Khosla Ventures

Khosla Ventures is a venture capital firm established in 2004 by Vinod Khosla, a co-founder of Sun Microsystems. Based in Menlo Park, California, the firm manages over $5 billion and primarily invests in early-stage technology companies throughout the United States. Khosla Ventures provides capital, strategic advice, and venture assistance to entrepreneurs focused on breakthrough innovations across various sectors, including consumer technology, enterprise solutions, health, education, agriculture, and sustainable energy. The firm has a particular interest in high-risk, high-reward opportunities, often acting as a sole investor in "science or innovation experiments." Investment sizes typically range from $100,000 to over $20 million, allowing Khosla Ventures to support both traditional ventures and unconventional projects.

Bruce Armstrong

Operating Partner

Irene Au

Angel

Ryno Blignaut

Operating Partner

Alice Brooks

Partner

Peter Buckland

Partner, Managing Director and COO

Benny Buller

Investment Professional

Brian Byun

Operating Partner

Catherine Casuga

Operating Partner

Jon Chu

Partner

Kanu Gulati

Partner

Emmanuel T. Hernandez

Operating Partner

Judy Huang

Operating Partner

Keith Janosky

Chief Financial Officer and Head of Investor Relations

Jun Jeon

Principal

Samir Kaul

Founding Partner & Managing Director

Paul Kirincich

Operating Partner

Alexander A. Morgan

Partner

Alexander Morgan Ph.D

Partner

Hesam Motlagh

Chief of Staff

Keith Rabois

Managing Director

Jessy Rivest Ph.D

Partner

Nikita Shamgunov

Partner & Investor

Sven Strohband Ph.D

Managing Director

Rajesh Swaminathan

Partner

Adina Tecklu

Partner

Sandhya Venkatachalam

Partner

David Weiden

Founding Partner and Managing Director

Ece Wyrick

Principal

Past deals in Food Processing

Equii

Seed Round in 2022
Equii is a food technology company that discovers highly nutritious sources of microbial proteins that are used to ferment grains and produce high-protein grain flours. Founded in 2021 by Monica Bhatia, Equii is based in San Ramon, California.

Joywell Foods

Series B in 2022
Derived from exotic plants, protein sweeteners are rare compounds that provide an amazing taste without the calories.

Leaft Foods

Series A in 2022
Leaft Foods has proven viability across New Zealand's pasture-based agricultural economy.

Mimica

Seed Round in 2021
Mimica Lab Ltd., established in 2017 and located in London, develops innovative freshness indicators for perishable products, including food and pharmaceuticals. The company's flagship product, Mimica Touch, is a patented label or cap that changes texture when the product is no longer safe to consume, providing a tactile and real-time indication of freshness based on actual temperature conditions. This technology is specifically calibrated for various food types, addressing the significant issue of food waste, which affects approximately one-third of global food production, much of which remains safe for consumption. By implementing Mimica Touch, the company aims to reduce retail food waste by 50% and household waste by 60%, potentially preventing up to 13.6 million tonnes of food from being discarded in European households annually. Through its innovative approach, Mimica is contributing to a more efficient and sustainable food system.

Vertical Oceans

Seed Round in 2021
Akualogix is an agrifood tech start-up that produces shrimp, whitefish, and seaweeds in high-tech five-story farming systems. The company uses advanced technologies and sustainable practices in urban, vertical aquafarms to produce fresh shrimp, fish, and umibudo. Its vertical oceans combine multi-trophic biology with advanced digital technologies in modular growing habitats efficiently stacked in a vertical tower. Akualogix was established in 2020 and is based in Singapore.

Supplant

Series A in 2021
Cambridge Glycoscience is a biotechnology company based in London, United Kingdom, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing sugar-free ingredients for the food industry, focusing on creating natural food components derived from agricultural resources. Their innovative products enable food manufacturers to reduce sugar content, enhance fiber levels, and improve gut health-promoting qualities in food items. By leveraging biotechnology, Cambridge Glycoscience aims to support healthier eating options and contribute to the evolving landscape of food production.

Clear Labs

Series C in 2021
Clear Labs, Inc. is a food analytics company based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2013. The company offers a comprehensive food analytics platform that utilizes next-generation sequencing to analyze the molecular contents of foods and ingredients. This platform provides food manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers with crucial transparency across supply chains, testing products for authenticity, contaminants, allergens, and various other factors such as GMOs, heavy metals, and nutrition. Clear Labs also focuses on simplifying complex diagnostics for clinical and applied markets, combining DNA sequencing, robotics, and cloud-based analytics to improve accuracy and accelerate outcomes. By delivering insights into food safety and quality, Clear Labs aims to enhance understanding and management of potential health risks associated with food products and emerging pathogens.

Supplant

Series A in 2021
Cambridge Glycoscience is a biotechnology company based in London, United Kingdom, founded in 2017. The company specializes in developing sugar-free ingredients for the food industry, focusing on creating natural food components derived from agricultural resources. Their innovative products enable food manufacturers to reduce sugar content, enhance fiber levels, and improve gut health-promoting qualities in food items. By leveraging biotechnology, Cambridge Glycoscience aims to support healthier eating options and contribute to the evolving landscape of food production.

Ukko

Series B in 2021
Developer of immunity-boosting proteins designed to improve the lives of people who suffer from food allergies and gluten-related disorders. The company's technology uses artificial intelligence, immunology, computational biology, and protein engineering to make safe proteins that do not trigger an immune response, enabling physicians to prescribe to people products that are safe to consume.

Joywell Foods

Series A in 2020
Derived from exotic plants, protein sweeteners are rare compounds that provide an amazing taste without the calories.

Clear Labs

Venture Round in 2020
Clear Labs, Inc. is a food analytics company based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2013. The company offers a comprehensive food analytics platform that utilizes next-generation sequencing to analyze the molecular contents of foods and ingredients. This platform provides food manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers with crucial transparency across supply chains, testing products for authenticity, contaminants, allergens, and various other factors such as GMOs, heavy metals, and nutrition. Clear Labs also focuses on simplifying complex diagnostics for clinical and applied markets, combining DNA sequencing, robotics, and cloud-based analytics to improve accuracy and accelerate outcomes. By delivering insights into food safety and quality, Clear Labs aims to enhance understanding and management of potential health risks associated with food products and emerging pathogens.

Clear Labs

Series B in 2018
Clear Labs, Inc. is a food analytics company based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2013. The company offers a comprehensive food analytics platform that utilizes next-generation sequencing to analyze the molecular contents of foods and ingredients. This platform provides food manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers with crucial transparency across supply chains, testing products for authenticity, contaminants, allergens, and various other factors such as GMOs, heavy metals, and nutrition. Clear Labs also focuses on simplifying complex diagnostics for clinical and applied markets, combining DNA sequencing, robotics, and cloud-based analytics to improve accuracy and accelerate outcomes. By delivering insights into food safety and quality, Clear Labs aims to enhance understanding and management of potential health risks associated with food products and emerging pathogens.

Mylk Guys

Seed Round in 2018
Mylk Guys, Inc. is an online vegan grocery store based in San Francisco, California, established in 2018. The company specializes in a wide range of plant-based products, including bakery items, cheese, frozen foods, pantry staples, prepared meals, desserts, and snacks. Mylk Guys offers consumers the convenience of purchasing natural and plant-based foods from both local and national brands, delivering these items directly to their doorsteps. The marketplace emphasizes a diverse selection that caters to the growing demand for vegan and health-conscious options.

Ripple Foods

Series C in 2018
Ripple Foods specializes in producing high-quality, dairy-free milk alternatives that prioritize nutrition and taste. Their products are designed to be high in protein, offering eight times the protein found in almond milk while containing half the sugar of traditional dairy milk. Additionally, Ripple's beverages are rich in bioavailable calcium, providing 50% more than regular milk, and are a good source of potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. With a focus on delivering a creamy texture that enhances the drinking experience, Ripple aims to provide a satisfying alternative for those seeking non-dairy options without sacrificing flavor or nutritional value.

Gobble

Series B in 2017
Gobble Inc. operates as an online marketplace that connects busy professionals with fresh meal options crafted by local chefs. Founded in 2010 and based in Palo Alto, California, Gobble specializes in gourmet dinner kits that simplify the cooking process, allowing users to prepare meals in just 10 minutes using only one pan. The company handles all sourcing and preparation tasks, including washing, chopping, marinating, and sauce-making, so customers can effortlessly combine ingredients for a quick dinner. Each week, Gobble offers six new dinner kits, providing customers with a diverse menu and the flexibility to choose their meals and delivery schedule. The ingredients are sourced locally from sustainable and humane farmers in the Bay Area and are delivered in recyclable, refrigerated packaging.

Impossible Foods

Convertible Note in 2017
Impossible Foods Inc. is a company that specializes in developing and producing plant-based substitutes for meat and dairy products, including items like burgers and cheeses. Founded in 2011 by Patrick Brown and Monte Casino, the company focuses on recreating the taste and texture of traditional animal-based foods using specific proteins and nutrients derived from greens, seeds, and grains. Impossible Foods sells its products primarily through restaurants and online in the United States. The company, originally named Maraxi, Inc., rebranded in May 2014 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California.

Ukko

Venture Round in 2017
Developer of immunity-boosting proteins designed to improve the lives of people who suffer from food allergies and gluten-related disorders. The company's technology uses artificial intelligence, immunology, computational biology, and protein engineering to make safe proteins that do not trigger an immune response, enabling physicians to prescribe to people products that are safe to consume.

Creator

Venture Round in 2017
Creator Inc., a start-up robotic company, designs and develops hamburger-making robots for burger restaurants, convenience stores, food trucks, and vending applications in the United States. Its robots grill a beef patty; layer it with lettuce, tomatoes, pickles, and onions; put it in a bun; and wrap it up to go. Creator Inc. was formerly known as Momentum Machines Co. The company was founded in 2009 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Clear Labs

Series B in 2016
Clear Labs, Inc. is a food analytics company based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2013. The company offers a comprehensive food analytics platform that utilizes next-generation sequencing to analyze the molecular contents of foods and ingredients. This platform provides food manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers with crucial transparency across supply chains, testing products for authenticity, contaminants, allergens, and various other factors such as GMOs, heavy metals, and nutrition. Clear Labs also focuses on simplifying complex diagnostics for clinical and applied markets, combining DNA sequencing, robotics, and cloud-based analytics to improve accuracy and accelerate outcomes. By delivering insights into food safety and quality, Clear Labs aims to enhance understanding and management of potential health risks associated with food products and emerging pathogens.

Ripple Foods

Series B in 2016
Ripple Foods specializes in producing high-quality, dairy-free milk alternatives that prioritize nutrition and taste. Their products are designed to be high in protein, offering eight times the protein found in almond milk while containing half the sugar of traditional dairy milk. Additionally, Ripple's beverages are rich in bioavailable calcium, providing 50% more than regular milk, and are a good source of potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. With a focus on delivering a creamy texture that enhances the drinking experience, Ripple aims to provide a satisfying alternative for those seeking non-dairy options without sacrificing flavor or nutritional value.

AVA

Seed Round in 2016
AVA, Inc. provides a messaging-based eating platform that transforms the way people think about food and nutritional health. Its platform provides the way to keep track of the choices, determine the calories in the meal, and provide personalized recommendations for future meals. The company was founded in 2016 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts. As of November 19, 2019, AVA, Inc. operates as a subsidiary of Koninklijke DSM N.V.

Ripple Foods

Series A in 2015
Ripple Foods specializes in producing high-quality, dairy-free milk alternatives that prioritize nutrition and taste. Their products are designed to be high in protein, offering eight times the protein found in almond milk while containing half the sugar of traditional dairy milk. Additionally, Ripple's beverages are rich in bioavailable calcium, providing 50% more than regular milk, and are a good source of potassium and omega-3 fatty acids. With a focus on delivering a creamy texture that enhances the drinking experience, Ripple aims to provide a satisfying alternative for those seeking non-dairy options without sacrificing flavor or nutritional value.

Impossible Foods

Series D in 2015
Impossible Foods Inc. is a company that specializes in developing and producing plant-based substitutes for meat and dairy products, including items like burgers and cheeses. Founded in 2011 by Patrick Brown and Monte Casino, the company focuses on recreating the taste and texture of traditional animal-based foods using specific proteins and nutrients derived from greens, seeds, and grains. Impossible Foods sells its products primarily through restaurants and online in the United States. The company, originally named Maraxi, Inc., rebranded in May 2014 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California.

Clear Labs

Series A in 2015
Clear Labs, Inc. is a food analytics company based in Menlo Park, California, founded in 2013. The company offers a comprehensive food analytics platform that utilizes next-generation sequencing to analyze the molecular contents of foods and ingredients. This platform provides food manufacturers, suppliers, and retailers with crucial transparency across supply chains, testing products for authenticity, contaminants, allergens, and various other factors such as GMOs, heavy metals, and nutrition. Clear Labs also focuses on simplifying complex diagnostics for clinical and applied markets, combining DNA sequencing, robotics, and cloud-based analytics to improve accuracy and accelerate outcomes. By delivering insights into food safety and quality, Clear Labs aims to enhance understanding and management of potential health risks associated with food products and emerging pathogens.

Eat Just

Series C in 2014
Eat Just, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company focused on developing innovative food products aimed at creating a healthier and more sustainable food system. Founded in 2011, the company offers a range of plant-based items, including scrambled eggs, flavored mayonnaise, various dressings, cookie doughs, and meat alternatives. With a strong emphasis on research and culinary expertise, Eat Just combines scientific discovery with culinary innovation, resulting in products that are both delicious and accessible. The company's flagship product, JUST Egg, has received numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Popular Science's "100 Greatest Innovations." Eat Just has been acknowledged for its innovative contributions to the food industry by various organizations, including Fast Company and the World Economic Forum.

Impossible Foods

Series C in 2014
Impossible Foods Inc. is a company that specializes in developing and producing plant-based substitutes for meat and dairy products, including items like burgers and cheeses. Founded in 2011 by Patrick Brown and Monte Casino, the company focuses on recreating the taste and texture of traditional animal-based foods using specific proteins and nutrients derived from greens, seeds, and grains. Impossible Foods sells its products primarily through restaurants and online in the United States. The company, originally named Maraxi, Inc., rebranded in May 2014 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California.

Eat Just

Series B in 2014
Eat Just, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company focused on developing innovative food products aimed at creating a healthier and more sustainable food system. Founded in 2011, the company offers a range of plant-based items, including scrambled eggs, flavored mayonnaise, various dressings, cookie doughs, and meat alternatives. With a strong emphasis on research and culinary expertise, Eat Just combines scientific discovery with culinary innovation, resulting in products that are both delicious and accessible. The company's flagship product, JUST Egg, has received numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Popular Science's "100 Greatest Innovations." Eat Just has been acknowledged for its innovative contributions to the food industry by various organizations, including Fast Company and the World Economic Forum.

PHL

Seed Round in 2014
ALOHA is an employee-owned company founded in 2013 by three Hawaiian business partners and is based in New York. The company specializes in producing and retailing plant-based protein products, including protein bars, protein drinks, and protein powders. ALOHA emphasizes quality, offering products that are USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, and free from soy, dairy, stevia, and sugar alcohols. Committed to sustainability, ALOHA sources its ingredients responsibly and uses environmentally friendly packaging. The products are available in various grocery and natural food stores, such as Kroger, Harris Teeter, and Wegmans, as well as online through platforms like Amazon and its own direct-to-consumer website.

Eat Just

Series A in 2013
Eat Just, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company focused on developing innovative food products aimed at creating a healthier and more sustainable food system. Founded in 2011, the company offers a range of plant-based items, including scrambled eggs, flavored mayonnaise, various dressings, cookie doughs, and meat alternatives. With a strong emphasis on research and culinary expertise, Eat Just combines scientific discovery with culinary innovation, resulting in products that are both delicious and accessible. The company's flagship product, JUST Egg, has received numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Popular Science's "100 Greatest Innovations." Eat Just has been acknowledged for its innovative contributions to the food industry by various organizations, including Fast Company and the World Economic Forum.

Impossible Foods

Series B in 2013
Impossible Foods Inc. is a company that specializes in developing and producing plant-based substitutes for meat and dairy products, including items like burgers and cheeses. Founded in 2011 by Patrick Brown and Monte Casino, the company focuses on recreating the taste and texture of traditional animal-based foods using specific proteins and nutrients derived from greens, seeds, and grains. Impossible Foods sells its products primarily through restaurants and online in the United States. The company, originally named Maraxi, Inc., rebranded in May 2014 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California.

Impossible Foods

Series A in 2013
Impossible Foods Inc. is a company that specializes in developing and producing plant-based substitutes for meat and dairy products, including items like burgers and cheeses. Founded in 2011 by Patrick Brown and Monte Casino, the company focuses on recreating the taste and texture of traditional animal-based foods using specific proteins and nutrients derived from greens, seeds, and grains. Impossible Foods sells its products primarily through restaurants and online in the United States. The company, originally named Maraxi, Inc., rebranded in May 2014 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California.

Nu-Tek Salt

Private Equity Round in 2012
Nu-Tek Food Science, LLC develops sodium replacement products. The company provides NuTek Salt, which reduces sodium and replaces with potassium. It also offers Salt for Life, a packaged blend of potassium salt and sea salt for use in the kitchen. The company serves food manufacturers, retailers, and restaurant chains. Nu-Tek Food Science, LLC was formerly known as Nu-Tek Salt, LLC. The company was founded in 2006 and is headquartered in Minnetonka, Minnesota. It has additional offices in Omaha, Nebraska; Minneapolis, Minnesota; and Washington, District of Columbia, as well as a manufacturing facility in Fargo, North Dakota.

Impossible Foods

Series A in 2011
Impossible Foods Inc. is a company that specializes in developing and producing plant-based substitutes for meat and dairy products, including items like burgers and cheeses. Founded in 2011 by Patrick Brown and Monte Casino, the company focuses on recreating the taste and texture of traditional animal-based foods using specific proteins and nutrients derived from greens, seeds, and grains. Impossible Foods sells its products primarily through restaurants and online in the United States. The company, originally named Maraxi, Inc., rebranded in May 2014 and is headquartered in Redwood City, California.

Eat Just

Seed Round in 2011
Eat Just, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company focused on developing innovative food products aimed at creating a healthier and more sustainable food system. Founded in 2011, the company offers a range of plant-based items, including scrambled eggs, flavored mayonnaise, various dressings, cookie doughs, and meat alternatives. With a strong emphasis on research and culinary expertise, Eat Just combines scientific discovery with culinary innovation, resulting in products that are both delicious and accessible. The company's flagship product, JUST Egg, has received numerous accolades, including recognition as one of Popular Science's "100 Greatest Innovations." Eat Just has been acknowledged for its innovative contributions to the food industry by various organizations, including Fast Company and the World Economic Forum.