Grounded Foods, a California-based firm specialising in plant-based cheese, has closed a US$1.74m seed funding round led by Stray Dog Capital.
Other investors included Rocana Ventures, Veg Invest Trust and members of the GlassWall Syndicate.
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Grounded Foods is led by Australian duo Veronica Fil, a former behavioural economist, and Shaun Quade, a restaurateur and chef.
Together they have created a range of plant-based cheeses that are free from dairy, nuts, soy, gluten or GMOs. The company uses fermented cauliflower and hemp seeds to create its products.
Kansas-based Stray Dog Capital is a venture-capital fund that specialises in backing plant-based start-ups. It has previously invested in Beyond Meat, Miyoko’s Kitchen, and The Meatless Farm.
Its principal, Johnny Ream, said: “We are always looking for extraordinary players in the plant-based cheese category and Grounded’s product and team exceeded our expectations in taste, creativity and strategy.”
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By GlobalDataGrounded’s Fil said: “There’s an enormous shift happening all over the world right now, as we re-examine our eating habits and uncover deep inefficiencies in the food supply chain.
“As a business founder, I want to be part of the solution. That’s why we’re delighted to partner with Stray Dog Capital, and an incredible mix of forward-thinking investors, and join them in their mission to build a more ethical and sustainable food system.”
From the just-food magazine: Hemp: the next big thing for dairy alternatives?
