The functional foods industry in Latin America is booming, driven by rising health awareness among consumers. This sector features companies offering products that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, including fortified foods, plant-based options, and functional beverages. Innovations from startups and established brands are meeting demand for clean-label, nutrient-dense foods. As consumers seek convenient and health-oriented choices, the industry is anticipated to expand further, with major players exploring new markets and enhancing product formulations. Climate-friendly ingredients and sustainability are also increasingly important, shaping the direction of the sector.


The list of investors in the functional foods sector consists of a mix of venture capital firms and corporate investors primarily located in major cities across Latin America. Companies range in size from small teams to large corporations, with founding years spanning from 1925 to 2022. In total, these investors made around 80 deals in 2024, indicating strong interest in the growing functional foods market. Noteworthy entities like Semillero Partners and Grupo Lala are driving investments that align with health trends, showcasing the industry’s attractiveness for financial backing.


Top 17 Functional Foods Investors in Latin America


1. bossa invest

  • Website: bossainvest.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 56
  • LinkedIn: bossainvest

Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly in the technology sector, but has also shown a significant interest in the food industry. Bossa Invest has been involved in several relevant transactions, including Banza, which raised $20 million to enhance its food service and brand development, and Liv Up, which raised approximately $5.8 million to expand its healthy meal offerings. Other investments include Made in Natural and Legurmê, both of which contribute to the functional foods landscape. Bossa Invest not only provides capital but also strategic guidance and access to a network of co-investors, aiming to empower entrepreneurs and foster growth in the startup ecosystem.


2. Moriah Asset

  • Website: moriahasset.com.br
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: moriahasset

Moriah Asset is a corporate investor based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in technology and wellness, providing innovative tech solutions and health-related products aimed at health-conscious consumers and businesses. Moriah Asset has made several notable investments in the functional foods sector, including a $2 million investment in Naturanic, a company focused on health-oriented products, and participation in funding rounds for Desinchá, which offers wellness teas. They also invested in Oakberry, a brand known for its healthy food offerings. These transactions highlight Moriah Asset's commitment to enhancing the wellness and functional foods landscape through strategic investments.


3. Grupo Bimbo

  • Website: grupobimbo.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico
  • Founded year: 1945
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: grupobimbo

Grupo Bimbo, founded in 1945 and headquartered in Mexico City, is a leading global manufacturer of baked goods, including bread, pastries, and snacks. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, the company is dedicated to providing convenient and nutritious options for consumers worldwide. In recent years, Grupo Bimbo has made strategic investments and acquisitions to enhance its presence in the functional foods market. Notably, they acquired Emmy's Organics, a US-based gluten-free cookie maker, which allows them to tap into the growing demand for healthier snack options. Additionally, their acquisition of Amaritta Food SL, a gluten-free bread producer in Spain, further emphasizes their commitment to expanding their portfolio in the functional foods sector. Grupo Bimbo has also invested in innovative companies like Protera and Algama, which focus on developing sustainable and nutritious food solutions. This focus on health and wellness aligns with their sustainability and community engagement goals, making them a relevant investor in the functional foods industry.


4. Veronorte

  • Website: veronorte.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sabanalarga, Antioquia, Colombia
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • LinkedIn: veronorte

Veronorte is a venture capital firm based in Sabanalarga, Antioquia, Colombia, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on sustainable development in Latin America, investing in early and growth-stage companies across various sectors, including energy, agriculture, and healthcare. Their mission is to facilitate access to sustainable opportunities and help businesses navigate the regional market effectively. Notably, Veronorte has invested in several companies relevant to the functional foods sector, such as Nuritas, which raised $45 million in a Series B funding round to develop food-derived peptides for health benefits. They also participated in funding rounds for Shiru, a biotech start-up, and The EVERY Company, which focuses on sustainable food production. These transactions highlight Veronorte's commitment to supporting innovations that enhance health and nutrition, aligning with the functional foods industry.


5. Santatera Capital

  • Website: santatera.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
  • Founded year: 2022
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: santatera-capital

Santatera Capital is a venture capital firm based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in investments within the Food & Beverage industry, particularly targeting early-stage startups that are innovating in food products and technologies. In 2023, Santatera Capital participated in several notable transactions, including a Series A funding round for Mezcla, a company known for its innovative nutrition bars, and a Seed funding round for Tia Lupita Foods, a brand focused on Mexican-inspired food products. These investments reflect Santatera's commitment to supporting businesses that align with health and wellness trends in the food sector, showcasing their strategic focus on functional foods.


6. Semillero Partners LLC


Semillero Partners LLC is a venture capital firm based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, founded in 2016. The firm is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs in the Food & Beverage, Food Tech, and Wellness industries by providing investment capital and strategic guidance to help businesses grow sustainably. Their mission emphasizes collaboration and creating value for society. Notable transactions include a $5 million Series A investment in The Jackfruit Company, which focuses on plant-based food products, and a $1.8 million seed round for PRoduce, a company likely involved in the functional foods space. These investments highlight Semillero Partners' commitment to supporting innovative companies within the functional foods sector.


7. Kaszek

  • Website: kaszek.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 17
  • LinkedIn: kaszek-ventures

Kaszek is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on investing in and supporting entrepreneurs across various technology-driven industries in Latin America. With a strong emphasis on long-term partnerships, Kaszek aims to foster a vibrant technology ecosystem in the region. Notably, Kaszek has been involved in significant transactions within the functional foods sector, particularly with Liv Up, a Brazilian healthy foodtech startup. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Liv Up, including a Series A investment of $1.7 million in 2017, a Series C investment in 2019, and a Series D investment of $35.8 million in 2021. These investments highlight Kaszek's commitment to the functional foods industry and its potential for growth in the Latin American market.


8. Kptl

  • Website: kptl.com.br
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2020
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: inseed-investimentos

KPTL is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2020. With a team that has over 15 years of experience, KPTL has made more than 124 investments, focusing on innovative startups across various sectors. Notably, Kptl has invested in Ages Bioactive, which raised $1,474,845 in 2022, a company that specializes in bioactive compounds relevant to functional foods. Additionally, their portfolio includes other health-related companies, indicating a strategic interest in sectors that overlap with functional foods. Kptl provides not only capital but also strategic guidance to help these companies grow and succeed in their respective markets.


9. Grupo Lala


Grupo Lala, S.A.B. de C.V. is a prominent food manufacturer based in Rancho Playa, Veracruz, Mexico, specializing in dairy and meat products. Founded in 1950, the company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and has established a strong presence in both Mexico and international markets. Grupo Lala offers a diverse range of products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and processed meats, catering to the nutritional needs of consumers and businesses alike. Notably, Grupo Lala has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in the dairy sector, including the acquisition of Vigor Alimentos, a Brazilian dairy company, for approximately $1.83 billion in 2017, and Farmland Dairies in New Jersey, enhancing its distribution in the U.S. market. These strategic moves, along with the acquisition of Laguna Dairy's U.S. branded business, demonstrate Grupo Lala's commitment to expanding its portfolio of value-added dairy products, which often fall under the functional foods category due to their health benefits.


10. Order VC

  • Website: ordervc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: ordervc

Order Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, that specializes in investing in early-stage consumer goods companies. Founded with a mission to support entrepreneurs and businesses in the consumer goods sector, Order VC provides not only capital but also management consulting and branding support to help these companies grow and establish strong market positions. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Enova Foods and Enjoy Snacks, both of which are involved in the food sector. These investments indicate a potential interest in functional foods, although the specific nature of these companies' products is not detailed. Other investments include Monama and Forever Liss, which may not directly relate to functional foods but further illustrate their focus on consumer goods.


11. The Yield Lab LATAM

  • Website: theyieldlablatam.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: theyieldlablatam

The Yield Lab LATAM is a venture capital firm based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, founded in 2017. It specializes in the AgriFoodTech sector, investing in early-stage startups that tackle challenges within the agri-food industry. The firm not only provides capital but also supports its portfolio companies through governance, talent development, and fundraising assistance. Among its notable transactions, The Yield Lab LATAM invested in Heartbest Foods, which is likely involved in the functional foods market, and Symbiomics, which raised funds in both seed and venture rounds. These investments highlight the firm's commitment to fostering innovation in the food sector, including areas that align with functional foods.


12. Crp

  • Website: crp.com.br
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
  • Founded year: 1981
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: crp

CRP Companhia de Participações is an investment firm based in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil, specializing in private equity and venture capital. Founded in 1981, CRP has over 35 years of experience in providing capital and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as larger companies seeking growth. Their portfolio is diverse, including investments in various sectors. Notably, CRP has invested in Carobhouse, which raised $2,000,000 in a Series A round in January 2015 and an undisclosed amount in a subsequent private equity round in September 2015. This investment highlights CRP's engagement in the functional foods sector, as Carobhouse focuses on health-oriented products. Additionally, CRP has participated in other investments such as Grano Congelados and JA Saúde Animal, further showcasing their active role in supporting companies across different industries.


13. SP Ventures

  • Website: spventures.com.br
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2007
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: sp-ventures

SP Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments in technology-driven solutions for the agriculture and food sectors, supporting early-stage startups with capital and consulting services to foster innovation and growth. Their focus is particularly on addressing challenges within the AgFood value chain in Latin America. Notable transactions include their investment in Puna Bio, which raised funds for developing soybean seed treatments and expanding agricultural trials, highlighting their engagement in projects that can enhance food quality and production. Additionally, their investment in Pink Farms, an agrotech startup, further demonstrates their commitment to advancing the agricultural sector, which is closely related to functional foods.


14. Grupo Arancia

  • Website: arancia.com.mx
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
  • Founded year: 1925
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: grupo-arancia

Grupo Arancia, founded in 1925 and based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, operates in the food service, biotechnology, and natural extracts industries. The company specializes in providing high-quality ingredients and logistics solutions to businesses in the food and beverage sector, as well as enzymes for industrial applications. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, Arancia serves a diverse range of customers, ensuring reliable supply chains and product excellence. Notably, they have invested in several companies relevant to functional foods, including iwi Life, which raised $10 million in Series A funding for health-focused products, and Qualitas Health, which also secured $10 million in Series A funding for nutritional solutions. These transactions highlight Arancia's commitment to the functional foods sector and its strategic investments in health-oriented companies.


15. Monashees

  • Website: monashees.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 18
  • LinkedIn: monashees-capital

Monashees is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in technology-based companies across Latin America, providing not only funding but also support in talent acquisition, fundraising, and access to a network of industry experts. Among their notable transactions, Monashees has invested significantly in Fazenda Futuro, a Brazilian foodtech company focused on plant-based meat alternatives. They led the Series A round with an investment of $8.5 million in July 2019, followed by participation in subsequent funding rounds, including a $21.3 million Series B in September 2020 and a £42 million Series C in November 2021. These investments highlight Monashees' commitment to the functional foods sector, particularly in promoting sustainable and innovative food solutions.


16. Kria

  • Website: kria.vc
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: kria-vc

Kria is an investment platform based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, specializing in equity crowdfunding for startups and small businesses. Founded in 2014, Kria connects individual and institutional investors with high-potential companies seeking capital, democratizing access to the private capital market. In recent transactions, Kria has participated in funding rounds for companies like Mais Mu, a food tech startup that raised $25M to expand its presence in Latin America, and Suprevida, a healthtech startup that raised R$ 4 million in seed funding, showcasing their engagement in sectors that intersect with functional foods. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their commitment to supporting innovative businesses in the food and health industries.


17. LIP Ventures Boutique

  • Website: lip.lat
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Cuajimalpa, Mexico City, Mexico
  • Founded year: 2019
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: lip-ventures-boutique

LIP Ventures Boutique is a venture capital firm based in Cuajimalpa, Mexico City, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in providing funding and business development services to technology startups in Latin America, with a focus on connecting investors with high-potential opportunities. In 2024, LIP Ventures has made 7 investments, including notable transactions in the functional foods sector. They participated in Ripple Foods' Series F funding round, a company known for its innovative plant-based dairy products, which are considered functional foods due to their health benefits. Additionally, they invested in Ynsect, a company that produces insect protein, which is increasingly recognized for its nutritional value and sustainability. Other investments include Consumer Physics and Sweetch, although these are less directly related to functional foods. Overall, LIP Ventures Boutique demonstrates a growing interest in the functional foods market through their strategic investments.



Functional Foods Insights: Key Investors in Latin America


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
bossa investSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50201156
Moriah AssetSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-5020195
Grupo BimboMexico City, Mexico City, Mexico10001+19454
VeronorteSabanalarga, Antioquia, Colombia1-1020120
Santatera CapitalGuadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico1-1020222
Semillero Partners LLCSan Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico1-1020161
KaszekSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50201117
KptlSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-5020205
Grupo LalaRancho Playa, Veracruz, Mexico10001+19500
Order VCSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-101
The Yield Lab LATAMBuenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina11-5020175
CrpPorto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil11-5019810
SP VenturesSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil1-1020073
Grupo AranciaGuadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico1001-500019251
MonasheesSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-50200518
KriaSao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil11-5020140
LIP Ventures BoutiqueCuajimalpa, Mexico City, Mexico1-1020197


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