GroundForce Capital

GroundForce Capital is an investment management organization founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, United States. The firm specializes in growth equity investments, focusing on high-potential companies in the consumer food and beverages sectors. GroundForce Capital aims to support businesses that promote human and environmental health and longevity. As a Registered Investment Adviser, it strategically seeks out opportunities that align with its mission to enhance the well-being of individuals and the planet.

George Birman

Principal, Investments

Kathryn Cicoletti

COO and Member of Leadership Team

42 past transactions

The Coconut Collaborative

Series B in 2024
The Coconut Collaborative provides yogurt, creams, custards, desserts, and kids' ice cream products. An online inquiry form is available on the company's website.

The Collaborative

Series B in 2024
The Collaborative is the fastest growing premium plant-based yogurt and dessert brand.

Bobbie

Series C in 2023
Bobbie is a baby formula delivery startup that sells direct-to-consumer and offers a subscription service to parents across the US. It exists to build a parenting culture of confidence, not a comparison, where every parent is supported in the feeding choice that is right for them and their baby. Bobbie's formulation complies with all FDA regulations, is created with pasture-raised milk from Organic Valley farms, and is the only infant formula to receive the Clean Label Project's Purity Award as well as Pesticide Free Certification.

Only What You Need

Private Equity Round in 2022
Only What You Need, Inc., established in 2016 and headquartered in Fairfield, New Jersey, specializes in the production and distribution of plant-based nutrition products. The company offers a range of products, including protein drinks, meal replacement shakes, protein powders, and dairy-free milk, all made with real, simple, and all-natural ingredients. These products are sold through both retail stores and online channels, catering to consumers seeking a clean and transparent lifestyle.

Partake Brewing

Series B in 2022
Partake Brewing, established in Calgary, Canada in 2017, specializes in producing and distributing high-quality, non-alcoholic crafted beers. The company caters to individuals who choose not to consume alcohol due to personal preferences or health reasons, offering popular craft beer styles at an affordable price point. Partake Brewing's products are available through retail stores and its online platform, promoting inclusivity and socializing opportunities for consumers seeking non-alcoholic beverage options.

Flying Embers Hard Kombucha

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 is a rapidly growing beverage company that specializes in canned mountain water. It offers both still and sparkling varieties, enhanced with natural electrolytes and minerals, all packaged in infinitely recyclable aluminum cans. This innovative approach not only promotes a healthier alternative to sugary drinks and energy beverages but also addresses environmental concerns by discouraging the use of plastic bottles. The company is committed to sustainability, donating 10% of its profits to nonprofits dedicated to reducing plastic pollution and providing clean drinking water to underserved communities. Through its bold branding and humorous marketing, Liquid Death aims to compete with traditional beverage brands while promoting health and environmental responsibility.

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 Corp, established in 2019 and headquartered in Maple Grove, Minnesota, specializes in the development and production of wellness supplements. Their product range includes capsules, powders, and tinctures, catering to beauty, health, and hormonal categories. Rae Wellness is notable for its commitment to women's wellness, offering vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free products with no added sugar or artificial preservatives. The company retails its products exclusively online.

Rae Wellness

Series A in 2021
Rae Wellness Corp, established in 2019 and headquartered in Maple Grove, Minnesota, specializes in the development and production of wellness supplements. Their product range includes capsules, powders, and tinctures, catering to beauty, health, and hormonal categories. Rae Wellness is notable for its commitment to women's wellness, offering vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free products with no added sugar or artificial preservatives. The company retails its products exclusively online.

ZICO

Acquisition in 2021
ZICO, established in 2004 and based in Seal Beach, California, is a beverage company specializing in the production and distribution of electrolyte-infused coconut water drinks. Their flagship product, ZICO Coconut Water, offers natural hydration fortified with five essential electrolytes, including potassium equivalent to that found in a banana. The company's mission is to provide consumers with a healthy, sustainable, and impactful hydration option by utilizing natural coconuts and offering fruit-flavored variants.

Thistle

Series B in 2021
Thistle, established in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in delivering ready-to-eat, plant-based meals, snacks, and cold-pressed juices directly to customers. Its offerings are nutritious, gourmet, and sourced locally and organically, making healthy eating convenient and accessible.

ZICO

Private Equity Round in 2021
ZICO, established in 2004 and based in Seal Beach, California, is a beverage company specializing in the production and distribution of electrolyte-infused coconut water drinks. Their flagship product, ZICO Coconut Water, offers natural hydration fortified with five essential electrolytes, including potassium equivalent to that found in a banana. The company's mission is to provide consumers with a healthy, sustainable, and impactful hydration option by utilizing natural coconuts and offering fruit-flavored variants.

Zero Egg

Series A in 2020
Zero Egg Ltd is a food-tech company based in Ashdod, Israel, founded in 2018. The company specializes in developing a nutritious plant-based egg alternative that aims to replicate the taste, appearance, and functionality of real eggs. Zero Egg's product can be used in a variety of culinary applications, including omelets, baked goods, pasta, and sauces, making it a versatile substitute for traditional eggs. The company focuses on providing a sustainable, animal-friendly, and healthier option that can easily integrate into everyday diets, promoting the idea that plant-based eggs can serve as a main ingredient in a wide range of recipes.

Vive Organic

Series B in 2020
Vive Organic, Inc. is a company based in Venice, California, that specializes in producing cold-pressed organic wellness shots. Founded in 2015, it focuses on delivering high-quality, ready-to-drink beverages made from organic and non-GMO herbs, carefully sourced from top-tier farms worldwide. Vive Organic emphasizes a commitment to natural ingredients, avoiding artificial colors and sweeteners, and allowing nature to define the flavors and colors of its products. The company aims to support consumers' health with function-focused beverages that promote rejuvenation and well-being, and it distributes its products through various retail outlets as well as online.

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 Super is a health and wellness brand founded in 2015 and based in Venice, California. The company specializes in producing and selling organic nutritional food products, including plant-based superfood and protein mixes, bars, and supplements. These products are formulated with 5-6 naturally dried superfoods, focusing on various health benefits such as digestion, detox, energy, well-being, beauty, and fitness. Each ingredient is certified organic, Non-GMO, glyphosate-free, gluten-free, and sustainably sourced. Your Super distributes its offerings directly to consumers online and through wholesale channels, emphasizing transparency and sustainability in its operations. As a certified B-Corp, the company is committed to maintaining high social and environmental standards.

Thistle

Series A in 2020
Thistle, established in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in delivering ready-to-eat, plant-based meals, snacks, and cold-pressed juices directly to customers. Its offerings are nutritious, gourmet, and sourced locally and organically, making healthy eating convenient and accessible.

Only What You Need

Venture Round in 2020
Only What You Need, Inc., established in 2016 and headquartered in Fairfield, New Jersey, specializes in the production and distribution of plant-based nutrition products. The company offers a range of products, including protein drinks, meal replacement shakes, protein powders, and dairy-free milk, all made with real, simple, and all-natural ingredients. These products are sold through both retail stores and online channels, catering to consumers seeking a clean and transparent lifestyle.

Flying Embers Hard Kombucha

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 nutritious and flavorful snacks made from rice and beans. Founded in 2010, the company offers a variety of chips in seven distinct flavors, providing a wholesome alternative to traditional snacks made from corn, potato, and wheat. Beanfields is committed to promoting health and sustainability, ensuring that their products are gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly. Each serving contains four grams of protein and four grams of fiber, allowing consumers to enjoy tasty snacks without compromising their health. The company's mission is to foster a healthier lifestyle while supporting farmers and the environment through the use of beans as a primary ingredient.

Vive Organic

Venture Round in 2018
Vive Organic, Inc. is a company based in Venice, California, that specializes in producing cold-pressed organic wellness shots. Founded in 2015, it focuses on delivering high-quality, ready-to-drink beverages made from organic and non-GMO herbs, carefully sourced from top-tier farms worldwide. Vive Organic emphasizes a commitment to natural ingredients, avoiding artificial colors and sweeteners, and allowing nature to define the flavors and colors of its products. The company aims to support consumers' health with function-focused beverages that promote rejuvenation and well-being, and it distributes its products through various retail outlets as well as online.

Garten

Seed Round in 2018
Garten, Inc. is a health food company based in San Mateo, California, that specializes in delivering vegan, gluten-free, organic, and non-GMO food products to businesses and individuals, primarily in Silicon Valley. Founded in 2014 and originally named Oh My Green, the company rebranded in June 2020. Garten provides a variety of healthy office snacks, beverages, dairy products, and fresh produce, along with equipment to support its offerings. Additionally, it features a wellness application that promotes employee well-being across various dimensions, including nutrition, exercise, and emotional health. Garten's services are tailored to meet the specific needs of clients and include options for budget management and office stocking. The company's mission is to empower individuals to make healthier choices and lead fulfilling lives. Founder Michael Heinrich's passion for health and nutrition stems from his childhood experiences in Berlin, where his grandmother cultivated an organic garden and emphasized the importance of eating fresh, wholesome food.

Rebbl

Venture Round in 2018
Rebbl Inc. is a California-based company founded in 2011 that specializes in the production and sale of plant-based beverages, particularly elixirs and tonics. The company focuses on crafting high-quality super herb drinks made from a variety of natural ingredients, including roots, extracts, berries, bark, and leaves. Rebbl's product line includes unique flavors such as dark chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel, designed to provide nourishment and promote wellness. By utilizing revered traditional wellness plants and adaptogens, Rebbl aims to help consumers maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The company's products are available through various retail outlets.

Beyond Meat

Series G in 2017
Beyond Meat, Inc. is a food company that specializes in manufacturing, marketing, and selling plant-based meat products both in the United States and internationally. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, the company offers a diverse range of products, including burgers, sausages, ground beef, and chicken, designed to replicate the taste and texture of traditional animal-based meats while providing nutritional and environmental benefits. Beyond Meat aims to address pressing global challenges such as human health, climate change, resource constraints, and animal welfare by utilizing innovative, non-GMO ingredients. Its products are distributed through various channels, including grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, convenience stores, and foodservice outlets, allowing consumers to enjoy plant-based options without compromising on flavor or quality.

Square Roots Urban Growers

Seed Round in 2017
Square Roots Urban Growers, Inc. is a Brooklyn-based company that focuses on urban farming and entrepreneurship, helping individuals and businesses cultivate local food. Founded in 2016, it offers a unique farming platform that includes a yearlong training program for selected entrepreneurs, where they learn the skills of urban farming using hydroponic, controlled-climate container farms. The company operates three main initiatives: an urban farming campus where participants grow food, a resident entrepreneur program featuring a comprehensive curriculum of training and development, and a community network designed to connect local business owners and entrepreneurs. Square Roots grows a variety of produce, such as basil, chives, and mint, which it sells through partnerships with restaurants and retail outlets, ensuring a steady supply of fresh food to urban areas year-round.

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.

Nutriati

Series A in 2017
Nutriati is a company based in Henrico, Virginia, founded in 2013 that specializes in the research, development, production, and commercialization of plant-based food products. The company produces gluten-free chickpea protein and chickpea flour, which are designed to meet consumer demand for high-protein and non-allergenic foods. These functional ingredients are used in a variety of applications including bread, baked goods, pasta, sauces, snacks, and plant-based meat alternatives. Nutriati's products cater to the clean taste profile and functional performance demanded by consumer packaged goods companies.

Beanfields

Acquisition in 2017
Beanfields is a food company based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in producing nutritious and flavorful snacks made from rice and beans. Founded in 2010, the company offers a variety of chips in seven distinct flavors, providing a wholesome alternative to traditional snacks made from corn, potato, and wheat. Beanfields is committed to promoting health and sustainability, ensuring that their products are gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly. Each serving contains four grams of protein and four grams of fiber, allowing consumers to enjoy tasty snacks without compromising their health. The company's mission is to foster a healthier lifestyle while supporting farmers and the environment through the use of beans as a primary ingredient.

Beanfields

Series A in 2017
Beanfields is a food company based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in producing nutritious and flavorful snacks made from rice and beans. Founded in 2010, the company offers a variety of chips in seven distinct flavors, providing a wholesome alternative to traditional snacks made from corn, potato, and wheat. Beanfields is committed to promoting health and sustainability, ensuring that their products are gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly. Each serving contains four grams of protein and four grams of fiber, allowing consumers to enjoy tasty snacks without compromising their health. The company's mission is to foster a healthier lifestyle while supporting farmers and the environment through the use of beans as a primary ingredient.

Apeel Sciences

Series B in 2016
Apeel Sciences, based in California, addresses the global food waste crisis by developing plant-derived solutions that extend the shelf life of fresh produce. Founded in 2012, the company creates pre-and post-harvest products using natural plant extracts, such as Edipeel and Invisipeel, which protect fruits and vegetables from environmental factors and pre-harvest issues. These innovations effectively double the lifespan of harvested crops without refrigeration, helping to reduce spoilage and conserve resources like water and energy. By leveraging materials found in the skins, peels, and seeds of fruits and vegetables, Apeel aims to minimize food waste and promote sustainability throughout the supply chain. The company's efforts are supported by a range of private investors and philanthropic organizations.

Rebbl

Series D in 2016
Rebbl Inc. is a California-based company founded in 2011 that specializes in the production and sale of plant-based beverages, particularly elixirs and tonics. The company focuses on crafting high-quality super herb drinks made from a variety of natural ingredients, including roots, extracts, berries, bark, and leaves. Rebbl's product line includes unique flavors such as dark chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel, designed to provide nourishment and promote wellness. By utilizing revered traditional wellness plants and adaptogens, Rebbl aims to help consumers maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The company's products are available through various retail outlets.

Veggie Grill

Series E in 2016
Veggie Grill, Inc. is a restaurant chain that operates primarily in California, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois, specializing in plant-based cuisine. Founded in 2005 and based in Los Angeles, the company offers a diverse menu that includes hot sandwiches, burgers, entrée salads, homestyle plates, daily soups, and housemade desserts, all crafted from hearty vegetable-based proteins and wholesome ingredients. In addition to its restaurant services, Veggie Grill provides catering options for office lunches, parties, and picnics, catering to the growing demand for vegetarian and vegan dining experiences. The restaurant concept is designed to deliver craveable and comforting meals in a fast-casual setting, appealing to a wide range of customers seeking convenient and nutritious food choices.

Beyond Meat

Series F in 2016
Beyond Meat, Inc. is a food company that specializes in manufacturing, marketing, and selling plant-based meat products both in the United States and internationally. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, the company offers a diverse range of products, including burgers, sausages, ground beef, and chicken, designed to replicate the taste and texture of traditional animal-based meats while providing nutritional and environmental benefits. Beyond Meat aims to address pressing global challenges such as human health, climate change, resource constraints, and animal welfare by utilizing innovative, non-GMO ingredients. Its products are distributed through various channels, including grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, convenience stores, and foodservice outlets, allowing consumers to enjoy plant-based options without compromising on flavor or quality.

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
At Perennial, we believe in living healthier and thriving at any age. Our mission is to champion and enhance the lives of those who are Greater than 50 – by harnessing the power and potential of plant-based ingredients and developing solutions tailor-made for longevity in health. Through relentless innovation, we strive to reimagine adult nutrition across the globe and prepare our world for a generation of people redefining what it means to be Greater than 50.

Rebbl

Seed Round in 2016
Rebbl Inc. is a California-based company founded in 2011 that specializes in the production and sale of plant-based beverages, particularly elixirs and tonics. The company focuses on crafting high-quality super herb drinks made from a variety of natural ingredients, including roots, extracts, berries, bark, and leaves. Rebbl's product line includes unique flavors such as dark chocolate, vanilla, and salted caramel, designed to provide nourishment and promote wellness. By utilizing revered traditional wellness plants and adaptogens, Rebbl aims to help consumers maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. The company's products are available through various retail outlets.

Thrive Market

Series A in 2015
Thrive Market, Inc. is a membership-based online shopping platform founded in 2014 and based in Culver City, California. The company aims to make healthy living accessible and affordable by providing a wide range of high-quality, organic, and non-GMO products at wholesale prices. Thrive Market offers over 5,000 items across various categories, including food, health, beauty, home, and pet supplies, allowing customers to shop according to their dietary preferences and lifestyles. The platform serves both residential and commercial customers throughout the United States. In addition to its core mission, Thrive Market matches every paid membership with a free membership for someone in need, and has initiated programs like Thrive Gives, which raises funds to support food access and environmental sustainability initiatives.

Hail Merry

Series A in 2015
Hail Merry LLC is a manufacturer and retailer of raw, vegan, and gluten-free snack products, established in 2006 and based in Dallas, Texas. The company offers a diverse range of snacks, including tarts, macaroons, grawnola, nuts and seeds, all crafted from pure, consciously sourced ingredients. Hail Merry emphasizes the benefits of plant-based dietary fats, particularly raw nuts and organic virgin coconut oil, which contribute to the flavor and health benefits of their products. Their snacks are low-temperature dehydrated to preserve the integrity of these ingredients, ensuring freshness and a superior taste experience. Hail Merry's products are available through retail stores in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, as well as online, catering to consumers seeking guilt-free, healthy snacking options that are grain-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, non-GMO, vegan, and kosher certified.

Nutri8

Seed Round in 2014
Treasure8 is a regenerative food systems company based in San Francisco, California, dedicated to transforming the global food waste ecosystem and addressing food insecurity. Co-founded by Timothy Childs, the company focuses on developing and commercializing patented technologies that convert excess and imperfect produce into nutritious, shelf-stable food products and ingredients. Additionally, Treasure8 incubates technologies that repurpose production by-products, such as juicing leftovers, into viable food products. The company also implements innovative solutions to create agricultural inputs and energy from food waste. Operating across various business verticals, Treasure8 is involved in developing signature food brands, licensing its patented technologies, and producing new ingredients for the food and nutraceutical markets, all while promoting sustainable nutrition security.
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.