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

Kathryn Cicoletti

COO and Member of Leadership Team

Mark Rampolla

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

Past deals in Beverages

Partake Brewing

Series B in 2022
Partake Brewing, founded in 2017 and based in Calgary, Canada, specializes in producing and selling non-alcoholic crafted beer. The company focuses on delivering a range of flavorful beer styles designed for individuals who either cannot or choose not to consume alcohol, catering to a growing lifestyle choice. Partake Brewing's products are available through retail outlets and an online platform, allowing consumers to enjoy the social aspects of beer without the effects of alcohol. By emphasizing flavor and inclusivity, the brand aims to provide an enjoyable alternative for those seeking a non-alcoholic option in social settings.

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 brand that specializes in canned mountain water, offering both still and sparkling options enriched with natural electrolytes and minerals. The company distinguishes itself by packaging its products in infinitely recyclable aluminum tallboy cans, appealing to health-conscious consumers while promoting sustainability. Liquid Death aims to compete with the marketing strategies of traditional unhealthy beverage brands by adopting a bold and humorous branding approach. Additionally, the company commits 10% of its profits from each can sold to nonprofits dedicated to reducing plastic pollution and providing clean drinking water to those in need, further emphasizing its dedication to environmental and social responsibility.

ZICO

Acquisition in 2021
ZICO is a beverage company known for its ZICO Coconut Water, an electrolyte-infused drink designed to provide hydration. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Seal Beach, California, ZICO offers a range of fruit-flavored coconut water products, each containing five electrolytes, including potassium comparable to that found in bananas. The company aims to deliver healthy and natural hydration alternatives while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and impact.

ZICO

Private Equity Round in 2021
ZICO is a beverage company known for its ZICO Coconut Water, an electrolyte-infused drink designed to provide hydration. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Seal Beach, California, ZICO offers a range of fruit-flavored coconut water products, each containing five electrolytes, including potassium comparable to that found in bananas. The company aims to deliver healthy and natural hydration alternatives while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and impact.

Vive Organic

Series B in 2020
Vive Organic, Inc. is a producer of cold-pressed organic beverages, specializing in ready-to-drink wellness shots made from organic and non-GMO herbs. Founded in 2015 and based in Venice, California, the company emphasizes quality by sourcing ingredients exclusively from top-tier organic farms worldwide. Vive Organic is committed to natural purity, avoiding artificial colors and sweeteners in its products. Each wellness shot is designed to support specific health functions, allowing consumers to enhance their well-being through plant-powered formulations. The products are available for purchase both in retail stores and online.

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.

Vive Organic

Venture Round in 2018
Vive Organic, Inc. is a producer of cold-pressed organic beverages, specializing in ready-to-drink wellness shots made from organic and non-GMO herbs. Founded in 2015 and based in Venice, California, the company emphasizes quality by sourcing ingredients exclusively from top-tier organic farms worldwide. Vive Organic is committed to natural purity, avoiding artificial colors and sweeteners in its products. Each wellness shot is designed to support specific health functions, allowing consumers to enhance their well-being through plant-powered formulations. The products are available for purchase both in retail stores and online.

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.

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.

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.

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.
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.