The meat processing industry in the US plays a vital role in the food supply chain, transforming raw meat into products ready for consumption. Companies range from large processors to specialty butcher shops, each offering tailored services like customized cuts and packaging. While conventional meat processing remains robust, there's a noticeable shift towards alternative proteins and sustainable practices as consumer preferences change. This evolution is influencing investment trends, with a rising number of stakeholders focusing on innovative solutions aimed at reducing the environmental impact of meat production. The industry is navigating an exciting transition with potential for modernized operations and new market opportunities.


The investors on our list represent a variety of influences in the meat processing sector, spanning venture capital firms, corporate giants, and nonprofit organizations. Headquartered mostly in major cities like New York and San Francisco, these investors vary in size from small firms to large corporations. Founded between 1888 and 2023, they engaged in over 1,000 deals combined in 2024, highlighting their active involvement in modernizing the meat processing landscape. Their focused strategies emphasize backing innovations that address sustainability and efficiency in food production, reflecting the industry's pressing need for transformation.


Top 18 Meat Processing Investors in the US


1. 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, focusing on alternative proteins and sustainable food solutions. They provide funding and mentorship to startups in the food technology sector, helping them scale their operations through accelerator programs. Notable transactions include investments in GOURMEY, which raised $10 million in a Seed Round in 2021 and focuses on cultured meat products, and Peace of Meat, which is involved in the development of cultured meat alternatives. Additionally, they invested in Innocent Meat, which raised funds in 2023, further emphasizing their commitment to the meat processing industry. These investments highlight Big Idea Ventures' role in supporting innovative solutions within the meat processing sector.


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, based in the United States, specializing 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, Sosv has been involved in significant transactions within the meat processing context, such as its investments in Prime Roots, a plant-based deli and charcuterie company that raised a total of $50 million across multiple funding rounds, and Upside Foods, which raised $400 million in Series C funding to build a commercial scale production facility for cultivated meat products. These investments highlight Sosv's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the food industry, particularly in the realm of alternative proteins and sustainable meat production.


3. 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. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has made significant investments in the meat processing industry, particularly in alternative and cultured meat startups. Notable transactions include Juicy Marbles, which raised funds in 2021, Mooji Meats, which secured $3 million in 2022 to develop lab-grown meat technologies, Rebellyous Foods, which raised $1,125,000 in 2018, Shiok Meats, a cultured meat startup from Singapore that raised $4.6 million in 2019, and Nobell Foods, which raised funds in 2017. These investments highlight Y Combinator's commitment to supporting innovation in the meat processing sector.


4. 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 been involved in several transactions within the meat processing industry, providing grants to companies such as Drake Meats, which raised $2,490,639 in November 2024, and Amir Quality Meats, which also received a grant in May 2023. These transactions highlight the government's commitment to supporting the meat processing sector, thereby contributing to its growth and sustainability.


5. 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, founded in 1888 and based in Elgin, Illinois, is a prominent manufacturer specializing in commercial and residential cooking and industrial process equipment. With a workforce of 5001-10000 employees, they are committed to providing innovative solutions that enhance efficiency and quality in food preparation across various sectors, including restaurants and residential markets. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the food processing industry. Notably, their acquisition of Thurne-Middleby in 2015, which is known for its slicing equipment for bacon, cooked meats, and cheese, highlights their focus on the meat processing sector. Additionally, their acquisition of Alkar Holdings in 2005, a company that also operates within the food processing equipment space, further emphasizes their commitment to this industry. Other acquisitions, such as Vemac Srl, Maurer-Atmos, and CV-TEK, showcase their strategy of expanding their technological capabilities and product offerings, reinforcing their relevance in the broader foodservice and meat processing markets.


6. Advantage Capital


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 across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. They focus on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in significant transactions within the meat processing industry, including debt financing for Anderson Meats and Processing in April 2020, and multiple debt financing rounds for Allen Brothers from 2009 to 2011, totaling over $10 million. These transactions highlight their commitment to investing in the meat processing sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


7. 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 provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been actively involved in the food technology sector, particularly in the meat processing context, with notable investments in companies such as Prime Roots, a plant-based deli and charcuterie company, and Aleph Farms, which focuses on cultured meat. Additionally, they have invested in SCiFi Foods, a cultivated meat startup, showcasing their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the meat industry.


8. 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. IndieBio has been particularly active in the food sector, focusing on innovative solutions that address climate and food challenges. Among their notable transactions, they have invested in Prime Roots, which raised significant funding in seed and pre-seed rounds, and UPSIDE Foods, a leader in the cultivated meat industry. UPSIDE Foods raised substantial amounts in Series B and C funding rounds, with the latter totaling $400 million, aimed at building a commercial-scale production facility for cultivated meat products. This involvement highlights IndieBio's commitment to advancing the meat processing sector through innovative biotechnology solutions.


9. Cargill

  • Website: cargill.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Wayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1865
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: cargill

Cargill, Incorporated is a global food production and agricultural solutions company founded in 1865 and headquartered in Wayzata, Minnesota. With over 10,000 employees, Cargill provides a wide range of products and services, including animal nutrition, food ingredients, and risk management. They serve various customers, including farmers and food manufacturers, by enhancing food security and sustainability through innovative practices and solutions. Cargill has actively invested in the meat processing sector, participating in funding rounds for companies such as Memphis Meats, which focuses on lab-grown meat, and Aleph Farms, known for its cultivated meat products. Their investment in UPSIDE Foods, which aims to produce cultivated meat at a commercial scale, further underscores their commitment to advancing the meat processing industry. Through these strategic investments, Cargill is positioning itself as a leader in the future of sustainable meat production.


10. Unovis Asset Management

  • Website: unovis.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: unovisvc

Unovis Asset Management is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2016, that focuses on transforming the global food system through sustainable practices. They invest in startups that innovate in plant-based foods and alternative proteins, providing essential support and consulting to entrepreneurs in the food industry. Notable transactions include investments in Aleph Farms, which is developing cultured meat products, UPSIDE Foods, a leader in cell-cultured meat, Mosa Meat, known for its lab-grown beef, and NOVAMEAT, which specializes in plant-based meat alternatives. These investments align with their mission to address climate change and promote animal welfare, making them a significant player in the meat processing context.


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 investment firm based in New York, founded in 2010. The firm 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 Porter Road Butcher, a Nashville-based online animal butcher shop, which highlights their engagement in the meat processing industry. Additionally, their investments in Beyond Meat and Prime Roots reflect their interest in the alternative protein market, further emphasizing their commitment to supporting innovative food solutions that align with their mission of pushing the world forward.


12. 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 companies like Change Foods, which raised $2,265,000 in a Pre-Seed round to develop alternative dairy products, and Bond Pet Foods, which raised $1.2 million in a seed funding round to create innovative pet food products. These transactions highlight their engagement in the food processing sector, particularly in areas that intersect with meat alternatives and innovative food solutions.


13. 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, founded in 1902. 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 is committed to sustainability and innovation in nutrition. Notably, ADM has made significant investments in the meat processing sector, including a $347 million Series B investment in Believer Meats, which focuses on alternative meat products, and a $17.5 million Series A investment in Bond Pet Foods, which aims to expand its meat protein portfolio. Additionally, ADM's strategic acquisition of Sojaprotein, a major player in plant-based protein, further demonstrates their commitment to diversifying their protein offerings, including those related to meat processing.


14. AgFunder

  • Website: agfunder.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: agfunder

AgFunder is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, specializing in foodtech and agtech investments. Founded in 2013, AgFunder provides funding and consulting services to startups in the food and agriculture sectors, helping them innovate and grow. They are known for their active role in the agri-food technology landscape, publishing industry news and research. Notably, AgFunder has invested in several companies relevant to the meat processing industry, including Meatiply, a cultured meat producer that raised $3.75M in seed funding, and Black Sheep Foods, which raised $12.3 million in Series A funding to develop plant-based meat alternatives. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for Hoxton Farms, which aims to produce animal fat from stem cells, further emphasizing their engagement in the meat processing sector.


15. 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, headquartered in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets by providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. IFC aims to foster economic growth and alleviate poverty by facilitating access to capital and expertise. In recent years, IFC has been active in the agricultural sector, making significant investments that support food security and supply chains. Notably, they invested in Srinivasa Farms, which raised $23 million in a venture round in 2018 and an additional $9.37 million in 2019, indicating their commitment to enhancing agricultural productivity, which may include meat production. Furthermore, their investment in Agrocorp International, which raised $32.5 million in debt financing, also reflects their engagement in the agricultural supply chain. These transactions highlight IFC's role in supporting businesses that contribute to the food and meat processing industries, aligning with their mission of promoting sustainable development.


16. Siddhi Capital

  • Website: siddhicapital.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Cherry Hill, New Jersey, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: siddhi-capital

Siddhi Capital is a venture capital firm based in Cherry Hill, New Jersey, specializing in the food and beverage industry. Founded in 2017, the firm focuses on providing growth equity investments and operational consulting services to emerging and growth-stage brands. Siddhi Capital aims to optimize operations and achieve strategic growth for its portfolio companies, particularly in the consumer packaged goods sector. Notably, they have participated in several seed funding rounds for companies like Black Sheep Foods, which raised $5.25 million for its plant-based meat products, and Barvecue, which is also involved in the meat alternative space. Additionally, their investment in Meatly, a company focused on meat alternatives, further emphasizes their active role in the meat processing industry. Their diverse portfolio reflects a commitment to innovative food brands, including those in the meat processing sector.


17. 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 logistics company based in Novi, Michigan, specializing in temperature-controlled warehousing and supply chain solutions. Founded in 2012, Lineage has grown to become a major player in the food logistics sector, providing services that include cold storage, transportation, and food processing support. Their operations span multiple countries, ensuring efficient management of the cold chain from production to delivery. Notably, Lineage has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its presence in the cold storage market, including the acquisition of Pago Sp. z o.o., a logistics provider in Poland, which enhances their capabilities in the European market. Additionally, their acquisition of Fremantle City Coldstores in Australia and Cold Storage Nelson in New Zealand further strengthens their global footprint in cold storage services, which are essential for the meat processing industry. These transactions highlight Lineage's commitment to supporting the food supply chain, including meat processing, through their logistics and cold storage solutions.


18. Lever VC

  • Website: levervc.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2017
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: levervc

Lever VC is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2017, that specializes in investments within the food and agriculture sector. The firm focuses on supporting innovative technologies and companies that promote sustainability and health in food production. Lever VC not only provides capital but also offers consulting services to help its portfolio companies scale operations and navigate market challenges. Notably, Lever VC has been involved in significant transactions in the cultivated meat space, including a $7 million seed round for Clever Carnivore, which is developing cultivated pork sausage, and a $24 million Series A funding for Mission Barns, a cellular agriculture company. Additionally, they have invested in CellX, a leading cultivated meat company in China, further solidifying their commitment to the meat processing industry. These investments highlight Lever VC's strategic focus on the future of meat production and processing.



Meat Processing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Big Idea VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201810
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
The Middleby CorporationElgin, Illinois, United States (USA)5001-1000018885
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
CargillWayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)10001+18657
Unovis Asset ManagementNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020162
Collaborative FundNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201029
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
AdmChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)10001+19022
AgFunderSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201320
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
Siddhi CapitalCherry Hill, New Jersey, United States (USA)11-5020174
LineageNovi, Michigan, United States (USA)10001+20124
Lever VCNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020174


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