Back to the Roots
Venture Round in 2020
Back to the Roots offers sustainable indoor gardening products to grow mushrooms, herbs, vegetables, and microgreens at home. Founded in 2009 and based in Oakland, California, the company develops and retails ready-to-grow kits and accessories through its website, including a Grow-at-Home Mushroom Garden that produces fresh oyster mushrooms indoors, as well as water gardens, home aquaponic ecosystems, seeds, microgreens, and windowsill herb and veggie planters. The products are designed for convenient, eco-friendly home cultivation and cater to households seeking fresh produce.
Red Bay Coffee
Seed Round in 2015
Red Bay Coffee Company LLC, founded in 2014 and based in Oakland, California, is a coffee roasting company committed to quality and sustainability in the specialty coffee industry. The company offers a diverse range of whole-bean and specialty coffee products, which are meticulously sourced and roasted to ensure high standards. In addition to its coffee offerings, Red Bay provides coffee catering programs for events and sells merchandise, including T-shirts and gifts, through its online platform. Founded by Keba Konte, an artist and food entrepreneur, Red Bay Coffee is dedicated to fostering diversity and inclusion within the coffee sector. The company strives to empower historically marginalized communities, including people of color, the formerly incarcerated, women, and individuals with disabilities, by creating job opportunities and promoting social and economic restoration through its operations.
Back to the Roots
Seed Round in 2015
Back to the Roots offers sustainable indoor gardening products to grow mushrooms, herbs, vegetables, and microgreens at home. Founded in 2009 and based in Oakland, California, the company develops and retails ready-to-grow kits and accessories through its website, including a Grow-at-Home Mushroom Garden that produces fresh oyster mushrooms indoors, as well as water gardens, home aquaponic ecosystems, seeds, microgreens, and windowsill herb and veggie planters. The products are designed for convenient, eco-friendly home cultivation and cater to households seeking fresh produce.
Firebrand Artisan Breads
Seed Round in 2015
Firebrand Artisan Breads is a community-driven bakery that produces handmade artisan bread and pastries for dine-in and takeout, using a wood-fired brick oven and locally sourced flour and grains. It also offers baking courses for customers who want to learn techniques and deepen their craft.
Impact Hub Oakland
Seed Round in 2013
Impact Hub Oakland is a coworking and events space for a global community of professionals. Impact Hub Oakland is equal parts inspiring workspace, entrepreneurial incubator and community of socially minded people. Located in the heart of the most diverse city in the United States, they cultivate, support and connect social entrepreneurs and purpose-driven people as they pioneer solutions for a sustainable and equitable world.