S2G Ventures

S2G Ventures, established in 2014 and based in Chicago, is a multi-stage venture fund focused on food and agriculture. The firm aims to support entrepreneurs whose products and services address the growing consumer demand for healthy, sustainable, and local food options. S2G Ventures identifies various sectors within the food system that are poised for transformation and builds a diverse portfolio through seed, venture, and growth-stage investments. Its investment areas encompass agriculture, food ingredients, infrastructure and logistics, food safety and technology, as well as retail, restaurants, and consumer brands. The firm’s mission is to drive innovation in these sectors to enhance sustainability and health in the food supply chain.

Sanjeev Krishnan

Senior Managing Director & Chief Investment Officer

Rachel O'Connell

Associate

Cristina Rohr

Managing Director, Food and Agriculture

Aaron Rudberg

Chief Operating Officer & Senior Managing Director

Chuck Templeton

Managing Partner

Matthew Walker

Managing Director, Food and Agriculture

Past deals in Beverages

UCAN

Series A in 2022
The UCAN Company specializes in the development and manufacturing of nutrition products aimed at stabilizing blood sugar levels, catering to children, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. Its flagship product, UCAN SuperStarch, is a natural, slow-releasing carbohydrate designed to provide steady energy for both physical and cognitive performance. The product line includes various flavors of UCAN sports nutrition, protein powder, snack bars, and hydration options. Additionally, the company offers recipes and sells related accessories like blenders and water bottles. UCAN markets its products through retail stores and an online platform, striving to redefine consumer and sports nutrition with safe, natural, and effective solutions. Founded in 2005 and based in Woodbridge, Connecticut, the UCAN Company emphasizes scientific backing in its product offerings to inspire health-conscious consumers to reach their full potential.

Shiru

Series A in 2022
Shiru, Inc., a food technology company, develops and produces proteins. The company focuses on producing edible proteins to replace dairy products and eggs in the food industry. Shiru, Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Oakland, California.

Atomo Coffee

Series A in 2022
Atomo Coffee Inc, founded in 2019 and based in Seattle, Washington, specializes in the production of molecular coffee. The company has innovatively reverse-engineered the coffee bean to create a smooth, flavorful cup of coffee using naturally derived ingredients. This approach not only enhances the taste but also promotes sustainability compared to traditional coffee production methods.

MycoTechnology

Series E in 2022
MycoTechnology utilizes fungi-based food-processing platforms to transform the flavor and value of agricultural products. The platform can be used to solve a variety of challenges faced by the food, beverage, and flavor industries. MycoTechnology has released ClearTaste, an all-natural, GMO-free, organic bitter blocker that is Kosher and Halal certified. ClearTaste improves the flavor of various agricultural products. MycoTechnology also engages in fermenting agricultural products with strains of gourmet fungi. The company offers myceliated chocolate as well as robusta and arabica coffee beans. It develops and licenses technology to the industry to naturally improve the flavor of robusta and arabica coffee. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Aurora, Colorado.

Once Upon a Farm

Series D in 2022
Once Upon a Farm Kiddo Meals are processed using High Pressure Processing, which uses pressure instead of heat to kill off any potential harmful ingredients. This process also allows for a more nutrient dense food. Further, the brands that are currently on the shelves usually contain a large percentage of water, fillers, sugars and preservatives, which take away from the natural state of the food. This in turn takes away from optimal nutrition for babies, since optimal absorption of nutrients occurs when food is in its most natural state.

New Culture

Series A in 2021
New Culture Inc. is a food and beverage company that specializes in producing cheese from protein using innovative methods. By employing microflora to create dairy proteins and dairy products, the company aims to revolutionize traditional cheese-making processes. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in San Francisco, California, New Culture is committed to developing sustainable and alternative cheese options that appeal to a growing market of health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.

Shiru

Series A in 2021
Shiru, Inc., a food technology company, develops and produces proteins. The company focuses on producing edible proteins to replace dairy products and eggs in the food industry. Shiru, Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Oakland, California.

Ripple Foods

Series E in 2021
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.

Ripple Foods

Series E in 2021
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.

Once Upon a Farm

Series C in 2021
Once Upon a Farm Kiddo Meals are processed using High Pressure Processing, which uses pressure instead of heat to kill off any potential harmful ingredients. This process also allows for a more nutrient dense food. Further, the brands that are currently on the shelves usually contain a large percentage of water, fillers, sugars and preservatives, which take away from the natural state of the food. This in turn takes away from optimal nutrition for babies, since optimal absorption of nutrients occurs when food is in its most natural state.

Atomo Coffee

Seed Round in 2020
Atomo Coffee Inc, founded in 2019 and based in Seattle, Washington, specializes in the production of molecular coffee. The company has innovatively reverse-engineered the coffee bean to create a smooth, flavorful cup of coffee using naturally derived ingredients. This approach not only enhances the taste but also promotes sustainability compared to traditional coffee production methods.

MycoTechnology

Series D in 2020
MycoTechnology utilizes fungi-based food-processing platforms to transform the flavor and value of agricultural products. The platform can be used to solve a variety of challenges faced by the food, beverage, and flavor industries. MycoTechnology has released ClearTaste, an all-natural, GMO-free, organic bitter blocker that is Kosher and Halal certified. ClearTaste improves the flavor of various agricultural products. MycoTechnology also engages in fermenting agricultural products with strains of gourmet fungi. The company offers myceliated chocolate as well as robusta and arabica coffee beans. It develops and licenses technology to the industry to naturally improve the flavor of robusta and arabica coffee. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Aurora, Colorado.

Once Upon a Farm

Convertible Note in 2020
Once Upon a Farm Kiddo Meals are processed using High Pressure Processing, which uses pressure instead of heat to kill off any potential harmful ingredients. This process also allows for a more nutrient dense food. Further, the brands that are currently on the shelves usually contain a large percentage of water, fillers, sugars and preservatives, which take away from the natural state of the food. This in turn takes away from optimal nutrition for babies, since optimal absorption of nutrients occurs when food is in its most natural state.

Shiru

Seed Round in 2019
Shiru, Inc., a food technology company, develops and produces proteins. The company focuses on producing edible proteins to replace dairy products and eggs in the food industry. Shiru, Inc. was incorporated in 2019 and is based in Oakland, California.

Kuli Kuli

Series B in 2019
Kuli Kuli produces nutritional moringa products in the United States. It offers moringa bars, moringa powders, green energy shots, herbal teas, and sampler packs. Kuli Kuli sells its products through retail stores, as well as online. Anne Tsuei, Jordan Moncharmont, Lisa Curtis, and Valerie Popelka founded Kuli Kuli on September 21, 2011, with its headquarters in Oakland in California.

MycoTechnology

Series C in 2019
MycoTechnology utilizes fungi-based food-processing platforms to transform the flavor and value of agricultural products. The platform can be used to solve a variety of challenges faced by the food, beverage, and flavor industries. MycoTechnology has released ClearTaste, an all-natural, GMO-free, organic bitter blocker that is Kosher and Halal certified. ClearTaste improves the flavor of various agricultural products. MycoTechnology also engages in fermenting agricultural products with strains of gourmet fungi. The company offers myceliated chocolate as well as robusta and arabica coffee beans. It develops and licenses technology to the industry to naturally improve the flavor of robusta and arabica coffee. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Aurora, Colorado.

Once Upon a Farm

Series B in 2018
Once Upon a Farm Kiddo Meals are processed using High Pressure Processing, which uses pressure instead of heat to kill off any potential harmful ingredients. This process also allows for a more nutrient dense food. Further, the brands that are currently on the shelves usually contain a large percentage of water, fillers, sugars and preservatives, which take away from the natural state of the food. This in turn takes away from optimal nutrition for babies, since optimal absorption of nutrients occurs when food is in its most natural state.

UCAN

Series D in 2018
The UCAN Company specializes in the development and manufacturing of nutrition products aimed at stabilizing blood sugar levels, catering to children, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. Its flagship product, UCAN SuperStarch, is a natural, slow-releasing carbohydrate designed to provide steady energy for both physical and cognitive performance. The product line includes various flavors of UCAN sports nutrition, protein powder, snack bars, and hydration options. Additionally, the company offers recipes and sells related accessories like blenders and water bottles. UCAN markets its products through retail stores and an online platform, striving to redefine consumer and sports nutrition with safe, natural, and effective solutions. Founded in 2005 and based in Woodbridge, Connecticut, the UCAN Company emphasizes scientific backing in its product offerings to inspire health-conscious consumers to reach their full potential.

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.

MycoTechnology

Series B in 2017
MycoTechnology utilizes fungi-based food-processing platforms to transform the flavor and value of agricultural products. The platform can be used to solve a variety of challenges faced by the food, beverage, and flavor industries. MycoTechnology has released ClearTaste, an all-natural, GMO-free, organic bitter blocker that is Kosher and Halal certified. ClearTaste improves the flavor of various agricultural products. MycoTechnology also engages in fermenting agricultural products with strains of gourmet fungi. The company offers myceliated chocolate as well as robusta and arabica coffee beans. It develops and licenses technology to the industry to naturally improve the flavor of robusta and arabica coffee. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Aurora, Colorado.

Kuli Kuli

Series A in 2017
Kuli Kuli produces nutritional moringa products in the United States. It offers moringa bars, moringa powders, green energy shots, herbal teas, and sampler packs. Kuli Kuli sells its products through retail stores, as well as online. Anne Tsuei, Jordan Moncharmont, Lisa Curtis, and Valerie Popelka founded Kuli Kuli on September 21, 2011, with its headquarters in Oakland in California.

Blue Prairie

Series A in 2016
Blue Prairie Brands LLC is a manufacturer based in Charlottesville, Virginia, specializing in inulin, a prebiotic ingredient that enhances the fiber and nutritional content of food, beverages, and supplements. The company offers innovative, whole-food products that are gluten-free and non-GMO, supporting digestive health in conjunction with probiotics. In addition to its flagship inulin product, Blue Prairie Brands provides chicory and agave. The company's proprietary production methods not only focus on health benefits but also offer farmers a profitable crop rotation option, utilizing their existing equipment and expertise.

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.

MycoTechnology

Series A in 2015
MycoTechnology utilizes fungi-based food-processing platforms to transform the flavor and value of agricultural products. The platform can be used to solve a variety of challenges faced by the food, beverage, and flavor industries. MycoTechnology has released ClearTaste, an all-natural, GMO-free, organic bitter blocker that is Kosher and Halal certified. ClearTaste improves the flavor of various agricultural products. MycoTechnology also engages in fermenting agricultural products with strains of gourmet fungi. The company offers myceliated chocolate as well as robusta and arabica coffee beans. It develops and licenses technology to the industry to naturally improve the flavor of robusta and arabica coffee. The company was incorporated in 2013 and is based in Aurora, Colorado.

Beyond Meat

Series E in 2015
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.

Beyond Meat

Series D in 2014
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.