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Food Venture Financing News - Weekly Issue No. 180

02.21.24
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In This Issue:

  • VEG HOUSE, a platform that offers a one-stop shop for plant-based goods, announced that it has filed for a $5 million initial public offering.
  • Cellva Ingredients, a Brazilian startup that develops and produces animal ingredients through cell culture, announced that it raised R$6.5 million in its first financing.
  • GEA Group, a German supplier, announced that it is investing $20 million in a technology center for alternative proteins in Janesville, Wisconsin.
  • Miruku, a New Zealand foodtech startup, announced that it has raised $5 million in a pre-Series A financing round.

 

CPG Corporate Venture and Private Equity Fund

This week's featured corporate venture and private equity fund is Sonoma Brands Capital. 

  • Sonoma Brands is a private equity firm dedicated to partnering with consumer businesses, providing support to entrepreneurs in product innovation, distribution strategy, team building, creativity, and eCommerce.

  • Founded in 2015, Sonoma Brands invests in consumer packaged goods across categories such as food and beverage, beauty, personal care and wellness, home and lifestyle, and pet products. It aims to expand retail distribution, accelerate digital engagement, and build the brands of the future.
  • Some of its food and beverage partnerships include the following:
    • Guayakí Yerba Mate
    • Vintage Wine Estates
    • Milk Bar
    • KRAVE & Chef’s Cut
    • Peckish

 

ARTICLES

UPCOMING EVENTS

Emerging Food Brands Lab

May 7 – June 20, 2024

Project W and DWT Food + Beverage are excited to announce the return of The Emerging Food Brands Lab for women founders in the food and beverage sector. Developed in collaboration with DWT’s Food + Beverage practice, this multi-week program has been crafted to help founders take their brand to the next level through workshops dedicated to scaling production, optimizing distribution networks, and raising capital.

*Apply by March 22 

APPLY NOW

Naturally New York
DIVERSE INNOVATORS: How Black Founders are Building Companies, Growing Relationships, and Securing Capital in CPG

Tuesday, February 27 | 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET

Naturally New York is proud to present the launch of its Diverse Innovators series, starting with a virtual panel discussion in celebration of Black History Month!

This event is designed to empower and uplift Black founders in the Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) industry by providing them with invaluable insights, resources, and networking opportunities. The panel will offer -

  • Support and inspiration to Black founders in the CPG industry, equipping them with the tools to overcome challenges, seize opportunities, and achieve success in their entrepreneurial endeavors.
  • Gain practical advice on accessing capital, building relationships with investors and industry stakeholders, and navigating the unique obstacles faced by Black entrepreneurs in the CPG space.
  • Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, industry experts, potential investors, and mentors within the Naturally NY network, fostering valuable relationships and collaboration opportunities.

Speakers:

  • Amaechi Uzoigwe, Co-Founder of Juice Runners, Inc.
  • Bradley Gifford, Founder and CEO of Spoonful
  • Ivy Asamoah, Founder of Nourrir Drinks
  • Kadidja Dosso, Founder of Dosso Beauty
  • LaRon Batchelor (Moderator), CEO of Caminus Ventures Passport Food & Beverages

Register  

Naturally Bay Area
Sales & Marketing Forum (Members Only Event)

Wednesday, February 28 | 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. PT

Ericka Karner, Chief Growth Officer of Kuli Kuli Foods, will lead the group in a roundtable discussion to help set you up for a productive 2024. Come prepared to share 2 things you are looking to accomplish this year, and also what your biggest worry or risk is. We'll share as a group and help brainstorm to help you accomplish your goals.

You are encouraged to join the discussion and contribute questions and insights from your own experience.

Register  

Naturally New York
DELICIOUS DATA: How Carbone Fine Food Uses Data to Grow its Food Business, presented by Ampla and SPINS

Thursday, February 29 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET

You don't build an international food and beverage brand without the right ingredients. Learn how data-driven decision making pushed Carbone forward. With the help of Ampla's business operation platform and SPINS' impactful retail data, people from New York to Hong Kong now enjoy Carbone's culinary creativity.

Join panelists from Ampla, SPINS, Siddhi Capital, and of course, Carbone to learn about the recipe for growth.

Speakers:

  • Eric Skae, CEO of Carbone Fine Food
  • Amber Bylund, VP of Sales Strategy at Siddhi Capital
  • Brandon Casteel, VP of Partnerships at SPINS
  • Jim Cummings, COO & Co-Founder of Ampla
  • Dan Weckend (Moderator), VP of Partnerships at Ampla

Register  

Naturally New England
Stonewall Kitchen Mixer

Thursday, February 29 | 5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET
Location:  Stonewall Kitchen, 2 Stonewall Ln #2, York, ME

This is an opportunity to meet and connect with New England's growing food startup and innovation community including founders, industry leaders, investors, retailers, and more.

Register  

Naturally San Diego
NSD x NLA Leap Day Soiree at Orgain

Thursday, February 29 | 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. PT
Location:  Orgain, Hale Avenue 16851, Irvine, CA

Come hear from Andrew Abraham, the Founder of Orgain as he shares his story through a fireside chat. There will be plenty of time for connecting and collaborating, as well as hors d'oeuvres and drinks.

The event will be jam-packed with brand insights:

NSD & NLA meet halfway in Irvine, Orange County. Come meet and network with CPG leaders of both chapters.

Register  

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