Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital investment firm established in 2015 and based in Chicago, Illinois. The firm specializes in investing in a range of sectors, including food and beverage companies, lifestyle consumer brands, agricultural technology, and technology firms. As a registered investment adviser, Cleveland Avenue focuses on seed-stage, early-stage, later-stage, and growth-stage opportunities, aiming to support innovative companies that align with its strategic interests.

Matthew Wellington Burns

Senior Associate, Investments

Fernando Carranza

Venture Investor

Harry Coaxum

Managing Partner, Operations

Walker Cullinan

Analyst

Ellen Federbush

Project Manager, Office of the CEO

Keith Kravcik

Chief Investment Officer

Mingu Lee

Managing Partner, Technology Investments

Randall Lewis

Managing Partner, Agri-Tech Investments

Jason Mercer

Principal

Fabian Gosselin

Investor

Veronica Pierce

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Don Thompson

Co-Founder and CEO

Ryan Tlusty

CFO

Robert Wietecki

Senior Associate, Investments

Taylor Williams

Venture Investor

Past deals in Illinois

CurlMix

Equity Crowdfunding in 2024
CurlMix Inc. is a company that specializes in producing and retailing haircare products specifically designed for curly hair. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, CurlMix offers a variety of subscription boxes that include flaxseed gel, moisturizers, regrowth serums, and hair and body butter. They also provide a unique Do-It-Yourself subscription box, which contains natural ingredients and instructional materials for customers to create their own hair products. The company's mission is to empower consumers with natural, toxic-free ingredients that promote healthy, defined, and frizz-free curls. CurlMix products are available for purchase both online and in retail stores.

Dom's Kitchen & Market

Convertible Note in 2023
Dom's Kitchen & Market is a grocery store chain founded in 2021 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company aims to provide a unique shopping experience that combines grocery shopping, restaurant dining, and home delivery services. It focuses on well-crafted, locally sourced, and globally-inspired food, creating a food destination that encourages sharing, exploration, and community engagement. Dom's Kitchen & Market fosters an inviting atmosphere where consumers can enjoy discovery and hospitality, making it a central hub for culinary experiences in the community.

Zerocater

Series C in 2023
Zerocater, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that operates a subscription-based and on-demand food ordering platform, specifically designed for businesses and their employees. Founded in 2009, Zerocater delivers personalized and diet-specific meals from independent restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and private chefs. The service caters to various occasions, including meetings, parties, and celebrations, offering a range of menu options such as breakfast, lunch, happy hour, desserts, and even craft beverages. The company serves clients in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Austin, Texas, and focuses on enhancing workplace culture by providing convenient and diverse food solutions that foster employee engagement and collaboration.

Sunda New Asian

Private Equity Round in 2023
Sunda New Asian is a restaurant chain specializing in Southeast Asian cuisine, with locations in Chicago and Nashville. The establishment offers a diverse menu featuring traditional dishes such as sushi, sashimi, and nigiri, while enhancing these classic offerings with upgraded ingredients. Sunda New Asian aims to provide customers with an authentic dining experience that reflects the rich cultural significance of the region's food and beverages, presented in a modern context.

Farmer's Fridge

Series E in 2022
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

86 Repairs

Series A in 2022
86 Repairs is a computer software company that offers a subscription-based platform designed to streamline the repair and maintenance processes for restaurant groups. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides comprehensive management of equipment repairs, including for ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. Its services feature 24/7 support from a team of experts and deliver actionable insights aimed at enhancing back-of-house operations. By handling the entire service process, 86 Repairs allows restaurant owners to alleviate the burdens of equipment maintenance, enabling them to concentrate on providing quality service to their guests.

FoodBoss

Convertible Note in 2022
FoodBoss Inc. is an innovative online food delivery search engine that consolidates information about various food delivery options and associated fees for numerous restaurants. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company allows consumers to access a comprehensive view of all available online ordering options, including those from third-party platforms and restaurants that offer their own delivery services. With a database of over 30,000 restaurants across more than 44 major metropolitan markets, FoodBoss enables users to compare delivery fees, menu items, and estimated delivery times. This functionality helps consumers make informed choices and discover the most cost-effective and efficient food delivery options in their area.

Apologue

Convertible Note in 2022
Apologue, LLC is a Chicago-based company that produces and markets artisanal liqueurs crafted from entirely natural, non-GMO ingredients. Founded in 2016, Apologue emphasizes the importance of quality in its offerings, creating unique liqueurs that incorporate regional ingredients to deliver adventurous and versatile flavor profiles. The company aims to cater to discerning consumers who prioritize natural components in their beverages, fostering a connection between cocktails, community, and culture through its product line.

Farmer's Fridge

Series D in 2021
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

86 Repairs

Seed Round in 2021
86 Repairs is a computer software company that offers a subscription-based platform designed to streamline the repair and maintenance processes for restaurant groups. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides comprehensive management of equipment repairs, including for ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. Its services feature 24/7 support from a team of experts and deliver actionable insights aimed at enhancing back-of-house operations. By handling the entire service process, 86 Repairs allows restaurant owners to alleviate the burdens of equipment maintenance, enabling them to concentrate on providing quality service to their guests.

Dom's Kitchen & Market

Venture Round in 2021
Dom's Kitchen & Market is a grocery store chain founded in 2021 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company aims to provide a unique shopping experience that combines grocery shopping, restaurant dining, and home delivery services. It focuses on well-crafted, locally sourced, and globally-inspired food, creating a food destination that encourages sharing, exploration, and community engagement. Dom's Kitchen & Market fosters an inviting atmosphere where consumers can enjoy discovery and hospitality, making it a central hub for culinary experiences in the community.

Bartesian

Series A in 2021
Bartesian Inc. is a manufacturer of a cocktail-making machine that enables customers to create customized, bar-quality cocktails at home using a capsule-based system. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a robotic bartender that utilizes pre-mixed ingredient pods, allowing users to prepare a variety of cocktails, such as martinis and cosmos, at the press of a button. The machine combines alcohol, juices, bitters, and water from specialty pods, ensuring a seamless and authentic cocktail experience. Formerly known as MaxMixology Inc., the company adopted its current name in January 2015.

86 Repairs

Seed Round in 2021
86 Repairs is a computer software company that offers a subscription-based platform designed to streamline the repair and maintenance processes for restaurant groups. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides comprehensive management of equipment repairs, including for ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. Its services feature 24/7 support from a team of experts and deliver actionable insights aimed at enhancing back-of-house operations. By handling the entire service process, 86 Repairs allows restaurant owners to alleviate the burdens of equipment maintenance, enabling them to concentrate on providing quality service to their guests.

Farmer's Fridge

Series D in 2020
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

Bartesian

Convertible Note in 2020
Bartesian Inc. is a manufacturer of a cocktail-making machine that enables customers to create customized, bar-quality cocktails at home using a capsule-based system. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a robotic bartender that utilizes pre-mixed ingredient pods, allowing users to prepare a variety of cocktails, such as martinis and cosmos, at the press of a button. The machine combines alcohol, juices, bitters, and water from specialty pods, ensuring a seamless and authentic cocktail experience. Formerly known as MaxMixology Inc., the company adopted its current name in January 2015.

FoodBoss

Convertible Note in 2020
FoodBoss Inc. is an innovative online food delivery search engine that consolidates information about various food delivery options and associated fees for numerous restaurants. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company allows consumers to access a comprehensive view of all available online ordering options, including those from third-party platforms and restaurants that offer their own delivery services. With a database of over 30,000 restaurants across more than 44 major metropolitan markets, FoodBoss enables users to compare delivery fees, menu items, and estimated delivery times. This functionality helps consumers make informed choices and discover the most cost-effective and efficient food delivery options in their area.

Dom's Kitchen & Market

Seed Round in 2020
Dom's Kitchen & Market is a grocery store chain founded in 2021 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company aims to provide a unique shopping experience that combines grocery shopping, restaurant dining, and home delivery services. It focuses on well-crafted, locally sourced, and globally-inspired food, creating a food destination that encourages sharing, exploration, and community engagement. Dom's Kitchen & Market fosters an inviting atmosphere where consumers can enjoy discovery and hospitality, making it a central hub for culinary experiences in the community.

Bartesian

Seed Round in 2019
Bartesian Inc. is a manufacturer of a cocktail-making machine that enables customers to create customized, bar-quality cocktails at home using a capsule-based system. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a robotic bartender that utilizes pre-mixed ingredient pods, allowing users to prepare a variety of cocktails, such as martinis and cosmos, at the press of a button. The machine combines alcohol, juices, bitters, and water from specialty pods, ensuring a seamless and authentic cocktail experience. Formerly known as MaxMixology Inc., the company adopted its current name in January 2015.

Zerocater

Series B in 2019
Zerocater, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that operates a subscription-based and on-demand food ordering platform, specifically designed for businesses and their employees. Founded in 2009, Zerocater delivers personalized and diet-specific meals from independent restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and private chefs. The service caters to various occasions, including meetings, parties, and celebrations, offering a range of menu options such as breakfast, lunch, happy hour, desserts, and even craft beverages. The company serves clients in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Austin, Texas, and focuses on enhancing workplace culture by providing convenient and diverse food solutions that foster employee engagement and collaboration.

Farmer's Fridge

Convertible Note in 2019
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

Farmer's Fridge

Secondary Market in 2019
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

FoodBoss

Venture Round in 2019
FoodBoss Inc. is an innovative online food delivery search engine that consolidates information about various food delivery options and associated fees for numerous restaurants. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company allows consumers to access a comprehensive view of all available online ordering options, including those from third-party platforms and restaurants that offer their own delivery services. With a database of over 30,000 restaurants across more than 44 major metropolitan markets, FoodBoss enables users to compare delivery fees, menu items, and estimated delivery times. This functionality helps consumers make informed choices and discover the most cost-effective and efficient food delivery options in their area.

Farmer's Fridge

Convertible Note in 2018
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

Farmer's Fridge

Series C in 2018
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

Zerocater

Series B in 2018
Zerocater, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that operates a subscription-based and on-demand food ordering platform, specifically designed for businesses and their employees. Founded in 2009, Zerocater delivers personalized and diet-specific meals from independent restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and private chefs. The service caters to various occasions, including meetings, parties, and celebrations, offering a range of menu options such as breakfast, lunch, happy hour, desserts, and even craft beverages. The company serves clients in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Austin, Texas, and focuses on enhancing workplace culture by providing convenient and diverse food solutions that foster employee engagement and collaboration.

Farmer's Fridge

Series B in 2017
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.