Crowdcube Limited is an equity crowdfunding platform based in Exeter, United Kingdom, with an additional office in London. Founded in 2009, the company allows entrepreneurs of start-ups and growing businesses to raise funds from a diverse network of investors, including friends, family, and the general public. Through Crowdcube, individuals can invest in small companies in exchange for equity or an annual return, thereby democratizing access to investment opportunities that were once primarily available to corporate investors. Since pioneering equity crowdfunding in 2011, Crowdcube has facilitated over £300 million in investments from more than 390,000 investors, supporting over 520 successful fundraising campaigns. Notable businesses that have utilized the platform include Monzo, River Cottage, and the Eden Project, among others.
Founded in 1995, SOSV is a global venture capital firm headquartered in New Jersey. It focuses on seed-to-growth stage investments in deep tech innovations, primarily in bio-tech/life sciences and hardware/robotics sectors, with a commitment to human and planetary health.
AccelFoods is a New York-based company founded in 2013 that focuses on partnering with high-growth early-stage food and beverage companies. It provides driven founders with access to industry expertise and infrastructure necessary to develop unique products and effective go-to-market strategies. By connecting emerging companies with valuable resources, AccelFoods aims to foster the creation of the next generation of enduring brands within the food and beverage ecosystem.
Founded in 2018, InvestBev is a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on investing in adult beverage brands, technology, and raw distillate aging programs. It also considers strategic investments in the cannabis space.
Founded in 1999, Enhanced Capital Partners is a New York-based investment firm managing over $400 million. It specializes in equity and debt investments for small to mid-sized companies across various sectors, with a focus on healthcare technology systems and TMT industries.
Founded in 1864, Heineken is a global leader in premium beer production and distribution. It offers over 30 brands worldwide, with its iconic flagship beer being the world's leading international premium lager by volume.
Anheuser-Busch InBev is a global brewing and beverage company that manufactures and distributes alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages across international markets. It is the largest brewer in the world, with a portfolio that includes several top beer brands by volume and a wide range of beverages sold under multiple brands. The company operates across production, marketing, and distribution, serving retailers and consumers in many regions through its commercial infrastructure. It has grown through a history of strategic mergers and acquisitions, including the 2008 union of InBev and Anheuser-Busch and the later acquisition of SABMiller. In addition to its consumer brands, AB InBev has developed digital tools for trade, such as a business-to-business platform that digitizes retailers and links the route-to-consumer process from production to point of sale.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) leads initiatives in food, agriculture, natural resources, and rural development. It aims to expand markets for agricultural products globally, foster alternative markets domestically, improve rural infrastructure, enhance food safety, promote nutrition education, and manage public lands collaboratively.
Distill Ventures supports entrepreneurs creating global spirits brands. As an independent venture built by entrepreneurs, they provide investment and operational support tailored for founder-led businesses in the drinks industry.
Tilray, Inc. is a company engaged in the research, cultivation, processing, and distribution of medical cannabis. It provides pharmaceutical-grade cannabis products to a diverse clientele, including patients, physicians, pharmacies, governments, and researchers, while also supporting clinical research applications. The company is involved in the cannabis-lifestyle sector, offering hemp-based foods and craft beverages, emphasizing the delivery of safe and reliable medical cannabis products. Tilray operates across multiple countries, including Argentina, Australia, Canada, Germany, Israel, and the United Kingdom, among others. Incorporated in 2018, Tilray is headquartered in Nanaimo, Canada.
The Coca-Cola Company is a prominent beverage company that focuses on the marketing, manufacturing, and sale of a diverse range of beverages. Its product portfolio includes sparkling soft drinks, water, sports drinks, juices, dairy products, plant-based beverages, and tea and coffee. In addition to finished beverages, the company supplies beverage concentrates, syrups, flavoring ingredients, sweeteners, and fountain syrups, as well as powders for purified water products. The Coca-Cola Company's commitment to providing refreshing and well-packaged drinks is central to its operations, catering to a broad consumer base.
PepsiCo is a global food and beverage company with a diversified portfolio of snacks and drinks. It markets Lay’s, Ruffles, Doritos, Tostitos, Cheetos, Fritos, and Santitas, along with beverages such as Mountain Dew and Gatorade. The company dominates the global savory snacks market and is the second-largest beverage provider behind Coca-Cola, with roughly 55% of revenue from snacks and about 45% from beverages. Manufacturing and distribution are primarily owned in the United States, while beverage distribution relies on bottlers overseas, reflecting a broad international footprint.
Cleveland Avenue is a venture capital firm based in Chicago, founded in 2015. The firm makes investments across seed, early, later, and growth stages, with a focus on food and beverage companies, lifestyle consumer brands, AgTech, and technology businesses. It provides capital and strategic support to startups seeking to scale product offerings, expand into new markets, and build operational capabilities. As an investment adviser, Cleveland Avenue combines financial backing with hands-on guidance to help portfolio companies achieve long-term growth.
Constellation Brands produces, imports, and markets beer, wine, and spirits. Its portfolio includes Corona Extra, Modelo Especial, Kim Crawford wines, and SVEDKA vodka. The company operates in the United States, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand, Italy, and other countries worldwide.
Torch Capital is a New York-based early-stage venture capital firm that invests in consumer technology companies and the infrastructure layers that power them. Founded in 2018, the firm focuses on opportunities in the consumer and technology sectors and backs visionary founders using technology to transform how consumers and businesses operate.
TricorBraun Holdings Inc. is a leading distributor of rigid packaging solutions, headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri. The company offers a diverse range of packaging products, including plastic and glass containers, closures, dispensers, tubes, and flexible packaging, serving various customer end markets across North America. In addition to its distribution capabilities, TricorBraun operates a fully integrated design studio that specializes in package design, development, and custom mold building. The company has received numerous industry accolades, including WorldStar, AmeriStar, and American Packaging Design Awards, highlighting its commitment to innovation and quality in packaging solutions.
Keurig Dr Pepper is a prominent coffee and beverage company formed in 2018 through the merger of Keurig Green Mountain and Dr Pepper Snapple Group. Headquartered in Burlington, Massachusetts, the company specializes in sourcing, producing, and distributing a diverse range of beverages. It manufactures coffee systems, including brewers and single-serve coffee pods under the Keurig and Green Mountain brands. Additionally, Keurig Dr Pepper offers a variety of ready-to-drink beverages, featuring popular flavored sparkling soft drinks like Dr Pepper, Snapple, and Canada Dry. The company operates its own manufacturing plants and distribution network, allowing it to effectively manage production and market access for its brands while also serving third-party coffee and beverage brands.
Founded in 2015, FJ Labs is a New York-based venture capital firm focusing on stage-agnostic investments in marketplaces and consumer-facing startups. Their investment range varies from $50,000 to $5,000,000, typically at seed or series A stages.
Right Side Capital Management is a San Francisco-based venture capital firm that focuses on early-stage, pre-seed technology startups in underserved segments of the ecosystem. It invests in a high-volume, capital-efficient portfolio, typically funding rounds of 50,000 to 500,000 and making roughly 75 to 100 investments per year. The firm targets opportunities across the United States and internationally, including Canada, Israel, Australia, New Zealand, and Western Europe, prioritizing companies with scalable products and prudent capital use outside major metro hubs. Since its inception, it has built a broad portfolio across many states. It commits to a fast decision process, often delivering a yes or no within two weeks to help founders establish momentum.
Diageo is a premium drinks company with a diverse portfolio of beverage alcohol brands across spirits, beer and wine, including Johnnie Walker, Smirnoff, Baileys, Captain Morgan, Crown Royal, J&B, Buchanan's, Guinness, Tanqueray, Ciroc, Ketel One and Jose Cuervo. Formed in 1997 through the merger of Grand Metropolitan and Guinness, it became the leading premium drinks company and the largest distiller by sales after expanding with Seagram assets in 2001, adding Captain Morgan and Crown Royal to its lineup. Since then, the company pursued bolt-on acquisitions to extend its geographic and brand reach while divesting noncore wine assets in 2015. Diageo operates globally across multiple markets, maintaining a broad portfolio across spirits, beer and premium wines, and emphasizes premiumization and diverse consumer brands.
Tilaknagar Industries is a manufacturer and marketer of Indian-made foreign liquor and related products. The company produces a diverse range of alcoholic beverages, including brandy, whisky, vodka, gin, and rum. Its well-known brand portfolio features products such as Mansion House Brandy, Courrier Napoleon Brandy in both Green and Red varieties, and Madira XXX Rum. Tilaknagar Industries also exports its products to several international markets, including the Middle East, East and West Africa, Southeast Asia, and Europe, showcasing its commitment to reaching a global audience.
Ball Corporation is a global manufacturer of aluminum packaging and aerospace systems. Headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado, and founded in 1880, Ball produces aluminum beverage containers and aerosol cans for the beverage, personal care, and household-product industries, serving customers across North America, Europe, and South America. The company also develops spacecraft, sensors, radio frequency systems, antennas, and other technologies for civil, commercial, and national-security missions, and provides launch services, satellite operations, and related systems engineering. Ball designs and manufactures satellites, remote sensors, and ground-station infrastructure, along with components such as target identification, attitude-control systems, cryogenic equipment, star trackers, and fast-steering mirrors for government agencies and prime contractors. The business combines packaging and aerospace offerings under one organization and operates globally with a diversified customer base.
Established in 2005, SMBC Venture Capital is a Tokyo-based corporate venture capital arm of Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation. It invests primarily in early-stage companies operating within the information technology, life sciences, services, and manufacturing sectors.
Venture Catalysts is recognized as Asia's largest integrated incubator, established in 2016, which offers investments ranging from $500,000 to $2 million per startup, along with incubation support for 18 to 24 months. It has successfully incubated notable companies such as BharatPe, Fynd, and Innov8, which have emerged as leaders in their respective categories. With a robust network of over 4,500 angel investors across 36 cities in six countries, including India, Hong Kong, and the UAE, Venture Catalysts has attracted participation from prominent global investors like YCombinator and Greenoaks. The organization focuses on nurturing the startup ecosystem in Tier II and III cities in India, conducting incubation programs in locations such as Ahmedabad, Lucknow, and Surat, as well as major metros. In addition to providing seed and Series A funding, Venture Catalysts excels in startup development, strategic guidance, and investor education, ensuring substantial returns for its investors. Its leadership in the early-stage investment landscape is underscored by the successful fundraising of over ten incubatees in a challenging market environment, solidifying its reputation as a top early-stage investor in India.
Founded in 2016, Mana Ventures is a venture capital firm headquartered in South San Francisco. It invests in early-stage companies focused on artificial intelligence and deep tech, aiming to disrupt traditional industries and build frontier technologies.
Nestle is a multinational food and beverage company renowned for its extensive product portfolio, which includes well-known brands such as Nestle, Nescafe, Perrier, Pure Life, and Purina. With annual revenues exceeding CHF 90 billion, Nestle operates in 189 countries and boasts 34 brands that each generate over CHF 1 billion in sales. In addition to its core business, the company engages in initiatives focused on nutrition education, research, and charitable efforts, including food donations and financial support for various causes. Nestle also holds a significant stake in the French cosmetics firm L'Oréal, reflecting its diverse interests beyond food and beverages.
GroundForce Capital is a growth-focused investment management firm based in San Francisco that makes expansion investments in California, focusing on consumer, retail and food technology companies. It backs ventures that promote human and environmental health and longevity, providing capital to scale operations and market reach. The firm supports portfolio companies through growth and domestic expansion.
Advantage Capital Partners is a United States‑based venture capital firm that provides growth equity, debt, and mezzanine financing to small and mid‑market companies, with a focus on underserved communities and state and local economic development. The firm invests across sectors including manufacturing, technology, business services, life sciences, and energy, and also supports real estate development projects with equity and debt. It typically makes initial investments ranging roughly from half a million to ten million in companies with modest sales, and may participate in larger follow‑on rounds or co‑invest with other firms. It uses senior debt, mezzanine debt, subordinated loans, and government‑guaranteed lending, and often pursues equity positions through preferred shares or convertible notes. Advantage Capital operates nationwide in the United States, with roots in New Orleans and offices in multiple states, and has backed thousands of jobs and housing projects as part of its mission to expand inclusive economic growth.
Rocana Venture Partners is a venture capital firm based in Miami, Florida, that focuses on early-stage investments in consumer brands. The firm targets consumer packaged goods across food and beverage and product areas such as beauty and personal care, wellness, pet care, fitness, and fashion/apparel, prioritizing disruptive, mission-driven brands with strong growth potential. Rocana supports portfolio companies through early development and scale as they pursue expanded market presence and better living options for consumers.
Founded in New York in 2010 by Craig Shapiro, Collaborative Fund is an investment firm focused on creative fields within technology and media. It invests based on the growth of the creative class and collaborative consumption.
Founded in 1980, Whole Foods Market is an American grocery chain dedicated to selling natural and organic products. It adheres to stringent quality standards, sourcing from suppliers who meet these criteria and sharing this information with customers. The company offers a wide range of food products, excluding artificial preservatives, colors, flavors, sweeteners, and hydrogenated fats. As of now, Whole Foods Market operates over 450 stores across North America and the United Kingdom.
Refresco Group is a leading European bottler specializing in soft drinks and fruit juices for both retailers and branded customers. With production facilities in Europe, North America, and Mexico, the company leverages global sourcing and local research and development to offer a wide range of products tailored to customer specifications. Refresco provides comprehensive supply chain solutions that encompass the planning and sourcing of raw materials, packaging, warehousing, and transportation. The company is committed to high customer service levels and innovation, frequently introducing new packages, flavors, and varieties of beverages. By collaborating with clients in the product design process, Refresco shares valuable insights on market trends, consumer preferences, and production technologies, ensuring that it meets evolving customer needs effectively.
MassChallenge is a global startup accelerator supporting early-stage entrepreneurs across various industries. Founded in 2009, it provides mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities through its programs worldwide.
Scottish EDGE is a Glasgow-based organization that runs a competitive funding program to identify and support Scotland’s innovative, high-growth entrepreneurial talent. Established in 2014, it provides grants and loans to early-stage startups, social enterprises, and charities, alongside mentorship and ongoing follow-up support to help participants develop and scale their ventures. The program offers financial awards ranging from £10,000 to £100,000 and prize funding up to £150,000, reinforcing its role as a leading source of early-stage capital and advisory assistance for Scotland’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Founded in 1805, Pernod Ricard is a global leader in the production and distribution of wines and spirits. Its extensive portfolio includes iconic brands such as Absolut Vodka, Chivas Regal, Jameson Irish Whiskey, Martell Cognac, and Mumm Champagne, among others. The company is committed to promoting responsible drinking and community initiatives.
Coca-Cola Hellenic Bottling Company is a consumer packaged goods business that bottles, distributes, and sells Coca-Cola branded products across multiple countries. They operate as a strategic bottling partner of The Coca-Cola Company.
Founded in 2018, Inflection Point Ventures is an angel investment network based in Gurgaon, India. It supports early-to-mid stage startups by providing capital and leveraging its extensive network of investors to offer market access, guidance, and mentorship.
Sequoia Capital Israel is a venture capital firm that backs startups and growth companies across seed to late-stage rounds, with a focus on Israel. It invests across sectors including fintech, financial services, internet, mobile, technology, and healthcare, spanning banking, payments, advertising, ecommerce, data, security, software, and related enabling tech. Typical commitments range from 100,000 to 1 million in seed, 1 to 10 million in early venture, and 10 to 100 million in growth rounds. The firm is based in Tel Aviv and operates as part of Sequoia Capital's global network.
European Bank for Reconstruction and Development finances projects and provides advisory services to the public and private sectors. It supports new ventures and expansion in existing companies through project financing, loans, and equity or quasi-equity investments, including equity funds and guarantees, and it partners with private entities to invest across sectors such as banking, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, information technology, and services. The bank also helps publicly owned entities privatize and restructure municipal services and engages in policy reform dialogue and advisory services, along with trade finance and loan syndication. Founded in 1990 and headquartered in London, it operates across regions including Southeastern and Central Europe, the Baltic States, Eastern Europe and the Caucasus, Central Asia, and parts of the Middle East and Africa, aiming to foster market-oriented change and private sector development by mobilizing capital for sustainable investments. It has invested more than €130 billion in over 5,200 projects.
Food-X is a leading food innovation accelerator based in New York, recognized for its role in supporting food entrepreneurs in rapidly bringing their products and services to market. Established in 2014, Food-X partners with early-stage companies across the food supply chain, including sectors such as food technology, health, and consumer packaged goods. The accelerator focuses its investments primarily in the United States, providing funding of up to $50,000 per team for a 7 to 10 percent equity stake. Food-X typically supports 10 to 12 companies in each three-and-a-half-month program, leveraging its affiliation with SOSV, a global venture capital fund with extensive experience in various industries. Its commitment to fostering innovation in food-related ventures has earned it recognition as one of the most innovative companies in the sector.
Founded in Shanghai, China in 2002, Pre-IPO Capital Partners is a direct investment firm focused on funding startups and small-to-medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the information technology, biomedical, and new energy sectors.
Campari Group, founded in 1860 by Gaspare Campari, is an Italian beverage company that specializes in the production and distribution of a diverse range of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The company is recognized as a leading manufacturer of liqueurs, holding a significant market share in this category. Its extensive portfolio features over 50 brands, including well-known products such as Campari Bitter, Aperol, Cinzano, and Grand Marnier, alongside popular spirits like SKYY Vodka and Wild Turkey bourbon. In addition to liqueurs, Campari Group also produces champagne and sparkling wines, catering to various consumer preferences. The company is headquartered in Italy and operates globally, emphasizing its status as a prominent player in the beverage industry.
Graphit NeoTaste is a family office based in Ellmau, Austria. Established in 2024, it concentrates on investing in companies within the food and beverage sector.
JAB Holding Company is a privately held investment group focused on long-term investments in consumer goods companies with premium brands, attractive growth prospects, and strong profit margins. Its portfolio includes controlling stakes in leading coffee and beverage companies such as Keurig Green Mountain, Jacobs Douwe Egberts (JDE), Peet's Coffee & Tea, Caribou Coffee Company, Espresso House, and a minority stake in Reckitt Benckiser PLC.
Stock Spirits Group is a producer and distributor of branded spirits primarily in Central and Eastern Europe. Founded in 1884 and headquartered in Wooburn Green, United Kingdom, the company offers a diverse portfolio of alcoholic beverages, including vodka, flavored liqueurs, rum, brandy, wines, whisky, gin, herbal bitters, and limoncello. Stock Spirits Group is committed to providing naturally made drinks, avoiding the use of colorants and artificial flavors. In addition to its regional focus, the company exports its products to approximately 50 countries worldwide, enhancing drinking occasions for consumers and retailers alike.
Blueberry Ventures, established in 2015 and based in Tiburon, California, is a venture capital firm specializing in the food and beverage sectors. It invests in early and growth-stage companies, providing capital and operational support to entrepreneurs developing innovative nutrition brands and business models.
Backcast Partners, LLC is a private equity firm founded in 2016, with offices in Millburn, New Jersey, Los Angeles, California, and New York City. The firm specializes in providing customized capital solutions to middle-market companies across the United States. It focuses on acquisitions, buyouts, growth investments, recapitalization, and direct investment in both debt and equity. Backcast Partners typically targets companies with EBITDA between $10 million and $50 million and invests amounts ranging from $10 million to $100 million. The firm has extensive experience in supporting traditional middle-market businesses and operates as a Registered Investment Adviser.
Sonoma Brands is a California-based private equity and venture capital firm founded in 2015 that invests in growth-stage and early-stage consumer brands. It focuses on consumer products and services across sectors such as food and beverage, beauty and personal care, wellness, pet, home and lifestyle. The firm typically invests between $5 million and $30 million and may take minority or majority stakes, frequently seeking a board seat. Sonoma Brands collaborates with bold founders to build enduring brands across physical and digital channels, aiming to accelerate growth and market position.