Top 14 Venture Capital Firms for Food and Beverage Startups

For founders in the Food and Beverage space, knowing which investors to approach is a critical first step when fundraising. Finding a venture capital firm that truly understands the consumer products market can make all the difference for your startup's growth.

To help with your search, our team has curated this overview of top food and beverage venture capital firms. This guide gives you a quick look at active investors in the F&B, food tech, and agtech sectors, so you can focus on the firms that are the best fit for your company.

Actively raising? You can now access non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through Rho Capital. Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay—built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• Securing venture funding provides Food and Beverage startups with not only capital for growth but also access to industry expertise and valuable networks.
• Top venture capital firms like S2G Investments, VMG Partners, LDV Capital, and Yamaha Motor Ventures are actively backing companies in the Food and Beverage sector.
• For founders who are raising or have just closed a round, Rho helps you manage your new capital with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay.

Which VC Firms in Food and Beverage Are Right for Your Stage?

Whether you are just starting out or getting ready for an exit, connecting with the right investors is crucial. To help, we've outlined which Food and Beverage VC firms invest at each stage.

Pre-seed and Seed VC Firms in Food and Beverage

Pre-seed and seed funding is the earliest capital you'll raise, typically used to validate your idea and build an initial product. A few seed venture capital firms with a food and beverage focus are Big Idea Ventures, AgFunder, and EFV.

Early Stage VC Firms in Food and Beverage

Early-stage funding, such as Series A and B rounds, is designed to help you scale your business, grow your team, and expand your market presence once you have product-market fit. Active early-stage venture capital firms for consumer products include LDV Capital, Creative Ventures, and Yamaha Motor Ventures.

Late Stage VC Firms in Food and Beverage

Late-stage venture capital is for established companies seeking significant funding for large-scale expansion, acquisitions, or to prepare for an IPO. Notable late-stage investors in the consumer and food space include S2G Investments, VMG Partners, and GroundForce Capital.

As you move through these funding stages, managing your capital becomes increasingly important. Once funding is secured, Rho’s integrated financial tools—including business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay—help startups manage and deploy capital efficiently.

It's also worth noting that many venture capital firms, such as CAVU Ventures and Cleveland Avenue, invest across multiple stages. If you're exploring non-dilutive financing to complement an equity round, Rho Capital can connect you with venture debt and other options tailored to your growth stage.

To help you find the right investment partner, we've compiled an overview of top venture capital firms specializing in the Food and Beverage sector. Below, you'll find key details on their investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm a compelling choice for founders.

1. S2G Investments

S2G Investments is a multi-stage firm that backs companies from seed to late stage, focusing on food, agriculture, oceans, and energy. They invest in businesses that are building a healthier and more sustainable food system.

The firm is known for supporting category-defining companies like Beyond Meat and Sweetgreen, guiding them from venture rounds through to their IPOs. Their portfolio shows a clear commitment to system-level change, from plant-based proteins to food-tech innovations.

S2G is a good match for founders with big-picture ideas who need a long-term capital partner that understands the entire company lifecycle. If you're building a business in agtech or sustainable food, their deep industry focus could be a strong fit.

Once you secure funding from a multi-stage partner like S2G, our team at Rho can help you manage and deploy that capital efficiently with integrated banking, corporate cards, and AP automation.

• Investment stages: Seed to post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, Agriculture, Oceans, Energy
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat, Sweetgreen, Apeel Sciences
• Number of investments: 175

You can refer to their website here.

2. VMG Partners

VMG Partners is a venture capital and private equity firm that invests in high-growth consumer brands. They partner with founders to scale companies in sectors like food and beverage, beauty, and retail technology.

The firm is known for backing iconic consumer brands and guiding them to successful exits, such as the sale of Justin’s to Hormel Foods and the acquisition of Quest Nutrition. Their track record, which also includes the Drunk Elephant exit and scaling brands like Spindrift, demonstrates a focus on building brands that become household names.

VMG is a strong choice for founders creating the next wave of category-defining consumer products. If you have a brand with strong market potential and are looking for a partner with deep operational experience in scaling retail presence, VMG could be the right fit.

Once you secure a round with a growth-focused partner like VMG, our team at Rho can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed to private equity
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, Consumer Goods, Beauty, Retail Technology
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2005
• Notable portfolio companies: Justin’s, Quest Nutrition, Drunk Elephant, Spindrift, KIND Healthy Snacks
• Number of investments: 51
• Number of exits: 11

You can refer to their website here.

3. LDV Capital

LDV Capital invests in companies with deep technical expertise, from seed to late stage. The firm backs teams that use computer vision, machine learning, and AI to analyze visual data.

The firm has a distinct focus on businesses built around visual data, with notable investments in companies like the AI-video platform Synthesia. Their track record includes high-profile exits like the acquisition of Mapillary by Meta and Unsplash's sale to Getty Images.

LDV Capital is a great fit for founders with a strong technical background building a business where visual data analysis is core to the product. This includes startups in agtech or food tech that apply AI to solve industry-specific problems. If you're building a capital-intensive tech company and want to complement your equity round, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive financing options like venture debt.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence, Computer Vision, Food and Beverage, Agriculture
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Synthesia, Clarifai, Mapillary, Unsplash
• Number of investments: 55
• Number of exits: 10

You can refer to their website here.

4. Yamaha Motor Ventures

Yamaha Motor Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Yamaha Motor, investing from seed to late stage. The firm backs startups in robotics, agtech, and food, with a focus on technologies that have strategic value.

Their portfolio shows a clear interest in automation and mobility, with investments in companies like the soft-gripper developer Soft Robotics. The firm's track record includes several successful exits, such as the acquisition of drone analytics provider PrecisionHawk.

This firm is a strong fit for founders building technology in agtech, robotics, or transportation who are looking for a strategic corporate partner. If your business aligns with Yamaha's long-term interests, their industry connections and resources could be a significant asset.

For founders building capital-intensive businesses in these sectors, Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive financing like venture debt to complement your equity round.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: AgTech, Automotive, Food and Beverage, Transportation, Wellness, Robotics
• Geographical presence: Based in Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Shippeo, PrecisionHawk, Veo Robotics, Soft Robotics
• Number of investments: 43

You can refer to their website here.

5. Big Idea Ventures

Big Idea Ventures is an accelerator and venture capital firm that backs entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers working to solve significant global challenges. They primarily invest in seed and early-stage companies within the food and agriculture sectors.

The firm shows a strong commitment to science-driven innovation, with a clear focus on alternative protein, agtech, and biotechnology. Their portfolio includes companies like Evo Foods, a plant-based egg producer, and Future Biome, which develops microbiome solutions to cut livestock methane.

This firm is a great fit for founders with deep technical or scientific expertise who are building a business in food tech or agtech. If your company is creating high-impact solutions, their specialized focus could be a valuable asset for your growth.

As you secure early-stage funding from a firm like Big Idea Ventures, our team at Rho can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and AP automation.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: AgTech, Alternative Protein, Biotechnology, Food and Beverage, Nutrition
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded: 2018
• Notable portfolio companies: Evo Foods, Vevolution, PlantBaby, Future Biome
• Number of investments: 140
• Number of exits: 6

You can refer to their website here.

6. Creative Ventures

Creative Ventures is a deep tech venture firm that invests in early-stage companies solving critical global problems. They provide seed and early-stage funding to startups in areas like climate, health, and advanced manufacturing.

The firm backs businesses built on hard-to-replicate technology, from AI and robotics to biotech and clean energy. Their track record includes the acquisition of Caper by Instacart and the sale of Sense Photonics.

This firm is a strong choice for founders with deep technical expertise who are building solutions to systemic problems. If you're building a capital-intensive tech company, Rho Capital can connect you with non-dilutive financing options to complement your equity round.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Deep Tech, Health Care, Food and Beverage, Robotics, Clean Energy
• Geographical presence: Based in Oakland, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Caper, Sense Photonics, Bleximo, ALICE
• Number of investments: 60
• Number of exits: 4

You can refer to their website here.

7. AgFunder

AgFunder is a venture capital firm that backs early-stage companies working to transform the global food system. They invest in businesses that have a positive impact, from agtech to food and beverage innovations.

The firm has a clear focus on technology-driven solutions, with investments spanning agriculture, fintech, and food. Their portfolio includes companies like SIMULATE, the creator of plant-based NUGGS, and GreenLight Biosciences, an RNA-platform biotech that went public via a SPAC merger.

AgFunder is a good match for founders building technology-first companies in the agtech or food tech space. If your startup is using science or data to create a more efficient and sustainable food system, their specialized focus could be a strong fit.

Once you secure early-stage funding from a firm like AgFunder, our team at Rho can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and AP automation.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Convertible Note
• Industries of focus: Agriculture, AgTech, FinTech, Food and Beverage
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: SIMULATE, GreenLight Biosciences, Sentera
• Number of investments: 136

You can refer to their website here.

8. Branded Hospitality

Branded Hospitality is an investment firm that backs companies in the hospitality, food and beverage, and media sectors. They focus on driving growth and innovation for ventures across these interconnected industries.

The firm has a clear focus on technology that serves the restaurant and retail space, with portfolio companies like Bbot, a QR-code payment platform acquired by DoorDash, and PourMyBeer, a self-serve beverage system. They also back high-growth consumer brands, such as Shaquille O’Neal’s Big Chicken restaurant chain.

Branded Hospitality is a strong choice for founders building tech solutions for the hospitality industry or launching consumer brands with significant scaling potential. Their portfolio suggests a preference for companies that can quickly gain traction in the restaurant and retail markets.

After securing a round with a growth-focused partner like Branded Hospitality, our team at Rho can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Hospitality, Food and Beverage, Retail Technology, SaaS
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Bbot, PourMyBeer, Big Chicken, Chowly
• Number of investments: 73
• Number of exits: 8

You can refer to their website here.

9. Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital firm that invests across the full company lifecycle, from seed and early stages to late-stage and private equity rounds. They back founders in the food and beverage, lifestyle, and technology sectors.

The firm has a track record of supporting high-profile companies like Beyond Meat and the AI-driven food-tech unicorn, NotCo. Their portfolio also includes robotics and AI companies, showing a focus on both innovative consumer brands and the deep tech that powers them.

Cleveland Avenue is a good fit for founders building businesses with significant scale potential, whether in consumer products or enabling technologies. For founders building capital-intensive businesses, Rho Capital can also help you access non-dilutive financing to complement an equity round from a partner like Cleveland Avenue.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, AgTech, E-Commerce, Robotics, Supply Chain Management
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat, NotCo, Bear Robotics, SparkCharge
• Number of investments: 136
• Number of exits: 12

You can refer to their website here.

10. GroundForce Capital

GroundForce Capital is an investment firm that backs high-potential companies across their entire lifecycle, from seed rounds to private equity. They have a distinct focus on the food, beverage, and nutrition sectors, partnering with businesses to drive growth.

The firm is known for backing disruptive consumer brands that have become household names, including Beyond Meat, Liquid Death, and the infant-formula company Bobbie. Their portfolio shows a clear strategy of investing in companies with strong brand identity and mass-market appeal.

GroundForce is a strong match for founders building the next wave of category-defining consumer products. If you're building a capital-intensive brand, Rho Capital can also help you access non-dilutive financing to complement an equity round from a partner like GroundForce.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Late Stage Venture, Private Equity
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, Nutrition
• Geographical presence: Based in Los Angeles, California
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat, Liquid Death, Bobbie, KinderFarms
• Number of investments: 40
• Number of exits: 8

You can refer to their website here.

11. CAVU Consumer Partners

CAVU Consumer Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in “better-for-you” consumer brands. They focus on high-growth companies in the food, beverage, and consumer goods sectors.

The firm is known for backing iconic brands that have become household names, including Beyond Meat, Oatly, and The Farmer’s Dog. This track record shows a clear focus on building category-defining companies and guiding them to significant scale.

CAVU is a strong choice for founders creating the next wave of “better-for-you” consumer products with mass-market potential. For founders building capital-intensive brands, Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive financing to complement an equity round.

• Investment stages: Seed to private equity
• Industries of focus: "Better-for-you" Consumer Goods, Food and Beverage
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat, Oatly, The Farmer’s Dog, Vital Proteins, Noom
• Number of investments: 37
• Number of exits: 8

You can refer to their website here.

12. TechRise Chicago

TechRise Chicago is a venture capital firm and startup competition that supports Black and Latinx tech founders. The initiative provides early-stage funding and resources to entrepreneurs across a wide range of industries.

The firm's model as a multi-stakeholder initiative signals a strong focus on community and ecosystem support. Their broad industry scope, which includes everything from Food and Beverage to Finance, shows a commitment to backing diverse founders regardless of their sector.

TechRise is an excellent match for early-stage Black and Latinx founders, particularly those connected to the Chicago tech scene. If you are building a business in one of their focus industries and value a strong support network, this firm could be a great partner.

After securing seed funding from a partner like TechRise, our team at Rho can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking, corporate cards, and AP automation.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture, Grant
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, Finance, Education, Construction, Insurance, Medical
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2021
• Number of investments: 139

You can refer to their website here.

13. Fernbrook Capital Management LLC

Fernbrook Capital Management invests in early-stage, tech-enabled companies that directly serve consumers. They partner with founders to build brands in sectors like food and beverage, beauty, and retail.

The firm has a clear focus on consumer-tech, backing companies like smart-mug maker Ember and coffee-tech startup BrewBird. Their track record includes the successful exit of Beautycounter, a direct-to-consumer beauty brand, showing their ability to scale companies for major acquisitions.

Fernbrook is a strong match for founders building consumer-facing businesses with a significant technology or e-commerce component. If you are creating a brand with a strong direct-to-consumer strategy, their experience could be a valuable asset.

For founders building capital-intensive consumer brands, our team at Rho Capital can help you access non-dilutive financing to complement an equity round from a partner like Fernbrook.

• Investment stages: Seed to late stage
• Industries of focus: Consumer Goods, Food and Beverage, E-Commerce, Retail, Beauty
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Beautycounter, Ember Technologies, BrewBird, Knotch
• Number of investments: 34
• Number of exits: 5

You can refer to their website here.

14. Electric Feel Ventures

Electric Feel Ventures (EFV) is the venture capital arm of Electric Feel Entertainment, an artist management company. The firm invests in early-stage consumer packaged goods (CPG) and consumer technology startups.

EFV has a distinct focus on brands with strong cultural relevance, leveraging its deep roots in the entertainment industry. Their portfolio includes celebrity-backed companies like Chamberlain Coffee and Goodles, showing a clear strategy of backing businesses that tap into modern trends and media.

This firm is a strong choice for founders building consumer brands that can benefit from influencer or celebrity partnerships. After securing a seed round with a culturally-connected partner like EFV, our team at Rho can help you manage your new capital with integrated banking and spend management tools.

• Investment stages: Seed, Early Stage Venture
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, Beauty, Consumer Technology, Music, Gaming
• Geographical presence: Based in Miami, Florida
• Founded: 2020
• Notable portfolio companies: MoonPay, Chamberlain Coffee, Goodles, United Talent Agency
• Number of investments: 49
• Number of exits: 5

You can refer to their website here.

What This Tells Us About The VC Scene for Food and Beverage Companies

The venture capital scene for food and beverage companies is both active and diverse. Our list shows a healthy mix of investors for every stage, from early-stage specialists like Big Idea Ventures to multi-stage firms like S2G and Cleveland Avenue. This means that whether you are raising your first check or preparing for a major expansion, there are capital partners available.

The variety extends to investment focus. While some firms concentrate on consumer brands, many are backing the technology that powers the industry, from agtech to AI. Geographically, investors are concentrated in major hubs like New York, California, and Chicago, but their portfolios are often global. This variety gives you more options to find a firm that aligns with your specific business model and goals.

As you prepare to connect with these investors, remember that managing your funds is as critical as raising them. Once your round is secured, our team at Rho can help you deploy that capital efficiently with integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, letting you focus on growth.

Raise Confidently with Rho

When you're fundraising, your time is your most valuable resource. This focused list helps you connect with investors who are the right fit for your company, so you can spend your energy wisely.

If you’re seeking funding, Rho Capital connects you to non-dilutive funding options like venture debt and credit lines through a fast, guided process. We help you find the right financing to complement your equity round.

Our team helps you access working capital tailored to your stage without chasing lenders. Once your round is closed, Rho’s integrated platform helps you manage and deploy your new funds with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Food and Beverage

What is the difference between seed and Series A venture capital firms?

Seed VCs provide the first institutional capital to validate your idea and build a product. Series A firms invest after you have product-market fit, providing larger checks to help you scale your team, operations, and market presence.

Which venture capital firms in NYC focus on consumer products?

New York City is a key hub for consumer-focused investors. Firms like LDV Capital, Branded Hospitality, and CAVU Consumer Partners are based there, backing companies in food tech, retail, and hospitality. Many national firms also have a strong presence.

Are there agtech venture capital firms in India?

Yes, India has a growing agtech venture scene with many active local and global investors. Founders should research firms with a specific mandate for emerging markets to find partners who understand the unique opportunities and challenges of the region.

How can I find the right venture capital firms for my startup?

Research firms whose portfolios include companies similar to yours. Use industry databases and attend events to find investors. For capital-intensive businesses, Rho Capital can also connect you with non-dilutive financing to complement your equity round.

How can Rho help my startup manage its funding?

Once your round is secured, our integrated platform helps you manage and deploy your new funds. Rho provides business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay, all designed to help you focus on growth.