Top 14 Venture Capital Firms for Food and Beverage Startups

If you're a founder preparing to raise capital, understanding the venture capital firms that focus on the Food and Beverage industry is a crucial first step. The right investor brings more than just money; they offer industry-specific knowledge and connections that are vital for consumer product startups.

To help you find the right partners, our team at Rho has put together this overview of top VC firms investing in Food and Beverage, CPG, and AgTech. This guide is designed to help you quickly identify relevant early-stage and seed venture capital firms before or during your fundraising process.

Rho provides access to business banking, corporate cards, and bill pay — built for startup teams moving fast.

Key Takeaways

• For a Food and Beverage startup, securing venture funding means gaining not just capital for scaling production and distribution, but also critical industry knowledge and connections from your investors.
• Prominent venture capital firms active in the Food and Beverage sector include S2G Investments, VMG Partners, LDV Capital, and Yamaha Motor Ventures, each known for backing successful companies in this space.
• Once you've secured funding, Rho helps you manage and deploy your capital efficiently with integrated tools, including fast business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay.

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

Whether your company is in its early days or preparing for an exit, it helps to know which investors to approach.

Here is a quick overview of venture capital firms active in the Food and Beverage sector, organized by investment 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 find initial market fit. Among the seed venture capital firms active in food and agtech, you might consider approaching AgFunder, Big Idea Ventures, and EFV.

Early Stage VC Firms in Food and Beverage

Early-stage funding, such as Series A and B, is for companies with proven traction that need capital to scale operations and grow their market share. Some notable early-stage venture capital firms for consumer products include Creative Ventures and LDV Capital, both of which invest in tech-enabled companies.

Late Stage VC Firms in Food and Beverage

Late-stage rounds are for established companies preparing for major growth, a potential acquisition, or an initial public offering (IPO). For this stage, major venture capital firms like S2G Investments and VMG Partners have a track record of backing companies through significant growth and successful exits.

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 consumer-focused venture capital firms, such as Cleveland Avenue and CAVU, invest across multiple stages from seed to growth.

Here is a closer look at some of the top VC firms investing in the Food and Beverage sector. We've included 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 invests across the food, agriculture, oceans, and energy sectors. They provide capital to companies working on creating healthier and more sustainable systems.

The firm supports companies from seed stage all the way to post-IPO, a breadth that is not always common. Their portfolio includes high-profile successes like Beyond Meat and Sweetgreen, demonstrating a strong track record of backing brands through major growth and public listings.

S2G could be a great partner if you are a founder in the food, agtech, or clean energy space seeking a long-term investor. Their ability to invest across multiple rounds means they can support your company's journey from its early days to a potential exit.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and post-IPO
• Industries of focus: Food and agriculture, oceans, energy
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2014
• Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat, Sweetgreen, Apeel Sciences
• Portfolio size: Over 175 investments

You can refer to their website here.

2. VMG Partners

VMG Partners is a private equity and venture capital firm that partners with founders to grow consumer brands. They invest in both emerging companies and the retail technologies that support them.

The firm is known for scaling brands toward major exits, with a portfolio full of household names. Their track record includes blockbuster acquisitions like Hormel's purchase of Justin's, the $1 billion sale of Quest Nutrition, and Shiseido's $845 million acquisition of Drunk Elephant.

VMG could be an excellent fit if you're a founder of a consumer brand with high-growth potential. Their experience across seed to late-stage rounds makes them a valuable long-term partner for companies aiming for a significant market presence or acquisition.

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.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and private equity
• Industries of focus: Consumer brands, including food and beverage, beauty, and personal care
• Geographical presence: San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2005
• Notable portfolio companies: KIND Healthy Snacks, Spindrift, Quest Nutrition, Drunk Elephant
• Portfolio size: Over 50 investments

You can refer to their website here.

3. LDV Capital

LDV Capital invests in companies with deep technical expertise, specifically those using computer vision, machine learning, and AI to interpret visual data. Their thesis centers on businesses building foundational technology to analyze visual information across a variety of industries.

The firm backs teams from seed to late stage, with a clear preference for companies built around strong technical talent. Their portfolio includes notable exits like Mapillary's acquisition by Meta and Unsplash's sale to Getty Images, alongside unicorns like the AI video platform Synthesia.

LDV Capital is a strong potential partner if your startup is driven by a core innovation in visual data analysis. Founders with a deep technical background in AI or computer vision will find the firm's specialized focus particularly aligned with their work.

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.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Agriculture, AI, computer vision, food and beverage, logistics
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Synthesia, Clarifai, Mapillary (acquired by Meta), Unsplash (acquired by Getty Images)
• Portfolio size: 55 investments

You can refer to their website here.

4. Yamaha Motor Ventures

Yamaha Motor Ventures is the corporate venture capital arm of Yamaha Motor, investing in robotics, food, and AgTech. They back companies developing new technologies with the potential to create significant industrial impact.

As a corporate VC, they offer strategic value beyond capital, connecting startups to Yamaha's global network and expertise. Their portfolio includes high-growth companies like the transportation visibility platform Shippeo and successful exits such as the drone analytics provider PrecisionHawk.

This firm is a good match for founders in AgTech, robotics, or transportation whose technology aligns with Yamaha's strategic interests. If your startup could benefit from a corporate partnership to scale, they are worth considering.

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.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: AgTech, Food and Beverage, Automotive, Transportation, Wellness
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Shippeo, Soft Robotics, PrecisionHawk, Veo Robotics
• Portfolio size: 43 investments

You can refer to their website here.

5. Big Idea Ventures

Big Idea Ventures is a venture capital firm and accelerator that backs entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers working on major global challenges. They concentrate on the alternative protein, food tech, and agriculture sectors, aiming to support companies with high-impact potential.

The firm operates as both a micro-VC and an accelerator, signaling a hands-on approach with early-stage companies. Their portfolio shows a clear commitment to the future of food, with investments in companies like PlantBaby, which makes dairy-free kids' beverages, and Evo Foods, a plant-based egg company.

This firm is an ideal partner if you are a founder with a science or engineering background building a company in the alternative protein or AgTech space. Their accelerator model is particularly suited for teams seeking early, intensive support to grow their business.

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.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage venture, and 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, PlantBaby, Vevolution
• Portfolio size: Over 140 investments

You can refer to their website here.

6. Creative Ventures

Creative Ventures is a deep tech firm that invests in early-stage companies addressing major global challenges. They focus on startups using technology to solve critical problems in areas like climate, health, and industry.

The firm backs companies from seed to early-stage venture, with a portfolio that shows a clear preference for deep technology. Their track record includes successful exits like the smart-cart maker Caper, which was acquired by Instacart, and lidar developer Sense Photonics, bought by Ouster.

This firm is a strong potential partner for founders with a technical background building solutions for complex industries. If your company is developing new approaches in areas like construction, robotics, or clean energy, their focus aligns well.

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.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Deep tech, including robotics, clean energy, healthcare, and food and beverage
• Geographical presence: Based in Oakland, California
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Caper (acquired by Instacart), Sense Photonics (acquired by Ouster), IOTAS (acquired by ADT)
• Portfolio size: 60 investments

You can refer to their website here.

7. AgFunder

AgFunder invests in companies aiming to positively transform the world's food system. As a micro-VC, they focus on early-stage opportunities in AgTech, FinTech, and the Food and Beverage industry.

The firm backs technology-driven companies, with a portfolio that includes an IPO exit with RNA-platform GreenLight Biosciences and investments in drone analytics firm Sentera. They also support consumer-facing brands like SIMULATE, the maker of plant-based NUGGS.

AgFunder is a great match for founders building impactful solutions in the food and agriculture space. If your company uses technology to create a more sustainable or efficient food system, their focus is directly aligned.

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.

• Investment stages: Seed, convertible note, and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Agriculture, AgTech, FinTech, Food and Beverage
• Geographical presence: Based in San Francisco, California
• Founded: 2013
• Notable portfolio companies: GreenLight Biosciences, Sentera, SIMULATE
• Portfolio size: Over 130 investments

You can refer to their website here.

8. Branded Hospitality

Branded Hospitality is an investment firm that supports ventures and solutions at the intersection of hospitality, food and beverage, and technology. They focus on driving growth and innovation within these interconnected industries.

The firm has a uniquely broad investment style, acting as an accelerator, venture investor, and private equity partner for companies at different stages. Their portfolio highlights this dual focus, featuring hospitality tech successes like Bbot, which was acquired by DoorDash, alongside high-profile consumer brands like the rapidly expanding Big Chicken chain.

Branded Hospitality is a great potential partner for founders building technology for restaurants and retail or launching a consumer brand in the food sector. Their ability to invest from seed to private equity makes them a good fit for companies seeking a long-term financial partner.

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.

• Investment stages: Seed, convertible note, early-stage venture, and private equity
• Industries of focus: Hospitality, Food and Beverage, Retail Technology, SaaS, Consumer Goods
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Bbot (acquired by DoorDash), Big Chicken, PourMyBeer, Ottonomy IO
• Portfolio size: 73 investments

You can refer to their website here.

9. Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital firm that invests in companies from seed to growth stages. They focus on the food and beverage sector, as well as the technologies that support it.

The firm invests across the entire company lifecycle, from seed rounds to private equity, which is uncommon. Their portfolio includes major food brands like Beyond Meat and NotCo, alongside tech companies like the restaurant robotics developer Bear Robotics.

Cleveland Avenue is a compelling partner if you are a founder in the food, beverage, or AgTech industries. Their capacity to support companies from the earliest stages through to growth makes them a good choice for those seeking a long-term financial partner.

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.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and private equity
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, AgTech, AI, Robotics, Supply Chain Management
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat, NotCo, Bear Robotics
• Portfolio size: Over 130 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. GroundForce Capital

GroundForce Capital is an investment firm that backs high-potential companies, with a strong focus on the food, beverage, and nutrition sectors. They operate as both a venture capital and private equity investor.

The firm invests across a company's entire lifecycle, from seed rounds to private equity, which is a key differentiator. Their portfolio is filled with category-defining consumer brands like plant-based pioneer Beyond Meat and viral canned-water brand Liquid Death, showing a clear ability to identify and scale companies with mass-market appeal.

GroundForce Capital is a strong choice for founders building consumer-facing brands in the food, beverage, or wellness industries. Their multi-stage investment approach makes them a valuable partner for companies looking for long-term support from early growth to a potential exit.

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.

• Investment stages: Seed, early-stage, late-stage, and 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
• Portfolio size: 40 investments

You can refer to their website here.

11. CAVU Consumer Partners

CAVU Consumer Partners is a venture capital firm that invests in consumer brands, with a specific focus on the “better-for-you” space. They support companies across their entire lifecycle, from seed funding and convertible notes all the way to private equity.

The firm is known for backing category-defining brands that have achieved massive scale, including high-profile IPOs like Beyond Meat and Oatly. Their portfolio also features unicorns such as The Farmer’s Dog and the digital health platform Noom.

CAVU is an excellent potential partner if you are building a consumer brand in the health and wellness space with ambitions for mainstream success. Their track record shows a clear ability to help companies grow into household names.

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.

• Investment stages: Seed, convertible note, early-stage, late-stage, and 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, Noom, Vital Proteins
• Portfolio size: 37 investments

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. They operate as a multi-stakeholder initiative, providing capital and resources to early-stage companies.

The firm's clear mission is to back Black and Latinx entrepreneurs, creating a focused community for founders. Their model, which includes a startup competition, suggests a structured program designed to provide more than just funding.

TechRise is an excellent match for Black and Latinx founders building tech companies at the seed or early stage. Their broad industry focus means they are open to ventures in everything from food and beverage to finance and construction.

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.

• Investment stages: Seed, grant, and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Construction, Education, Finance, Food and Beverage, Insurance, Medical, Professional Services, Web Design
• Geographical presence: Based in Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2021
• Investor type: Startup competition and venture capital
• Portfolio size: Over 130 investments

You can refer to their website here.

13. Fernbrook Capital Management LLC

Fernbrook Capital Management is a venture firm that backs early-stage, technology-driven companies in the consumer space. They focus on businesses that are directly engaging with customers through e-commerce, retail, and software.

The firm invests across a company's lifecycle, from seed to late-stage rounds, with a clear interest in direct-to-consumer models. Their portfolio includes the coffee-tech startup BrewBird and the smart-mug maker Ember, showing a focus on brands that blend technology with everyday consumer products.

Fernbrook could be a good partner if you are building a tech-enabled consumer brand, especially one with a strong direct-to-consumer strategy. Their experience scaling companies from early stages makes them a good fit for founders seeking a long-term investor.

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.

• Investment stages: Seed, convertible note, early-stage, and late-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer Goods, E-Commerce, Food and Beverage, Retail, Software
• Geographical presence: Based in New York, New York
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Beautycounter (acquired by Carlyle Group), Ember Technologies, BrewBird
• Portfolio size: 34 investments

You can refer to their website here.

14. Electric Feel Ventures

Electric Feel Ventures (EFV) is the venture capital arm of Electric Feel Entertainment, focusing on early-stage consumer packaged goods (CPG) and consumer technology startups.

As an extension of an entertainment company, EFV has a distinct advantage in backing brands with strong cultural relevance and influencer-driven growth. Their portfolio includes celebrity-backed companies like Goodles and influencer-led brands like Chamberlain Coffee, highlighting a strategy of investing in startups with built-in marketing appeal.

This firm is a great match for founders of consumer brands, especially in food and beverage or beauty, who can leverage entertainment and influencer marketing. If your go-to-market strategy involves celebrity partnerships or building a strong cultural brand, their network could be a significant asset.

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.

• Investment stages: Seed and early-stage venture
• Industries of focus: Consumer Goods, Food and Beverage, Beauty, Consumer Tech, Wine and Spirits
• Geographical presence: Based in Miami, Florida
• Founded: 2020
• Notable portfolio companies: MoonPay, Chamberlain Coffee, Goodles, United Talent Agency
• Portfolio size: 49 investments
• Investor type: Corporate Venture Capital

You can refer to their website here.

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

This overview shows that founders in the food and beverage industry have a broad range of funding options. A significant number of firms invest across the entire company lifecycle, from seed to growth equity. This is good news for you, as it suggests you can find partners for the long haul, not just for a single round.

While many investors are based in traditional hubs like New York and California, there is also a notable presence in cities like Chicago. The variety of investor types, from corporate VCs to accelerators, further demonstrates a well-balanced funding environment. This gives you flexibility in finding the right fit, and 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.

Raise Confidently with Rho

Having a focused list of investors is a major advantage when you're fundraising. It saves you valuable time and energy, allowing you to concentrate on the conversations that matter most.

Once your round is closed, the work of managing that capital begins. If you’ve just raised, Rho can help you set up your financial stack in minutes.

Our platform gives you the tools to manage your new funding efficiently, offering integrated business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay built for growing startups.

FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Food and Beverage

Which consumer venture capital firms are in NYC?

New York is a major hub for consumer VCs. Firms like LDV Capital, Big Idea Ventures, and CAVU Consumer Partners are based there, focusing on everything from deep tech and alternative protein to better-for-you consumer brands.

What do seed venture capital firms look for in food startups?

Seed VCs typically look for a strong founding team, a clear market opportunity, and early signs of product-market fit. For food startups, this might include initial sales data, a unique formulation, and a compelling brand story.

How do AgTech venture capital firms differ from food VCs?

AgTech VCs focus on technology improving agriculture, like robotics or data analytics. Food VCs often back consumer brands. Some firms, like S2G Investments and AgFunder, invest in both, supporting the entire food value chain.

What defines consumer-focused venture capital firms?

Consumer-focused VCs invest in companies that sell directly to customers. This includes food and beverage brands, beauty products, and e-commerce platforms. They look for strong brand identity and potential for wide market appeal.

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

Start by researching firms that invest in your industry and stage, like those in our list. Network with other founders and use industry databases. A targeted approach is more effective than contacting every firm you find.

How can Rho help after I secure venture capital?

Once your round is closed, managing the capital is key. Rho provides an integrated platform with business banking, corporate cards, and automated bill pay to help you deploy your new funding efficiently and with full control.