The premium pet food industry in the US focuses on high-quality, nutritious options for pets. Companies range from boutique brands offering organic ingredients to established giants providing novel alternatives, like fresh or plant-based foods. Recent trends indicate a growing consumer preference for transparency and sustainability, with pet owners willing to invest more in premium products. This shift is propelled by health-consciousness among pet owners, plus rising awareness about animal welfare. In tandem, companies are innovating with personalized meal plans and subscription services, reflecting the industry's commitment to quality and connection with pet parents.

The list features 16 investors in the premium pet food arena, showcasing a mix of venture capital and corporate firms. Headquartered in major cities like San Francisco and New York, these investors vary in size, employing between 10 and over 10,000 individuals. Founded from 1865 to 2023, their focus is clear, with a total of 384 investments made in 2024. This diverse group reinforces the appeal of premium pet food, driving growth through strategic funding and innovative solutions tailored for health-conscious pet owners.

Top 16 Premium Pet Food 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, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a focus on sectors like health and climate technology, Sosv operates globally, connecting innovative companies with investors. Notably, Sosv has made significant investments in the premium pet food industry, including Wild Earth, which raised funds in July 2022, and BioCraft Pet Nutrition, which has received multiple rounds of seed funding from Sosv since 2018. These investments highlight Sosv's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the pet food market, particularly those that emphasize quality and sustainability.

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, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses through structured programs and resources like the Startup School. 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 LAIKA, a Colombian pet e-commerce platform that raised $12 million in a Series A funding round in June 2021, as well as an earlier seed round in 2019. This involvement in the pet sector highlights Y Combinator's interest in premium pet food and related products, showcasing its capacity to support innovative companies in this niche.

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, particularly in the realm of alternative proteins and sustainable food solutions. They provide funding and mentorship to startups in the food technology sector, helping them scale their operations. Notably, Big Idea Ventures has invested in Wild Earth, a plant-based dog food company that has raised over $23 million in funding to develop cell-based meat pet food. This investment highlights their commitment to the premium pet food market, as it aligns with the increasing demand for sustainable and innovative pet food options. Additionally, they have participated in funding rounds for other food-related startups, reinforcing their focus on food innovation.

4. 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. In the context of the premium pet food industry, 500 Global has made significant investments, including a recent seed round for Notti Pet Food, which raised $507,185 in May 2024. They also invested in BarkBox, which raised $5 million in a Series A round in April 2013, and participated in an earlier seed round for the same company in July 2012. These transactions highlight 500 Global's engagement in the pet food sector, showcasing their interest in innovative solutions and products that cater to pet owners.

5. Michelson Impact Ventures

• Website: michelson.vc
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Los Angeles, California, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn: michelson-impact-ventures

Michelson Impact Ventures is a corporate investor based in Los Angeles, California, founded in 2016. The firm operates as a social change fund, deploying impact investment capital into mission-aligned startups across various sectors, including education and healthcare. Notably, they have made significant investments in the premium pet food industry, including Wild Earth, a biotech startup developing clean protein pet foods, and PetPlate, which specializes in premium pet meals. Additionally, they have supported other pet food-related startups such as Jiminy's, Smalls, and Petty Well, indicating a strong interest in innovative solutions for pet nutrition. Through funding and accelerator programs, Michelson Impact Ventures aims to drive social change and improve outcomes for underserved communities, while also contributing to the advancement of the premium pet food market.

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 is part of Alumni Ventures, which provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios. The fund has a network of over 10,000 investors and focuses on connecting them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the Deep Tech Fund has been involved in several significant transactions in the premium pet food industry, including a Series B investment in Nom Nom, a company specializing in fresh pet food, and multiple funding rounds for PetPlate, which raised $9 million in Series A and $4 million in Seed funding. Additionally, they participated in a Series D round for Ollie, another premium pet food brand, which raised over $21 million. These transactions highlight the fund's active role in the premium pet food market.

7. 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 founded in 1989, specializing in investment management with a focus on consumer brands across various sectors. The firm partners with middle market companies and high-growth enterprises, providing capital and strategic guidance to enhance brand equity and market presence. In the premium pet food industry, L Catterton has made significant investments, including a notable investment in 'I and love and you', which raised funds to accelerate its national growth. They also led a seed funding round for 'Yummers', a pet lifestyle brand, to support its omni-channel strategy, including a partnership with Petco. Additionally, L Catterton has invested in 'JustFoodForDogs', a retailer of small batch, home-cooked pet food, and acquired a minority stake in 'Drools', further solidifying their presence in the premium pet food market. With a strong emphasis on consumer insights, L Catterton aims to drive growth and innovation within its portfolio companies, making them a key player in the premium pet food sector.

8. 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, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, they have been involved in financing transactions within the premium pet food sector, including Manna Pro Products, which raised funds in 2010 and 2014, and Belladoggie, which secured financing in 2010 and 2011. These transactions highlight Advantage Capital's engagement in the pet food industry, reinforcing their role as a relevant investor in this market.

9. 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 specialize in connecting startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024 alone, they have made 253 investments across diverse sectors. Among their notable transactions in the premium pet food industry, they participated in the seed funding round for Bond Pet Foods, which raised $1.2 million to develop a pure yeast dog treat bar. They also invested in PiP Pet Recognition, a company focused on pet care technology. These investments highlight their engagement in the premium pet food sector, despite their broader focus on technology startups.

10. Mars

• Website: mars.com
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Mclean, Virginia, United States (USA)
• Founded year: 1935
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn: mars

Mars, Incorporated, founded in 1935 and based in McLean, Virginia, is a leading corporate investor in the pet care, food and nutrition, and snacking industries. With over 10,000 employees, Mars has made significant strides in the premium pet food market, highlighted by their acquisition of Champion Petfoods, a Canadian premium pet food maker known for its Orijen and Acana brands, valued at over $2 billion. Additionally, Mars has agreed to acquire Nom Nom, a direct-to-consumer pet food brand, for $1 billion, which will operate under their Royal Canin division. These strategic investments reflect Mars' commitment to enhancing pet nutrition and health services, making them a key player in the premium pet food industry.

11. 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. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many achieving unicorn status, FJ Labs provides capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. Notably, FJ Labs has invested in LAIKA, a pet product retailer that raised an undisclosed amount in a convertible note in 2023 and participated in a $48 million Series B round in 2022. They also invested in Embark Veterinary Inc., which raised $10 million in Series A funding in 2019, focusing on pet genetics and health. These transactions highlight FJ Labs' engagement in the premium pet food and care market, showcasing their interest in innovative pet-related businesses.

12. 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) is a leading food processing and commodities trading corporation based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in human, pet, and animal nutrition. Founded in 1902, ADM has a global presence and provides a wide range of ingredients and solutions to food and beverage manufacturers, animal feed producers, and pet food companies, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and innovation in nutrition. In recent years, ADM has made significant strides in the premium pet food market, acquiring companies such as PetDine, The Pound Bakery, and NutraDine on September 8, 2021, as part of a strategic move to enhance its capabilities in pet nutrition. Additionally, ADM Ventures participated in a $17.5 million Series A funding round for Bond Pet Foods, indicating their interest in supporting innovative companies within the premium pet food sector. These transactions highlight ADM's commitment to expanding its footprint in the pet food industry, particularly in the premium segment.

13. 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. Notably, IndieBio has invested in companies like AnimalBiome, which focuses on pet microbiome health, and Oobli, which is involved in creating innovative pet food solutions. Their investments in these companies demonstrate a commitment to advancing the premium pet food industry, making them a significant player in this space.

14. 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 leader in asset management, providing solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. The firm has a global reach and leverages its extensive expertise to navigate complex investment landscapes. Notably, KKR has made significant strides in the premium pet food sector, acquiring Natural Pet Food Group and investing in Gambol Pet Group, the largest private-label provider of pet treats to Walmart in the US. Additionally, KKR's acquisition of Pets at Home highlights their strong interest in the pet retail market, further solidifying their position in the premium pet food industry.

15. 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 based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2012. It specializes in empowering 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. Notably, CircleUp has made significant investments in the premium pet food sector, including a Series B investment in Nom Nom, a provider of fresh, custom-portioned vet-formulated meals for dogs, and a seed investment in Whole Life Pet Products, which focuses on high-quality pet food. Additionally, CircleUp participated in the funding rounds for NomNomNow, further emphasizing its active role in the premium pet food market. Their focus on consumer packaged goods and their history of supporting pet food brands position them as a relevant investor in this category.

16. 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. Notably, Collaborative Fund has invested in The Farmer's Dog, a customized pet food subscription service, participating in both their Seed and Series A funding rounds, which raised a total of $10.1 million. Additionally, they invested in Porter Road Butcher, an online animal butcher shop, further emphasizing their engagement in the premium pet food and related markets. Their investment strategy is centered around identifying businesses that align with their mission of pushing the world forward, which includes supporting innovative solutions in the pet food industry.

Premium Pet Food Insights: Key Investors in the US

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