GroundForce Capital

GroundForce Capital is a California-based private equity firm established in 2015 that specializes in early-stage investments in the consumer, retail, and agriculture sectors across the United States and Canada. The firm focuses on providing capital, strategic guidance, and operational expertise to innovative teams leading disruptive, plant-centric brands. GroundForce Capital's mission is to transform the global food system by investing in companies that prioritize improved nutrition and sustainable practices. The firm seeks to support visionary entrepreneurs who are committed to creating positive change in the food and beverage industry.

Kevin Boylan

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

T.K. PILLAN

Co-Founder and Partner

40 past transactions

OWYN (Only What You Need)

Private Equity Round in 2022
OWYN™ (Only What You Need) plant-based protein drinks are made for people who wish to live a clean, inspired and transparent lifestyle. The products contain only real, simple, all-natural ingredients. OWYN currently offers its protein drinks in six flavors and recently expanded its line to include meal replacement shakes. For more information on OWYN.

Partake Brewing

Series B in 2022
Partake Brewing is the craft non-alcoholic beer brand that focuses on flavor, health, socializing, and inclusivity for people who choose not to drink alcohol whether as a need or increasingly as a lifestyle choice.

Flying Embers

Series C in 2022
Flying Embers is a producer of organic, hand-crafted beverages that blend ancient brewing traditions with modern innovation. The company specializes in creating low-calorie, low-carb, and low-alcohol beers that incorporate botanical adaptogens, such as reishi mushrooms, to enhance their health benefits. Their products are characterized by a unique brewing process that retains live cultures, resulting in probiotic drinks with a refreshing, unfiltered, and unpasteurized flavor. By combining traditional remedies with contemporary taste, Flying Embers aims to offer consumers a sessionable alcohol experience that emphasizes health and wellness.

Liquid Death

Series C in 2022
Liquid Death manufactures 100% mountain water from the Australian Alps and served in sustainable cans. The company was founded by an advertising industry outcast and former liquor entrepreneur (Mike Cessario), a heavy metal bartender (Pat Cook), a manufacturing expert and spreadsheet slayer (JR Riggins), and the creator of a famous adult cartoon about a lovable demonic dog (Will Carsola). Recently, they added Science to their team, the startup flamethrower that helped launch Dollar Shave Club. Liquid Death was incorporated in 2017 and is based in Santa Monica, California.

Miyoko’s Kitchen

Series C in 2021
Miyoko’s Kitchen is a food production company that produces artisan cultured Vegan cheese and butter. Selling in thousands of stores across the country, the Miyoko's brand has garnered loyalty, excitement, and passion since 2014..

Rae Wellness

Series A in 2021
Rae Wellness develops and produces a diverse range of vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free supplements focused on beauty, health, and hormonal wellness. Its product offerings include capsules, powders, and tinctures, which are available for purchase online. Founded in 2019, Rae Wellness is based in Minnesota and emphasizes a commitment to high-quality ingredients in its formulations.

Rae Wellness

Series A in 2021
Rae Wellness develops and produces a diverse range of vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free supplements focused on beauty, health, and hormonal wellness. Its product offerings include capsules, powders, and tinctures, which are available for purchase online. Founded in 2019, Rae Wellness is based in Minnesota and emphasizes a commitment to high-quality ingredients in its formulations.

Zico

Acquisition in 2021
Zico is a producer of coconut water beverages that focuses on delivering healthy and natural products to consumers. The company offers a range of fruit-flavored sweet coconut water beverages, all sourced from natural coconuts. Zico aims to provide a nutritious hydration alternative, emphasizing sustainability and impact in its operations.

Thistle

Series B in 2021
Thistle is a healthy food and juice company that delivers fully-prepared, plant-forward meals to the doorsteps of its customers. It makes eating nutritious, organic, and local foods incredibly convenient and accessible. They believe that by removing the major existing hurdles to consumers (no time to make a meal; too expensive to eat healthy; bad local options), they can empower our customers to make great choices for themselves, their family, and the environment. It was founded in 2013 and is based in San Francisco, California.

Zico

Private Equity Round in 2021
Zico is a producer of coconut water beverages that focuses on delivering healthy and natural products to consumers. The company offers a range of fruit-flavored sweet coconut water beverages, all sourced from natural coconuts. Zico aims to provide a nutritious hydration alternative, emphasizing sustainability and impact in its operations.

Zero Egg

Series A in 2020
Zero Egg is a food-tech company based in Ashdod, Israel, founded in 2018. It specializes in developing a nutritious plant-based egg alternative that mimics the taste, appearance, and functionality of real eggs. This innovative product can be used in a variety of culinary applications, including omelets, baked goods, pasta, and sauces, providing a versatile option for those seeking egg substitutes.

Vive Organic

Series B in 2020
Vive Organic is an organic, function-focused line dedicated to providing the highest quality wellness shots. It has assessed hundreds of farms around the world, and exclusively source their ingredients from the top tier of organic farms. It never uses artificial colors or any type of sweeteners – not even stevia, honey, or sugar. They believe that nature alone should determine the color and flavor of its Wellness Shots. It was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Venice, California.

The Collaborative

Series A in 2020
The Collaborative is the fastest growing premium plant-based yogurt and dessert brand.

Your Super

Series B in 2020
Your Superfoods, Inc. is a company that specializes in producing and selling organic nutritional food and mixes. Founded in 2015 and based in Venice, California, the company aims to inspire individuals to adopt healthier lifestyles through its range of organic superfood products. Your Super distributes its offerings primarily online, as well as through wholesale shops, making its health-focused products accessible to a broad audience.

Thistle

Series A in 2020
Thistle is a healthy food and juice company that delivers fully-prepared, plant-forward meals to the doorsteps of its customers. It makes eating nutritious, organic, and local foods incredibly convenient and accessible. They believe that by removing the major existing hurdles to consumers (no time to make a meal; too expensive to eat healthy; bad local options), they can empower our customers to make great choices for themselves, their family, and the environment. It was founded in 2013 and is based in San Francisco, California.

OWYN (Only What You Need)

Venture Round in 2020
OWYN™ (Only What You Need) plant-based protein drinks are made for people who wish to live a clean, inspired and transparent lifestyle. The products contain only real, simple, all-natural ingredients. OWYN currently offers its protein drinks in six flavors and recently expanded its line to include meal replacement shakes. For more information on OWYN.

Flying Embers

Series B in 2019
Flying Embers is a producer of organic, hand-crafted beverages that blend ancient brewing traditions with modern innovation. The company specializes in creating low-calorie, low-carb, and low-alcohol beers that incorporate botanical adaptogens, such as reishi mushrooms, to enhance their health benefits. Their products are characterized by a unique brewing process that retains live cultures, resulting in probiotic drinks with a refreshing, unfiltered, and unpasteurized flavor. By combining traditional remedies with contemporary taste, Flying Embers aims to offer consumers a sessionable alcohol experience that emphasizes health and wellness.

Fermented Sciences

Series B in 2019
Fermented Sciences makes handcrafted organic hard kombucha products called Flying Embers. It comes with probiotics and botanical adaptogens. The company's line of live beers with active bacteria cultures, bring to life ancient brews and remedies to the modern-day. There are 6 refreshing flavors that Flying Embers offers, these are berry, lemon, ginger, pineapple, cherry, and grapefruit, all USDA certified organic with zero grams of sugar and carbs. It is a low-calorie, gluten-free, vegan beverage ranging from 4.5% to 7.5% alcohol by volume. Fermented Sciences was founded in 2016 by passionate entrepreneurs focused on disrupting the alcohol beverage industry through the creation of a revolutionary platform of great-tasting botanical brews with functional benefits. It is headquartered in Ojai, California.

Beanfields

Series B in 2019
Beanfields is a food company based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in producing all-natural tortilla chips made from beans and rice. Founded in 2010, Beanfields offers seven distinct flavors of chips, positioning itself as a healthier alternative to traditional snacks made from corn, potato, and wheat. The company's mission centers on promoting wellness through its products, which are designed to be wholesome and satisfying. Beanfields sells its chips both online and through various retailers across the United States, Canada, and internationally, emphasizing the benefits of beans for families, farmers, and the environment.

Vive Organic

Venture Round in 2018
Vive Organic is an organic, function-focused line dedicated to providing the highest quality wellness shots. It has assessed hundreds of farms around the world, and exclusively source their ingredients from the top tier of organic farms. It never uses artificial colors or any type of sweeteners – not even stevia, honey, or sugar. They believe that nature alone should determine the color and flavor of its Wellness Shots. It was founded in 2015 and is headquartered in Venice, California.

Rebbl

Venture Round in 2018
Rebbl Inc. is a company based in Emeryville, California, founded in 2011, that specializes in producing and selling plant-based beverages, particularly elixirs and tonics. The brand name, Rebbl, stands for roots, extracts, berries, bark, and leaves, reflecting the diverse plant constituents used in their products. The company focuses on crafting high-quality super herb beverages that incorporate traditional wellness plants and adaptogens, aiming to promote balance and wellness. Rebbl offers a variety of flavors, including dark chocolate, vanilla, hazelnut chocolate spiced pumpkin pie, salted caramel, oatmeal cookie, and chocolate peanut butter banana, catering to consumers seeking organic and vegan options that nourish the body. The products are available through various retail outlets.

Beyond Meat

Series G in 2017
Beyond Meat, Inc. is a food company that manufactures and sells plant-based meat products both in the United States and internationally. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, Beyond Meat operates under various trademarks, including Beyond Burger and Beyond Sausage. The company distributes its products through multiple channels, including grocery stores, restaurants, and schools. Beyond Meat aims to address global concerns related to human health, climate change, resource constraints, and animal welfare. Its plant-based products are crafted using non-GMO ingredients and offer comparable or superior protein levels to traditional meat while being free from cholesterol, antibiotics, and hormones.

Square Roots Urban Growers

Seed Round in 2017
Square Roots Urban Growers, Inc. is a farming accelerator based in Brooklyn, New York, that focuses on empowering entrepreneurs to create local food businesses. The company offers a yearlong program in which selected participants receive training in urban farming techniques, utilizing hydroponic, controlled-climate container farms located in urban environments. Square Roots operates three core programs: the urban farming campus, where entrepreneurs cultivate local produce; the resident entrepreneur program, which includes a 13-month curriculum designed for skill development and experiential learning; and a community network that connects local business leaders to foster entrepreneurial growth. The produce grown includes herbs such as basil, chives, and mint, which are sold through partnerships with restaurants and retail outlets. Founded in 2016, Square Roots aims to promote sustainable urban agriculture and community engagement.

Farmer's Fridge

Series B in 2017
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.

Beanfields

Acquisition in 2017
Beanfields is a food company based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in producing all-natural tortilla chips made from beans and rice. Founded in 2010, Beanfields offers seven distinct flavors of chips, positioning itself as a healthier alternative to traditional snacks made from corn, potato, and wheat. The company's mission centers on promoting wellness through its products, which are designed to be wholesome and satisfying. Beanfields sells its chips both online and through various retailers across the United States, Canada, and internationally, emphasizing the benefits of beans for families, farmers, and the environment.

Nutriati

Series A in 2017
Nutriati is a food technology company focused on the research, development and commercialization of innovative plant-based food ingredients. It is dedicated to formulating nutritious food products that are widely attractive to a broad range of consumer tastes. The company's business strategy includes a commitment to positive social impact and the promotion and distribution of healthier component ingredients in the food supply, resulting in improved health and well-being globally. Nutriati was founded in 2013 and is headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, United States.

Beanfields

Series A in 2017
Beanfields is a food company based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in producing all-natural tortilla chips made from beans and rice. Founded in 2010, Beanfields offers seven distinct flavors of chips, positioning itself as a healthier alternative to traditional snacks made from corn, potato, and wheat. The company's mission centers on promoting wellness through its products, which are designed to be wholesome and satisfying. Beanfields sells its chips both online and through various retailers across the United States, Canada, and internationally, emphasizing the benefits of beans for families, farmers, and the environment.

Apeel Sciences

Series B in 2016
Apeel Sciences, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, specializes in developing plant-derived solutions aimed at reducing food waste and extending the shelf life of fresh produce. The company's innovative products, such as Edipeel and Invisipeel, are designed to protect fruits and vegetables from environmental factors and pre-harvest challenges, effectively doubling their lifespan without the need for refrigeration. By utilizing advances in materials science, Apeel Sciences addresses the global food waste crisis, which amounts to approximately $2.6 trillion annually. The company's technologies not only help to minimize spoilage but also contribute to reducing water and energy consumption while preserving natural ecosystems. Apeel Sciences has gained support from a range of private investors and philanthropic partners, including prominent organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation.

Apeel Sciences

Series B in 2016
Apeel Sciences, founded in 2012 and headquartered in Santa Barbara, California, specializes in developing plant-derived solutions aimed at reducing food waste and extending the shelf life of fresh produce. The company's innovative products, such as Edipeel and Invisipeel, are designed to protect fruits and vegetables from environmental factors and pre-harvest challenges, effectively doubling their lifespan without the need for refrigeration. By utilizing advances in materials science, Apeel Sciences addresses the global food waste crisis, which amounts to approximately $2.6 trillion annually. The company's technologies not only help to minimize spoilage but also contribute to reducing water and energy consumption while preserving natural ecosystems. Apeel Sciences has gained support from a range of private investors and philanthropic partners, including prominent organizations like the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Rockefeller Foundation.

Rebbl

Series D in 2016
Rebbl Inc. is a company based in Emeryville, California, founded in 2011, that specializes in producing and selling plant-based beverages, particularly elixirs and tonics. The brand name, Rebbl, stands for roots, extracts, berries, bark, and leaves, reflecting the diverse plant constituents used in their products. The company focuses on crafting high-quality super herb beverages that incorporate traditional wellness plants and adaptogens, aiming to promote balance and wellness. Rebbl offers a variety of flavors, including dark chocolate, vanilla, hazelnut chocolate spiced pumpkin pie, salted caramel, oatmeal cookie, and chocolate peanut butter banana, catering to consumers seeking organic and vegan options that nourish the body. The products are available through various retail outlets.

Veggie Grill

Series E in 2016
The Veggie Grill, Inc. owns and operates a chain of vegetarian restaurants in California, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. The company offers salads, sandwiches, snacks, and more. It also provides catering services for office lunches, parties, and picnics. The Veggie Grill, Inc. was formerly known as Better Eating Concepts, LLC. The company was incorporated in 2005 and is based in Los Angeles, California.

Beyond Meat

Series F in 2016
Beyond Meat, Inc. is a food company that manufactures and sells plant-based meat products both in the United States and internationally. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, Beyond Meat operates under various trademarks, including Beyond Burger and Beyond Sausage. The company distributes its products through multiple channels, including grocery stores, restaurants, and schools. Beyond Meat aims to address global concerns related to human health, climate change, resource constraints, and animal welfare. Its plant-based products are crafted using non-GMO ingredients and offer comparable or superior protein levels to traditional meat while being free from cholesterol, antibiotics, and hormones.

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.

Solazyme

Post in 2016
Solazyme is a synthetic biology company that specializes in converting algal biomass into biofuels. Solazyme not only creates biofuels for the the transportation industry, but is experimenting with ways to tailor its products for the cosmetic and food industries.

Perennial

Seed Round in 2016
Perennial produces dairy products using plants. It offers milk whipped latte to make specialty teas and coffees. Sara Bonham founded Perennial in February 2016. It has its headquarters in San Francisco in California.

Rebbl

Seed Round in 2016
Rebbl Inc. is a company based in Emeryville, California, founded in 2011, that specializes in producing and selling plant-based beverages, particularly elixirs and tonics. The brand name, Rebbl, stands for roots, extracts, berries, bark, and leaves, reflecting the diverse plant constituents used in their products. The company focuses on crafting high-quality super herb beverages that incorporate traditional wellness plants and adaptogens, aiming to promote balance and wellness. Rebbl offers a variety of flavors, including dark chocolate, vanilla, hazelnut chocolate spiced pumpkin pie, salted caramel, oatmeal cookie, and chocolate peanut butter banana, catering to consumers seeking organic and vegan options that nourish the body. The products are available through various retail outlets.

Thrive Market

Series A in 2015
Thrive Market, Inc. is a membership-based online shopping platform that aims to make healthy living accessible and affordable. Founded in 2014 and based in Culver City, California, the company offers a wide range of over 5,000 organic and non-GMO products, spanning categories such as food, health, beauty, and home essentials. Thrive Market provides customers with the ability to shop using various filters that cater to specific diets and lifestyles. In addition to serving residential customers, it also caters to commercial clients across the United States. The company has a philanthropic initiative, Thrive Gives, which matches every paid membership with a free one for individuals in need, and has raised significant funds for food access and environmental sustainability causes. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Thrive Market established a relief fund to support families affected by the crisis.

Hail Merry LLC

Series A in 2015
Hail Merry LLC is a manufacturer and seller of raw, vegan, and gluten-free snack products, established in 2006 and based in Dallas, Texas. The company offers a variety of snacks, including tarts, macaroons, grawnola, nuts, and seeds. Hail Merry's products are designed to celebrate the benefits of plant-based dietary fats, particularly focusing on raw nuts and organic virgin coconut oil. Their recipes are crafted using low-temperature dehydration techniques, which preserve the integrity of their consciously sourced raw oils and ingredients, resulting in a fresh taste experience. Hail Merry distributes its products through retail stores across the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as through online platforms.

Treasure8

Seed Round in 2014
Treasure8 produces food ingredients to impact the nutritional values of food products. The company is based in San Francisco, California.