Top 14 Venture Capital Firms for Food and Beverage Startups

Finding the right investors for your Food and Beverage startup is critical when you're raising capital. The venture capital world is broad, with firms specializing in everything from early-stage consumer products to later-stage agtech. Knowing which investors focus on your specific area can make all the difference in building a successful partnership.

To help you connect with the right partners, our team curated this overview of top venture capital firms active in the F&B and food tech space. Use this guide to quickly identify the investors most relevant to your company's stage and mission.

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

Whether you’re an early-stage company or preparing for an exit, it helps to know who to talk to. Here is a quick overview of 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. For founders seeking seed funding, venture capital firms like Big Idea Ventures, which also runs an accelerator, and AgFunder, a notable agtech venture capital firm, are excellent places to start. Other consumer-focused venture capital firms active at this stage include Electric Feel Ventures.

Early Stage VC Firms in Food and Beverage

Early-stage funding, which includes Series A and Series B rounds, helps you scale your operations, grow your team, and achieve product-market fit. Several early-stage venture capital firms for consumer products focus on this phase, including Creative Ventures and TechRise, which specifically supports Black and Latinx founders. Many food tech venture capital firms, such as LDV Capital, also concentrate on this critical growth period.

Late Stage VC Firms in Food and Beverage

Late-stage capital is for established companies looking to expand into new markets, make acquisitions, or prepare for an exit like an IPO or major sale. Prominent venture capital firms with a food and beverage focus that operate here include S2G Investments and VMG Partners, both of which have backed companies through successful IPOs and acquisitions. Another major player is CAVU Ventures, known for scaling "better-for-you" brands.

Keep in mind that some of the most active venture capital firms, like Cleveland Avenue and GroundForce Capital, invest across all stages, from seed to exit.

To help you find the right partner, we've outlined the top VC firms specializing in Food and Beverage. The following list covers their preferred investment stages, geographic focus, and what makes each firm distinct for founders.

1. S2G Investments

S2G Investments is a multi-stage investment firm that provides capital to companies from seed to late stage. They concentrate on the food and agriculture sectors, along with related industries like oceans and energy.

The firm has a track record of backing companies that become household names, including plant-based pioneer Beyond Meat and fast-casual chain Sweetgreen. Their support for businesses that have achieved successful IPOs and “unicorn” valuations signals a focus on high-growth, market-defining opportunities.

S2G is a strong potential partner if your company operates in the food, agtech, or sustainability space and you have ambitions for a large-scale outcome. Their experience guiding companies through public offerings makes them a valuable ally for founders planning for major growth.

• Investment stages: Seed to post-IPO, including venture and debt
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, Agriculture, Oceans, Energy
• Geographical presence: 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 focuses on building consumer brands. They partner with founders to scale their companies and also invest in the technologies that power the consumer sector.

The firm is known for backing brands that achieve major exits, such as the $1 billion acquisition of Quest Nutrition and the $845 million sale of Drunk Elephant. This history highlights their skill in scaling companies into household names and securing significant returns.

VMG could be an excellent partner if you're a founder of a consumer brand, particularly in the food, beverage, or beauty sectors, with ambitions for a major exit. Their expertise is well-suited for companies ready to scale and become market leaders.

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

You can refer to their website here.

3. LDV Capital

LDV Capital invests in companies with deep technical expertise, focusing on teams that use artificial intelligence and computer vision to analyze visual data across various industries.

The firm’s portfolio demonstrates a strong preference for product-centric companies with complex technology, including AI video platform Synthesia and the street-level imagery platform Mapillary, which was acquired by Meta.

LDV is an ideal partner for founders with a strong technical background who are building a business centered on visual data, whether in food tech, agriculture, or other software applications.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage, and late stage venture
• Industries of focus: Artificial Intelligence (AI), Computer Vision, Food and Beverage, Agriculture, Software
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2012
• Notable portfolio companies: Synthesia, Clarifai, Ezra, Mapillary, Unsplash
• 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 from seed to late-stage rounds. The firm concentrates on technology-heavy industries, including robotics, AgTech, and transportation.

Their portfolio shows a clear preference for automation and robotics, with investments in high-growth companies like Soft Robotics. They have a history of successful exits, including the acquisition of drone analytics provider PrecisionHawk.

This firm is a strong potential partner if your company is building deep technology in sectors like AgTech or industrial automation. Founders seeking a strategic corporate investor may find their industry expertise particularly valuable.

• Investment stages: Seed to late stage venture
• Industries of focus: AgTech, Food and Beverage, Robotics, Transportation, Wellness
• Geographical presence: Palo Alto, California
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Soft Robotics, PrecisionHawk (acquired), Veo Robotics (acquired)
• 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 invests in early-stage companies working on major global challenges. They focus on backing founders with deep scientific or engineering expertise.

The firm has a distinct focus on the alternative protein and food tech sectors, often investing through its accelerator program. Their portfolio includes companies like plant-based egg maker Evo Foods and the children's nutrition brand PlantBaby.

This firm is a great match if you are an early-stage founder in the alternative protein, agtech, or plant-based food space. Their accelerator model is particularly suited for teams seeking hands-on guidance and industry connections.

• Investment stages: Seed and early stage venture
• Industries of focus: Alternative Protein, AgTech, Food and Beverage, Biotechnology, Nutrition
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2018
• Notable portfolio companies: Evo Foods, Vevolution, PlantBaby, Future Biome
• Portfolio size: 140 investments
• Investor type: Venture capital firm and accelerator

You can refer to their website here.

6. Creative Ventures

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

The firm shows a strong preference for companies with deep technical foundations, particularly in sectors like robotics, AI, and biotechnology. Their portfolio highlights successful exits, such as the AI-powered smart cart company Caper, acquired by Instacart, and lidar maker Sense Photonics.

Creative Ventures is a good fit for founders with a technical background who are building solutions for large-scale industrial or societal needs. If your startup is using complex technology to tackle problems in food, construction, or healthcare, they could be a valuable partner.

• Investment stages: Seed and early stage venture
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, Robotics, Health Care, Clean Energy, Advanced Materials
• Geographical presence: 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 impactful companies that are working to transform the world's food system. They are a venture capital firm that backs technology-driven businesses in the agriculture and food sectors.

A key characteristic is their deep specialization, reinforced by their media platform, which signals strong industry expertise. Their portfolio highlights this focus, with exits like the RNA-biotech company GreenLight Biosciences and the plant-based chicken brand SIMULATE.

AgFunder is an ideal partner for early-stage founders building technology to solve major challenges in food and agriculture. Their combination of capital and industry knowledge is well-suited for companies with a clear, impactful mission.

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

You can refer to their website here.

8. Branded Hospitality

Branded Hospitality is an investment firm that supports companies across the hospitality sector, using its ventures, solutions, and media arms to drive growth. They back companies that are innovating in how consumers and businesses interact with restaurants and retail.

A key characteristic is their flexible investment approach, participating in rounds from seed to private equity. Their portfolio highlights a dual focus on B2B hospitality tech, like the order-and-pay platform Bbot (acquired by DoorDash), and consumer-facing brands, such as Shaquille O’Neal’s fast-casual chain Big Chicken.

This firm is a strong fit if you're a founder in the restaurant tech or hospitality brand space. Their multi-faceted structure as an accelerator, VC, and private equity firm suggests they can provide tailored support beyond just capital.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage, private equity, and convertible notes
• Industries of focus: Hospitality, Food and Beverage, Restaurants, Retail Technology
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2017
• Notable portfolio companies: Bbot (acquired by DoorDash), PourMyBeer, Big Chicken, Chowly
• Portfolio size: 73 investments
• Investor type: Accelerator, Venture Capital, Private Equity Firm

You can refer to their website here.

9. Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital firm that invests in companies across their full lifecycle, from seed and early rounds to later-stage growth. They focus on disruptive food, technology, and lifestyle brands.

The firm has a strong record in both consumer food brands and the technology that powers them, backing companies like Beyond Meat and NotCo. Their portfolio also includes robotics and AI, showing a focus on tech-driven innovation in established sectors.

Cleveland Avenue is a good match for founders building technology-enabled businesses in the food, beverage, and lifestyle spaces. Their ability to invest across all stages makes them a potential long-term partner for companies with high-growth ambitions.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage, late stage, private equity, and convertible notes
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, AgTech, AI, Robotics, E-Commerce, Lifestyle
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat, NotCo, Bear Robotics, SparkCharge
• Portfolio size: 136 investments

You can refer to their website here.

10. GroundForce Capital

GroundForce Capital is an investment firm that backs high-potential companies, with a focus on consumer brands. They invest across a company's entire lifecycle, from early seed rounds to later-stage private equity.

The firm has a clear focus on building iconic brands in the food, beverage, and nutrition sectors. Their portfolio includes breakout companies like Beyond Meat and the viral water brand Liquid Death, showing a knack for identifying and scaling businesses with strong consumer appeal.

GroundForce is a great potential partner if you are building a consumer brand with the potential to become a household name. Their ability to invest across all stages makes them a good fit for founders seeking a long-term financial partner who can support them from launch to exit.

• Investment stages: Seed to private equity
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, Nutrition
• Geographical presence: 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 “better-for-you” consumer brands. They provide capital to companies in the food, beverage, and consumer goods sectors, focusing on businesses with a health-conscious mission.

The firm is known for scaling brands into household names that achieve major exits, including the plant-based food company Beyond Meat and oat-milk maker Oatly. This history demonstrates their ability to support businesses with the potential for high-profile IPOs and acquisitions.

CAVU is an excellent match for founders of “better-for-you” brands who are planning for a large-scale outcome. Their experience guiding companies to public markets and unicorn status makes them a valuable partner for businesses with high-growth ambitions.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage, late stage, private equity, and convertible note
• Industries of focus: Consumer Goods, Food and Beverage
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2015
• Notable portfolio companies: Beyond Meat, Oatly, The Farmer’s Dog, Vital Proteins, Noom
• Portfolio size: 37 investments

You can refer to their website here.

12. TechRise Chicago

TechRise is a venture capital firm and startup competition that supports Black and Latinx tech founders. Based in Chicago, they invest in early-stage companies across a wide range of industries.

A key characteristic is their specific mission to back Black and Latinx founders, creating a more inclusive tech ecosystem. Their broad industry focus suggests they prioritize the founder and the business idea over a narrow investment thesis.

TechRise is an ideal partner if you are a Black or Latinx founder building an early-stage tech company. Their wide-ranging industry interest means they are a great fit for founders in many sectors, including food and beverage.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage venture, and grants
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, Finance, Construction, Education, Medical
• Geographical presence: Chicago, Illinois
• Founded: 2021
• Portfolio size: 139 investments
• Investor type: Venture capital firm and startup competition

You can refer to their website here.

13. Fernbrook Capital Management LLC

Fernbrook Capital Management invests in early-stage, technology-driven companies that directly serve consumers. Their focus spans several sectors, including beauty, e-commerce, and food and beverage.

The firm shows a preference for tech-enabled consumer brands with strong growth potential, as seen in their investment in smart-mug maker Ember Technologies. Their portfolio also includes a successful exit with Beautycounter, a clean-beauty brand that reached unicorn status, signaling their ability to back high-value companies.

Fernbrook is a strong potential partner if you are an early-stage founder building a tech-enabled consumer brand. Their experience with direct-to-consumer models and scaling companies for major exits makes them a good fit for businesses with high growth ambitions.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage, and late stage venture, convertible note
• Industries of focus: Consumer Goods, Food and Beverage, E-Commerce, Beauty, FinTech
• Geographical presence: New York, New York
• Founded: 2016
• Notable portfolio companies: Ember Technologies, BrewBird, Knotch
• Portfolio size: 34 investments

You can refer to their website here.

14. Electric Feel Ventures

Electric Feel Ventures is the investment arm of Electric Feel Entertainment, backing early-stage consumer and CPG startups. They focus on companies that operate at the intersection of culture and commerce.

A defining characteristic is their deep connection to the entertainment industry, which helps them build culturally relevant brands. Their portfolio includes influencer-driven successes like Chamberlain Coffee and the celebrity co-founded brand Goodles, showing a focus on high-profile consumer products.

This firm is a strong fit for founders building consumer brands that can benefit from influencer or celebrity partnerships. If your go-to-market strategy relies on creating strong cultural buzz, they are a valuable potential partner.

• Investment stages: Seed, early stage venture
• Industries of focus: Food and Beverage, Consumer Goods, Beauty, Wine and Spirits, Consumer Tech
• Geographical presence: Miami, Florida
• Founded: 2020
• Notable portfolio companies: Chamberlain Coffee, Goodles, MoonPay
• 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 a healthy and varied funding environment for food and beverage companies. While there are specialists for early-stage startups, many firms on our list invest across a company's full journey, from seed funding to late-stage growth. This balance is a positive sign for founders, as it suggests you can find partners prepared to support your company's long-term development.

The variety extends to investor focus, with capital coming from traditional consumer funds, deep-tech specialists, and mission-oriented firms. Geographically, investors are concentrated in major hubs like New York, California, and Chicago. This means that no matter your specific product or mission, there is likely a well-aligned investor available if you know where to look.

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FAQs about Venture Capital Firms Focused on Food and Beverage

How do food tech venture capital firms differ from consumer VCs?

Food tech venture capital firms typically prioritize companies with deep technical foundations, like AI or robotics. Consumer-focused VCs often concentrate more on brand development, market positioning, and scaling direct-to-consumer businesses with strong customer appeal.

What do agtech venture capital firms look for?

Agtech venture capital firms seek startups with scalable technology that addresses major challenges in agriculture. They look for innovations in areas like supply chain efficiency, sustainability, and automation that can have a significant, positive impact on the food system.

Which consumer venture capital firms in NYC focus on food?

New York is a major hub for consumer investment. Firms on our list like CAVU Consumer Partners, LDV Capital, and Branded Hospitality are based in NYC and actively fund innovative food, beverage, and hospitality technology companies.

What is the best way to find venture capital firms for my startup?

Beyond curated lists, use industry databases, attend food and beverage conferences, and build your network. Warm introductions from trusted advisors or other founders are often the most effective way to connect with the right investors for your company.

Are there venture capital firms that invest in the food industry in India?

Yes, the venture ecosystem in India is growing rapidly. While our list focuses on US firms, many global VCs have an interest in the region, and local firms are actively funding innovative food, beverage, and agtech startups.

What should I do after my venture capital firm wires the funds?

Once your funding is secured, it's time to manage it effectively. Our platform helps you open business bank accounts, issue corporate cards, and automate payments. Set up your financial stack in minutes with Rho.