The burger fast food industry in the US offers quick and accessible meal options, engaging millions of consumers daily. It comprises major chains like McDonald's and Wendy's, regional players, and emerging gourmet burger joints. With growing interest in health-conscious alternatives, companies are now introducing plant-based and organic options. Digital ordering and delivery services are reshaping how consumers interact with these establishments. Emerging trends indicate a shift toward sustainable practices, prompting chains to source ingredients responsibly. Overall, the industry remains poised for growth, adapting to changing consumer preferences and technology while maintaining its classic appeal.


This list highlights a mix of prominent investors including private equity firms like Goldman Sachs and venture capital entities such as Y Combinator. Based across key markets in New York and California, these firms vary in size, managing from small portfolios to massive assets upward of 10,000 employees. Founded between 1976 and 2015, they made a noteworthy total of 802 investments in 2024 alone, reflecting active interest in the burger fast food sector. These investors shape the industry by funding growth, innovation, and technological advancements vital for future success.


Top 16 Burger 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 specializes in providing funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies, having successfully launched over 4,000 startups. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made notable investments in the food sector, including companies like Rebellyous Foods, which raised $1,125,000 in a Seed Round in December 2018, focusing on plant-based food alternatives. Additionally, they invested in FoodCourt, which raised $500,000 in a Seed Round in September 2022, indicating a commitment to innovative food delivery solutions. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement with the evolving landscape of food services, including those that intersect with the burger fast food industry.


2. 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, including food and dining. 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. Notable transactions include investments in Goiko Grill, a restaurant chain that could potentially offer burger options, and other food-related companies like Protein Bar and Piada Italian Street Food. These investments reflect L Catterton's commitment to driving growth and innovation within its portfolio, particularly in the food sector, which encompasses fast-casual and burger-related dining experiences.


3. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital investment 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, 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 industry, such as Bumpers America’s Favorite Foods, which raised debt financing in 2018, and multiple rounds of debt financing for Rotolo’s Pizzeria from 2012 to 2015. These transactions highlight their engagement in the food sector, particularly in businesses that could be categorized within the burger fast food context.


4. 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, founded in 1888. They specialize in manufacturing commercial and residential cooking and industrial process equipment, providing innovative solutions for foodservice operators and consumers. Their diverse product range serves various sectors, including restaurants, with a focus on enhancing efficiency and quality in food preparation. Notably, Middleby has made several strategic acquisitions relevant to the burger fast food industry, such as the acquisition of Nieco Corp., a manufacturer of automatic broilers, and the Taylor Company, which is a leader in beverage solutions and foodservice equipment. These transactions highlight Middleby's commitment to advancing technology in food preparation, making them a significant player in the foodservice equipment market.


5. 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 and financial institutions. In the context of the burger fast food industry, Goldman Sachs has made notable investments such as acquiring a significant stake in Zaxby's Operating Company L.P., which operates the Zaxby’s fast-casual chain. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for Sapphire Foods, the largest franchisee of Yum! Brands in the Indian subcontinent, showcasing their commitment to the fast food sector. Their involvement in Urban Plates and Mamagoto further highlights their engagement in the broader fast casual dining space, indicating a strategic interest in the growth of food service brands.


6. 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, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Among their notable transactions, they invested in Grill on Box, a startup that raised funds in the seed round, indicating their engagement in the burger fast food sector. Additionally, they have invested in Bella & Bona, a food service startup, which further demonstrates their interest in the food industry. Their model focuses on facilitating partnerships and providing resources to enhance business development across various sectors, including food.


7. 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 across various sectors, including private equity, real estate, and credit solutions. Founded in 1985, Blackstone has built a reputation for acquiring and managing a diverse portfolio of businesses. Notably, Blackstone has made significant strides in the burger fast food industry, exemplified by its acquisition of Antares Restaurant Group, which operates Burger King franchises in New Zealand. This acquisition, announced in 2011, marked a strategic entry into the fast food market. More recently, Blackstone has also acquired Jersey Mike's Subs for $8 billion, aiming to enhance its growth and technological capabilities, and Tropical Smoothie Cafe for $2 billion, further diversifying its portfolio within the food service sector. These transactions highlight Blackstone's commitment to investing in and expanding its presence in the fast food industry, particularly in the burger segment.


8. 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 diverse portfolio, KKR has made significant investments in the food sector, including the acquisition of Telepizza in 2019, which highlights their interest in fast food operations. Additionally, KKR has a history of investing in grocery chains, such as Cardenas Markets, which further demonstrates their engagement in the food industry. Although KKR's investments span various sectors, their activity in food-related businesses suggests they could potentially invest in burger fast food chains as well.


9. 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 tackle challenges across various sectors, including biosciences and transportation. Notably, Valor has made significant investments in the food industry, including the acquisition of Wow Bao, a fast-casual chain known for its Asian-inspired buns, which highlights their commitment to the fast-casual dining sector. They also invested in Roti Modern Mediterranean, providing $23 million to support its national expansion and technological advancements. These transactions reflect Valor's strategic focus on innovative dining concepts, positioning them as a relevant investor in the burger fast food space.


10. 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 acquired several restaurant chains relevant to the burger fast food context, such as Johnny Rockets in 2013 and Boston Market in 2007. Additionally, they have invested in other food-related businesses like Fazoli's and Smokey Bones & Fire Grill, showcasing their commitment to the food sector. By partnering with management teams, Sun Capital provides the necessary resources and expertise to optimize operations and drive sustainable growth in these brands.


11. 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 venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. The firm specializes in empowering consumer brands through funding and support, primarily in the consumer packaged goods sector. They leverage their Helio technology platform to provide data insights that help entrepreneurs make informed decisions. Notably, CircleUp has invested in Everything Legendary, a Black-owned maker of plant-based burgers, leading a $6 million Series A funding round to support the company's retail expansion and product development. They have also participated in funding rounds for other food brands, such as Nona Lim and 4505 Meats, indicating a broader interest in the food industry, including the burger segment. Their investments reflect a commitment to supporting innovative food brands that align with consumer trends.


12. 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 made several investments in the burger fast food industry, including Checkers Drive-In Restaurants, which they funded in 2020, and Carrols Corporation, a significant player in the burger market, in 2015. Additionally, they acquired PJW Restaurant Group, which operates multiple restaurant brands, further showcasing their active role in the food sector. Their investment in Primanti Bros. Restaurant and Bar and Pollo Tropical also highlights their focus on the broader food and beverage landscape, reinforcing their relevance in the industry.


13. 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, which is a prominent player in the fast food market. This acquisition highlights Advent's commitment to the food service sector. Additionally, they have invested in other restaurant chains, such as Frango Assado in Brazil, showcasing their global reach and interest in diverse culinary offerings. Their strategy of partnering with companies to help them grow and navigate market challenges positions Advent as a relevant investor in the fast food landscape.


14. 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 made several significant acquisitions to enhance its offerings, including Doughtie's Foods, Inc., Buckhead Beef Co., and Newport Meat Company, all of which contribute to its ability to serve the food service industry effectively. Notably, the acquisition of Brake Bros and the Brakes Group further solidified Sysco's position in the food distribution market, allowing it to cater to a broader range of clients, including those in the burger fast food sector. These transactions highlight Sysco's commitment to expanding its capabilities and reach within the food service industry, making it a key player in supporting burger fast food operations.


15. 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. The firm focuses on alternative proteins and sustainable food technologies, providing funding and consulting services to entrepreneurs and companies in the food industry. Notable transactions include their investment in Beyond Meat, which raised $17 million in a Series E round, highlighting their commitment to plant-based meat alternatives. They have also invested in Alpha Foods, which offers plant-based products like chik'n nuggets and burritos, and Good Catch, known for its plant-based seafood products. These investments reflect New Crop Capital's strategy to support innovative companies that align with the growing demand for sustainable and alternative food options, particularly in the fast food sector.


16. Accel

  • Website: accel.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Palo Alto, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1983
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 101
  • LinkedIn: accel-vc

Accel is a venture capital firm founded in 1983, based in Palo Alto, California. The firm specializes in investing in startups and early-stage companies, primarily in the technology sector, but has also ventured into the food industry. Notably, Accel invested in Curefoods, which raised $50 million in a Series C round in June 2022 and is focused on expanding its cloud kitchen brands, including burger offerings. Additionally, Accel's involvement in other funding rounds, such as those for Wonder, showcases its interest in innovative food delivery and preparation models. This diversification into the food sector, particularly with companies that have a stake in fast food, positions Accel as a relevant player in the burger fast food investment landscape.



Burger Fast Food Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
L CattertonUnited States (USA)201-500198923
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
The Middleby CorporationElgin, Illinois, United States (USA)5001-1000018885
Goldman SachsNew York, New York, United States (USA)10001+199859
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
BlackstoneNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000198557
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Valor Equity PartnersChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)51-200200123
Sun Capital Partners, Inc.Boca Raton, Florida, United States (USA)51-20019951
CircleUpSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-20020120
Garnett Station PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020132
AdventBoston, Massachusetts, United States (USA)501-1000198417
SyscoHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+19691
New Crop CapitalNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020150
AccelPalo Alto, California, United States (USA)51-2001983101


Want to find more investors focusing on the burger fast food industry?

If you want to find more investors that are active in the burger fast foodindustry, 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!