Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital investment firm based in Chicago, Illinois, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in seed ventures, early-stage investments, and private equity deals, primarily focusing on emerging restaurants, beverages, lifestyle consumer brands, agTech, and technologies for the foodservice and hospitality sectors. Cleveland Avenue leverages its extensive resources and expertise to support innovative companies and their founders, aiming to foster growth and success in the food and beverage industry. As a Registered Investment Adviser, the firm is committed to making impactful investments that align with its strategic vision.

Matthew Wellington Burns

Senior Associate, Investments

Harry Coaxum

Managing Partner, Operations

Walker Cullinan

Investment Analyst

Ellen Federbush

Project Manager, Office of the CEO

Mingu Lee

Managing Partner, Technology Investments

Randall Lewis

Managing Partner, Agri-Tech Investments

Jason Mercer

Principal

Fabian Gosselin Paliza

Senior Associate Investments Team

Veronica Pierce

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Donald Thompson

CEO, Founder

Ryan Tlusty

CFO

Robert Wietecki

Senior Associate, Investments

Taylor Williams

Senior Associate

37 past transactions

Hero Bread

Series B in 2023
Hero Bread is a food product company based in San Francisco that focuses on creating nutritious baked alternatives. The company offers a range of products, including bread, muffins, tortillas, and other bakery items, all designed to be low in calories, sugar-free, and with zero net carbohydrates. By prioritizing taste and health, Hero Bread aims to provide consumers with the freedom to enjoy their favorite foods without the associated guilt, making it easier for individuals to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Innovare

Seed Round in 2023
Developer of education analytics and strategy software designed to make data-driven decisions that positively impact students and communities. The company's web-based application aggregates the siloed data of schools such as student information systems, standardized assessments, attendance, reading and math ed-tech programs and spreadsheets, into one personalized dashboard, enabling leadership teams to develop data-driven strategies, build continuous improvement culture, and measure real-time impact using the synthesized data.

Partake Foods

Series B in 2022
Partake Foods, Inc. is a food company that specializes in producing allergy-friendly cookies. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Jersey City, New Jersey, the company offers a range of products that are nut-free, gluten-free, vegan, and free from the top 12 allergens, catering to families seeking safe and tasty snack options. The product lineup includes various flavors such as sprouted grain chocolate chip, double chocolate chip, sweet potato millet, carrot oat, and birthday cake mini cookies. Partake Foods sells its products online, allowing customers to enjoy healthy snacks conveniently.

Mayvenn

Series C in 2022
Mayvenn, Inc. is a company that empowers hairstylists by providing them with tools to sell hair extensions directly to their clients, eliminating the need for upfront inventory costs. Founded in 2012 and based in Oakland, California, Mayvenn has developed a platform that supports over 50,000 stylists and has attracted hundreds of thousands of customers. The company's mission focuses on transforming the salon retail experience and enhancing the purchasing process for hair extensions. Since its inception, Mayvenn has experienced significant growth, investing millions of dollars back into salons nationwide, thus fostering a movement within the beauty industry that prioritizes the needs of hairstylists and their clientele.

Paladin

Series A in 2022
Paladin is a legal technology company founded in 2015 and based in New York, USA. The firm has developed a platform that connects attorneys with vetted pro bono opportunities, allowing legal professionals to engage in cases that align with their passions. By streamlining the process of creating, distributing, and managing pro bono matters, Paladin enables law firms, bar associations, and corporations to enhance their service delivery to low-income individuals. Additionally, the platform facilitates the tracking of lawyers' contributions and captures impact data, highlighting the positive effects of their efforts. Through its services, Paladin aims to enhance pro bono participation and support the legal community in addressing access to justice.

Five to Nine

Seed Round in 2022
Five to Nine is a culture engagement solution that aims to enhance workplace connectivity and inclusion through its online platform. The platform enables human resource administrators to manage and evaluate both virtual and in-person internal programs effectively. By integrating workflows and collecting event analytics and feedback, it allows organizations to measure employee participation and sentiment. This data-driven approach helps HR teams create communities of interest within the workplace, promoting a positive work culture and driving business outcomes. Five to Nine focuses on leveraging culture-building opportunities to foster a more inclusive environment where employees feel engaged and connected.

Abode

Funding Round in 2022
Abode is a cloud-based platform that aims to simplify and enhance the home buying experience by addressing the complexities and stress often associated with residential real estate transactions. Recognizing that purchasing a home is typically the largest financial decision an individual makes, Abode offers a user-friendly software solution that streamlines the process. The platform features a dashboard that utilizes machine learning to track real estate projects and connects buyers directly with developers, facilitating data-driven insights on property purchases. By making real estate data more accessible and understandable, Abode empowers home seekers to navigate the market independently, reducing reliance on third-party contractors and making the home buying journey more efficient and less daunting.

Bear Robotics

Series B in 2022
Bear Robotics, Inc. designs and manufactures autonomous robots specifically for the food service industry. The company's flagship product, Penny, is an AI-based robot that autonomously transports food, dishes, and drinks within restaurants, enhancing customer service and operational efficiency. By addressing challenges related to labor supply, wage pressures, and cost management, Bear Robotics aims to transform the dining experience for customers while increasing job satisfaction for employees and profitability for restaurant owners. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Redwood City, California, Bear Robotics is focused on leveraging robotics and artificial intelligence to innovate hospitality management.

Soul Machines

Series B in 2022
Soul Machines Limited specializes in creating emotionally responsive avatars that enhance user interactions with artificial intelligence platforms. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Auckland, New Zealand, the company also operates offices in major cities including San Francisco, New York, London, Tokyo, and Melbourne. Its flagship product, Digital DNA Studio, empowers users to design custom digital personas for various applications, including customer care, marketing, education, and training. By leveraging advanced technology, Soul Machines aims to redefine customer engagement and promote deeper interactivity, ultimately transforming how individuals interact with machines and brands. The company's innovative approach focuses on creating empathetic AI assistants that facilitate meaningful human-machine collaboration, enhancing overall user experiences across multiple sectors, from retail to healthcare.

PreciTaste

Series A in 2022
AIaaS, Artificial Intelligence, Product Recognition, IoT, Professional Baking Applications, Food Applications

The Desire Company

Series A in 2021
DesireList is an online shopping platform focused on delivering personal stories and authentic product reviews from real professionals. They help shoppers cut through the noise and go straight to the source real, trusted professionals who have verified experts in sports, modeling, music, style, beauty, and more. It connects consumers to real professionals giving exclusive access to hear their path to Pro as well as discover and shop the products they genuinely use and recommend. DesireList features videos of professional athletes, models, and celebrity trainers as well as make-up artists and dancers, opening up about what it takes to stay at the top of their game. It is an authentic choice for consumers who want a curated experience that allows them to get access to the Pro lifestyle and discover and shop the products that real professionals use.

Nuritas

Series B in 2021
Nuritas, Ltd. is a biotechnology company based in Dublin, Ireland, that specializes in the discovery of bioactive peptides from food sources. Established in 2012, the company employs a unique approach that integrates artificial intelligence and genomics to rapidly identify and unlock natural peptides with health benefits. By focusing on nutritional bioinformatics, Nuritas combines computational biology with nutritional science to mine therapeutic peptides, enabling the development of functional food, beverages, dietary supplements, and cosmetics. Its innovative technology not only discovers new bioactive ingredients but also collaborates with food and ingredient companies to co-develop sustainable products. Through its work, Nuritas aims to enhance human and animal health while promoting a more sustainable food system.

TackleAI

Funding Round in 2021
TACKLE AI, LLC develops software that provides workflow automation on documents and datasets. The company's software works with structured, unstructured, variable documents, and images to find, analyze, and organize data. The company's software caters to the healthcare, legal, legal, finance, and logistics industries. TACKLE AI, LLC was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Schaumburg, Illinois.
Intelligent Growth Solutions Ltd, founded in 2013 and based in Dundee, United Kingdom, specializes in developing and providing advanced vertical farming technology for indoor food production in diverse locations. The company offers a plug-and-play platform that includes an indoor vertical farming demonstration facility equipped with an Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled power and communications system. This system incorporates patented electrical, electronic, and mechanical technologies designed to create optimal growing conditions for plants. Intelligent Growth Solutions is committed to continuous innovation and practical design, challenging conventional approaches to agricultural technology.

Ureeka

Series A in 2021
Ureeka, Inc. operates an online platform focused on supporting small and medium businesses (SMBs) by providing mentorship and guidance. Founded in 2018 and based in Hillsborough, California, Ureeka connects entrepreneurs with mentors, coaches, specialists, partners, and investors, facilitating access to essential expertise for business growth. The platform aims to democratize economic opportunity, particularly for underrepresented SMBs, by fostering a collaborative community and sharing best practices. Ureeka also offers a comprehensive assessment of a business's website and marketing strategy, identifying opportunities for customer acquisition and expansion. Additionally, it provides educational resources and access to a marketplace of specialists, helping entrepreneurs build sustainable businesses and achieve economic success for themselves and their communities.

Bright Cellars

Series B in 2021
Bright Cellars Inc. operates an online wine subscription service that personalizes wine selections for its members. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company employs a questionnaire and customer feedback to understand individual tastes and preferences. Using a machine-learning algorithm, Bright Cellars generates tailored wine recommendations that are shipped monthly to subscribers, helping them discover and refine their wine palate. The service also includes options for gifting wine, making it accessible for users to share their experience with friends. Bright Cellars aims to educate and inspire a new generation of wine enthusiasts through a curated and transformative wine experience.

SupplyHive

Seed Round in 2021
SupplyHive is a software platform designed to enhance supplier performance reviews for businesses. Founded by entrepreneur Mike Anguiano, the platform allows organizations to better understand and manage their suppliers by collecting and analyzing reviews and ratings. Utilizing artificial intelligence, SupplyHive continuously improves its performance metrics with each new review, helping businesses measure key performance indicators (KPIs), identify trends, and detect disparities. The software automates action plans through predictive analytics, enabling companies to streamline their supplier performance processes. This centralized and standardized approach fosters better partnerships and enhances overall efficiency in supplier management.

86 Repairs

Seed Round in 2021
86 Repairs is a computer software company based in Chicago, Illinois, that offers a subscription service tailored for restaurant groups to manage their entire repair process. Founded in 2018, the company provides a maintenance management platform that oversees equipment repairs for essential kitchen appliances such as ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. By handling the end-to-end repair and maintenance process, 86 Repairs allows restaurant owners to alleviate the burden of equipment management, enabling them to focus on delivering quality service to their guests. The company also offers 24/7 support and actionable insights aimed at improving back-of-house operations.

Dom's Kitchen & Market

Venture Round in 2021
Dom's Kitchen & Market is an operator of a grocery store chain designed to combine shopping, restaurant dining, and home delivery. The company was founded in 2021 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Bartesian

Series A in 2021
Bartesian Inc. manufactures a cocktail machine that makes cocktails from capsules in home. It offers Bartesian, a robotic bartender that uses pre-mixed ingredient cups with different alcoholic choices to get a homemade martini or cosmo at the press of a button. The company was formerly known as MaxMixology Inc. and changed its name to Bartesian Inc. in January 2015. Bartesian Inc. was incorporated in 2014 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

86 Repairs

Seed Round in 2021
86 Repairs is a computer software company based in Chicago, Illinois, that offers a subscription service tailored for restaurant groups to manage their entire repair process. Founded in 2018, the company provides a maintenance management platform that oversees equipment repairs for essential kitchen appliances such as ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. By handling the end-to-end repair and maintenance process, 86 Repairs allows restaurant owners to alleviate the burden of equipment management, enabling them to focus on delivering quality service to their guests. The company also offers 24/7 support and actionable insights aimed at improving back-of-house operations.

SupplyHive

Seed Round in 2021
SupplyHive is a software platform designed to enhance supplier performance reviews for businesses. Founded by entrepreneur Mike Anguiano, the platform allows organizations to better understand and manage their suppliers by collecting and analyzing reviews and ratings. Utilizing artificial intelligence, SupplyHive continuously improves its performance metrics with each new review, helping businesses measure key performance indicators (KPIs), identify trends, and detect disparities. The software automates action plans through predictive analytics, enabling companies to streamline their supplier performance processes. This centralized and standardized approach fosters better partnerships and enhances overall efficiency in supplier management.

ViuHealth

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Drugviu combine data from FDA clinical trials, with physician and pharmacist expertise plus demographic relevant crowdsourced reviews to give you and your family trusted medication information. They have intentionally focused on Asian, Black, Latino and Native American populations because these groups have traditionally been underrepresented in medicine starting with clinical trials to measuring outcomes. They strongly believe everyone is important and everyone’s experiences matter. They believe that information is power not just for one’s self but when shared can really change communities.

GOOD PLANeT Foods

Series A in 2020
Good PLANeT Foods LLC is a Bellevue, Washington-based company that specializes in the production of plant-based cheese products. Founded in 2017, the company offers a range of cheese options, including shreds such as Mozzarella, Smoked Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Cheddar, as well as slices like Smoked Provolone, Cheddar, American, Garlic and Herb, and Hot Pepper. Good PLANeT Foods is committed to creating value for its customers and fostering positive relationships through its innovative offerings, reflecting a mission to promote wellness for both individuals and the planet.

FoodBoss

Venture Round in 2019
FoodBoss is an online food delivery search engine that aggregates delivery options and fees from various restaurants and service providers, including third-party platforms and those offering direct online ordering. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, FoodBoss allows consumers to explore over 30,000 restaurants in more than 44 major metropolitan markets. Users can compare menu items, prices, delivery times, and fees to identify the most economical and efficient food delivery options. This comprehensive platform enables users to see every available food delivery and pickup service, streamlining the ordering process and helping them find the best deals.

Beyond Meat

Series H in 2018
Beyond Meat, Inc. is a food company that specializes in the production and sale of plant-based meat alternatives, providing consumers with options that mimic the taste and texture of traditional animal-based products. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, the company offers a diverse range of products, including burgers, sausages, ground beef, jerky, meatballs, and chicken. Beyond Meat's offerings are designed to address key global challenges such as human health, climate change, resource constraints, and animal welfare. The products are made using simple, non-GMO ingredients and provide comparable or superior protein levels to animal meat, while being free from cholesterol, antibiotics, and hormones. The company distributes its products through various channels, including grocery stores, mass merchandisers, restaurants, and foodservice outlets, both domestically and internationally. Beyond Meat was previously known as Savage River, Inc. before rebranding in September 2018.

Farmer's Fridge

Series C in 2018
Farmer’s Fridge provides an automated smart fridge that serves salads, bowls, snacks, and more. Its unpurchased items are regularly donated to local food pantries, providing responsibly sourced nutrition to community members in need. The company is driven by a mission to make it simple for everyone to eat well. Founder Luke Saunders was frustrated with the lack of healthy, affordable options available on the road so he worked with the best in the business to create a user-friendly smart Fridge that puts chef-curated meals in your hands, in seconds. It was founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.

Bright Cellars

Venture Round in 2018
Bright Cellars Inc. operates an online wine subscription service that personalizes wine selections for its members. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, the company employs a questionnaire and customer feedback to understand individual tastes and preferences. Using a machine-learning algorithm, Bright Cellars generates tailored wine recommendations that are shipped monthly to subscribers, helping them discover and refine their wine palate. The service also includes options for gifting wine, making it accessible for users to share their experience with friends. Bright Cellars aims to educate and inspire a new generation of wine enthusiasts through a curated and transformative wine experience.

ZeroCater

Series B in 2018
ZeroCater, Inc. is a food service company that specializes in providing personalized meal solutions for workplaces. Founded in 2009 and based in San Francisco, the company offers a subscription-based and on-demand platform that delivers meals from independent restaurants, caterers, and private chefs. ZeroCater caters to various occasions, including meetings, events, and celebrations, with menu options ranging from breakfast and lunch to desserts and happy hour selections, as well as alcoholic beverages from craft breweries. The company serves clients in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington, D.C., Austin, and Los Angeles, and aims to foster workplace culture and community through food. ZeroCater has established itself as a prominent provider in the office catering sector, partnering with various businesses across industries.

Farmwise

Venture Round in 2018
Farmwise LLC, based in Wellesley, Massachusetts, specializes in producing frozen food products, primarily focusing on healthier alternatives to popular snacks. Established in 2013, the company offers a range of gluten-free, allergen-free, and vegan options, including veggie fries, veggie tots, and veggie rings made from farm-grown vegetables. Its product line features unique flavors such as carrot, broccoli, chickpeas, red peppers, and Tuscan beans with herbs. Farmwise markets these offerings under the brand names Veggie Fries, Veggie Tots, and Veggie Rings, distributing them through supermarkets and natural food stores across the United States. As of 2020, Farmwise operates as a subsidiary of B&G Foods, Inc.
Sustainable Beverage Technologies focuses on unlocking unprecedented efficiencies in brewing, distribution, and draft beer. The company's brewery specializes in producing beer concentrate that mixes with water and carbon dioxide in a bottle, enabling hikers and adventurers to get the taste of delicious beer while traveling. It was incorporated in 2010 and is based in Denver, Colorado.

Beyond Meat

Series G in 2017
Beyond Meat, Inc. is a food company that specializes in the production and sale of plant-based meat alternatives, providing consumers with options that mimic the taste and texture of traditional animal-based products. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, the company offers a diverse range of products, including burgers, sausages, ground beef, jerky, meatballs, and chicken. Beyond Meat's offerings are designed to address key global challenges such as human health, climate change, resource constraints, and animal welfare. The products are made using simple, non-GMO ingredients and provide comparable or superior protein levels to animal meat, while being free from cholesterol, antibiotics, and hormones. The company distributes its products through various channels, including grocery stores, mass merchandisers, restaurants, and foodservice outlets, both domestically and internationally. Beyond Meat was previously known as Savage River, Inc. before rebranding in September 2018.

SomruS

Venture Round in 2017
SomruS is an exotic, luxurious blend of cardamom, saffron, almond, pistachio & rose, awarded 94 points by Wine Enthusiast.

Bhakti

Series B in 2017
Bhakti, Inc. specializes in the production of chai concentrates, iced chai beverages, dry tea products, and ready-to-drink items. Founded in 2002 and based in Boulder, Colorado, the company markets its products to customers through shops, retailers, and online platforms across the United States. Bhakti emphasizes the use of fresh and sustainably sourced ingredients, including Fair Trade, Non-GMO, and Organic components, ensuring an authentic flavor profile in each product. Its iced chai offerings come in six varieties, and concentrate products are available in various sizes, catering to a diverse consumer base. The company prides itself on maintaining high-quality standards, utilizing real ginger, black tea, and spices, and providing options that can be paired with both dairy and non-dairy milk. Bhakti operates under B Corp business practices, focusing on social and environmental responsibility alongside its commercial goals.

PizzaRev

Acquisition in 2017
PizzaRev is a fast casual franchise pizza restaurant chain focused on providing customers with the ability to create personalized pizzas. The company emphasizes the use of homemade dough, flavorful sauces, and natural cheeses, allowing patrons to customize their meals to suit individual tastes. By offering a made-to-order experience, PizzaRev caters to a diverse clientele seeking fresh and unique pizza options.

Drink Simple

Venture Round in 2017
Maple water is pure sap from the maple trees. It's a common misconception that all sap is sticky. Maple sap actually looks and feels just like regular water. The main difference is that maple water goes through a natural process that infuses it with nutrients. In early spring, maple trees pull water from the ground and filter it through their roots. This water collects nutrients stored in the tree all winter and provides hydration and nourishment that enable the tree’s growth and rejuvenation in the spring renewal season.

Beyond Meat

Series F in 2016
Beyond Meat, Inc. is a food company that specializes in the production and sale of plant-based meat alternatives, providing consumers with options that mimic the taste and texture of traditional animal-based products. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, the company offers a diverse range of products, including burgers, sausages, ground beef, jerky, meatballs, and chicken. Beyond Meat's offerings are designed to address key global challenges such as human health, climate change, resource constraints, and animal welfare. The products are made using simple, non-GMO ingredients and provide comparable or superior protein levels to animal meat, while being free from cholesterol, antibiotics, and hormones. The company distributes its products through various channels, including grocery stores, mass merchandisers, restaurants, and foodservice outlets, both domestically and internationally. Beyond Meat was previously known as Savage River, Inc. before rebranding in September 2018.
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