navigate complex investment landscapes to achieve strong financial returns. KKR operates globally, leveraging its extensive expertise and resources to support its clients' investment needs. In the food supply chain context, KKR has made notable investments, including a $500 million investment in US Foods, a major foodservice distributor, and an $81.2 million investment in Japfa Comfeed Indonesia, a leading agribusiness company. Additionally, KKR's acquisition of Cardenas Markets, a Hispanic grocery chain, further underscores their active role in the food retail sector, collectively generating significant sales and impacting the food supply chain.
14. 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, 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. In recent years, IndieBio has made several investments in food-related startups, such as Ingrediome, which raised funds in both Pre-Seed and Seed rounds, focusing on food technology. Another notable investment is in West Bourne, which also raised funds in a Seed round. These transactions highlight IndieBio's commitment to fostering innovation in the food supply chain, making them a significant player in this space.
15. 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 established itself as a leader in providing innovative solutions for foodservice operators and consumers, focusing on 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. Notably, Middleby has made several strategic acquisitions that bolster its position in the food supply chain, including CVP Systems, which manufactures high-speed packaging systems for the meat processing industry, and Carter-Hoffmann, which specializes in heating and holding equipment. These acquisitions reflect Middleby's strategy to enhance its Food Processing Equipment Division, further solidifying its relevance in the food supply chain.
Food Supply Chain Insights: Key Investors in the US
| Investor | Headquarter | Size | Founded | Deals 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Y Combinator | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2005 | 802 |
| Sosv | United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1995 | 170 |
| 500 Global | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 201-500 | 2010 | 98 |
| Plug and Play Tech Center | Sunnyvale, California, United States (USA) | 501-1000 | 2006 | 253 |
| Big Idea Ventures | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2018 | 10 |
| FJ Labs | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 11-50 | 2015 | 169 |
| IFC - International Finance Corporation | Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1956 | 107 |
| Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) | Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2023 | 258 |
| Tiger Global | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 2001 | 25 |
| Government of Canada | Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 1999 | 137 |
| Advantage Capital | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA) | 51-200 | 1992 | 5 |
| Lineage | Novi, Michigan, United States (USA) | 10001+ | 2012 | 4 |
| Kkr | New York, New York, United States (USA) | 1001-5000 | 1976 | 74 |
| IndieBio | San Francisco, California, United States (USA) | 1-10 | 2015 | 76 |
| The Middleby Corporation | Elgin, Illinois, United States (USA) | 5001-10000 | 1888 | 5 |
Want to find more investors focusing on the food supply chain industry?
If you want to find more investors that are active in the food supply chainindustry, 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!
.jpg)
Trusted by 700+ companies
