The functional foods industry in the US focuses on products with enhanced health benefits, including dietary supplements, fortified snacks, and nourishing beverages. Companies in this sector aim to improve consumer wellness through innovative offerings that cater to increasing health awareness. Bright trends, driven by rising consumer demand for plant-based options and immunity-boosting ingredients, signify growth. Industry leaders like Perfect Day and Ripple Foods represent this burgeoning field, as they explore groundbreaking solutions to traditional nutrition. As consumers prioritize health and sustainability, the functional foods sector will likely see a surge in both invention and investment in the coming years.


Among the top investors in the functional foods sector are venture capital and corporate investment firms, revealing a vibrant ecosystem. Most of these investors are nestled in hubs like San Francisco and New York, featuring a range of sizes from small firms to large corporations. Founded between 1902 and 2023, their cumulative 2024 deal count surpasses hundreds. Notable players such as Sosv and Khosla Ventures showcase a blend of deep sector knowledge and commitment to innovation, reflecting the inflection point for nutritional advancements.


Top 18 Functional Foods 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 health and climate technology, Sosv operates globally, connecting innovative companies with investors. Notably, they have made significant investments in the functional foods sector, including multiple rounds of funding for Perfect Day, which raised $900 million in Series E and $350 million in Series D, both aimed at advancing their innovative dairy alternatives. Additionally, Sosv has invested in YoFiit, a company that provides functional food products, and Paragon Pure, which is involved in flavor development for food products. These transactions highlight Sosv's active role in the functional foods industry, alongside their broader investment strategy.


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 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 notable investments in the functional foods sector are Soylent, which raised $120,000 in a Pre-Seed round in 2012, and Kingdom Supercultures, which raised $125,000 in a Seed round in 2020. Additionally, they have invested in Replenish, a company focused on hydration solutions, and FitHub, which emphasizes health and fitness. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement with innovative food and health-related startups, reinforcing its relevance in the functional foods industry.


3. 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 participated in several transactions relevant to the functional foods sector, including Thistle, which raised $10.3 million in a Series B round to expand its healthy meal delivery services, and Oobli, which raised $25 million in Series B funding to develop sugar alternatives. These investments highlight the fund's engagement in the functional foods industry, alongside its broader investment strategy.


4. 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 provide funding and mentorship to entrepreneurs in the food technology sector, helping them scale their operations through accelerator programs. Notable transactions include their investment in Yofix Probiotics, which raised $3.5 million and focuses on functional foods through its probiotic offerings. Other relevant investments include Mycosortia and PFx Biotech, which also align with the themes of food innovation and sustainability. Overall, Big Idea Ventures is committed to supporting the growth of startups that are making significant contributions to the food industry, particularly in the functional foods space.


5. 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, specializing in biotechnology. They provide investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to startups, particularly those led by biotech entrepreneurs. IndieBio has made significant investments in various sectors, including food. Notably, they have invested in microTERRA, which raised substantial funds in multiple seed rounds, focusing on sustainable food production. They also invested in Oobli, which is likely involved in innovative food solutions. These transactions highlight IndieBio's active role in supporting the development of functional foods and related technologies.


6. 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 the context of functional foods, 500 Global has participated in notable transactions such as Territory Foods, which raised a total of $8 million in Series A funding across two rounds in 2018 and 2019, focusing on healthy meal options. Additionally, they invested in Desert Farms, which raised funds in a seed round in 2024, further emphasizing their engagement in the functional foods sector. These investments highlight 500 Global's interest in supporting innovative startups that contribute to the health and nutrition landscape.


7. 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 founded in 2012 and based in San Francisco, California. They empower consumer brands through funding and support, offering business loans and equity financing. CircleUp utilizes their Helio technology platform to provide data insights that help entrepreneurs make informed decisions. Their primary customers are businesses in the consumer packaged goods sector seeking capital to grow. Notably, CircleUp has invested in several companies within the functional foods space, including REBBL, which raised $10 million in a Series D round and $4 million in a Seed round, focusing on functional beverages. They also invested in Verb Energy, which raised $8 million in a venture round, and The Good Crisp Company, which received funding to scale its operations. These transactions highlight CircleUp's commitment to supporting innovative brands in the functional foods market.


8. 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. Notably, they have invested in NatureBox, which raised a total of $10.5 million across two rounds (Seed and Series A) in 2012 and 2013, focusing on healthy snack options. Additionally, they have invested in Oobli, a company that raised funds in multiple rounds, including a Series A round of $6.9 million in 2020 and a Series C round in 2024. Oobli is known for its innovative approach to sweeteners, which aligns with the functional foods trend of healthier alternatives. These transactions highlight Plug and Play's engagement with the functional foods sector, despite their broader focus on technology.


9. Gaingels

  • Website: gaingels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 60
  • LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm provides capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups, to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Gaingels has been involved in several relevant transactions in the functional foods space, including investments in Territory Foods, a nutritionist-designed meal delivery service, and BetterBrand, a food tech company focused on innovative food products. These investments highlight Gaingels' active role in the functional foods industry, as they support companies that align with health and nutrition goals.


10. 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. With a strong emphasis on consumer insights, L Catterton aims to drive growth and innovation within its portfolio companies. Notable transactions in the functional foods context include their acquisition of The Good Bean, which merged with Beanitos to create a unified platform for bean-based snacks, and their investment in IAFSTORE, which supports the expansion of online dietary supplements in Italy. Additionally, their recent investment in Alice Mushrooms highlights their interest in the functional foods market, particularly in health-oriented products. These activities reflect L Catterton's commitment to enhancing brand presence in the functional foods sector.


11. 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 the functional foods context, Collaborative Fund has made significant investments in companies such as Beyond Meat, which specializes in plant-based meat alternatives, Ripple Foods, known for its pea-based dairy alternatives, Daily Harvest, which offers healthy, pre-portioned meals, and Olipop, a maker of prebiotic beverages. These investments reflect their commitment to supporting businesses that promote health and wellness through innovative food products, aligning with their mission of pushing the world forward.


12. Khosla Ventures

  • Website: khoslaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Menlo Park, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2004
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 97
  • LinkedIn: khosla-ventures

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2004. The firm specializes in providing funding and venture assistance to startups, particularly in the technology, healthcare, and sustainability sectors. Khosla Ventures supports entrepreneurs with resources and strategic guidance to help them navigate the challenges of building their businesses. Notably, Khosla Ventures has made significant investments in the functional foods space, including multiple funding rounds for Ripple Foods, which raised a total of $116 million across Series A, B, and C rounds from 2015 to 2018. Additionally, they have invested heavily in Impossible Foods, a leader in the plant-based food industry, with substantial funding rounds totaling $800 million from 2019 to 2020. These investments highlight Khosla Ventures' active role in promoting innovation within the functional foods sector.


13. 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 of Canada has engaged in several transactions that highlight its involvement in the functional foods sector. For instance, it provided a grant of $39,350 to Good Food For Good in August 2019, and a significant grant of $1,400,000 to Big Mountain Foods in July 2022. Additionally, in February 2025, they granted $5,000,000 to Konscious Foods. These investments reflect the government's interest in promoting health-oriented food products and supporting innovation within the functional foods industry.


14. StartUp Health

  • Website: startuphealth.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2011
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • LinkedIn: startuphealth

StartUp Health is a not-for-profit organization based in New York, focused on health innovation and supporting health entrepreneurs and startups. Founded in 2011, they provide resources, networking opportunities, and media content to address significant health challenges through their Health Moonshot Communities. Their offerings include newsletters, podcasts, and a journal that highlight progress in health technology and innovation. Notably, StartUp Health has been involved in several transactions relevant to the functional foods sector, including investments in BetterMeal AI, which focuses on AI-driven meal planning for better nutrition, and Vous Vitamin, which offers personalized vitamin solutions. These investments reflect their commitment to supporting innovations that enhance health and nutrition, aligning with the functional foods industry.


15. CAVU Venture Partners


CAVU Venture Partners is a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 2015, specializing in the health and wellness sector. The firm not only invests in but also provides brand consultancy services, helping companies enhance their market presence and operational strategies. CAVU has made significant investments in functional foods, including Kettle & Fire, which raised $8 million in Series A funding to expand its bone broth product line, and REBBL, which secured $20 million to grow its coconut-milk drink offerings. They also invested in Hippeas, a vegan chickpea snack brand, which has raised substantial funding to support product innovation and market expansion. These transactions highlight CAVU's commitment to supporting brands that align with health and wellness, particularly in the functional foods category.


16. 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), founded in 1902 and based in Chicago, Illinois, is a leading food processing and commodities trading corporation. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, ADM specializes in human, pet, and animal nutrition, providing a wide range of ingredients and solutions to food and beverage manufacturers, animal feed producers, and pet food companies. The company emphasizes sustainability and innovation in nutrition. Notably, ADM has made strategic acquisitions to enhance its presence in the functional foods market, including the acquisition of Deerland Probiotics & Enzymes, which focuses on probiotics and dietary supplements, and Wild Flavors GmbH, a producer of natural food ingredients. Additionally, ADM has participated in funding rounds for innovative companies like Sustainable Bioproducts and Perfect Day, further solidifying its role as a key investor in the functional foods industry.


17. GroundForce Capital


GroundForce Capital is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2015. The firm focuses on supporting companies that tackle human and planetary health challenges by providing investment, strategic guidance, and operational expertise. Notably, GroundForce Capital has been involved in significant transactions within the functional foods space, including investments in Beyond Meat, a leader in plant-based meat alternatives, and Ripple Foods, known for its innovative dairy alternatives. These investments reflect GroundForce's commitment to scaling sustainable and health-oriented products and services, making them a relevant player in the functional foods industry.


18. Goodwater Capital

  • Website: goodwatercap.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlingame, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 41
  • LinkedIn: goodwater-capital

Goodwater Capital is a venture capital firm based in Burlingame, California, founded in 2014. The firm specializes in consumer technology and supports seed-stage entrepreneurs by providing investment, resources, and a community to help them grow. Goodwater Capital focuses on various sectors, including healthcare and financial services, with a mission to improve access to technology solutions for underserved communities. Notably, they have participated in several transactions relevant to the functional foods context, such as FitHub and Todos Comemos, both of which raised seed funding aimed at health and wellness. Additionally, their involvement in WellEasy, a venture round investment, indicates their interest in health-related products. Their participation in the seed funding of Pet's Table, a direct-to-consumer pet food company, also highlights their engagement in the food sector, further solidifying their relevance in the functional foods industry.



Functional Foods Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Big Idea VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201810
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
CircleUpSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-20020120
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
L CattertonUnited States (USA)201-500198923
Collaborative FundNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201029
Khosla VenturesMenlo Park, California, United States (USA)51-200200497
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
StartUp HealthNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020110
CAVU Venture PartnersNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020150
AdmChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)10001+19022
GroundForce CapitalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020152
Goodwater CapitalBurlingame, California, United States (USA)51-200201441


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