Big Idea Ventures

Big Idea Ventures, LLC is a New York-based venture capital firm established in 2018 that specializes in investing in early and growth-stage companies within the FoodTech sector. The firm is particularly focused on alternative protein solutions, including plant-based food products, plant-based ingredients, and cell-based meats. Big Idea Ventures aims to support the development of innovative food technologies and has invested in over 100 companies across 22 countries, with a strong presence in Asia and North America. The firm collaborates with a network of strategic partners and engages with governments globally to address food security and foster new food ecosystems. In addition to its main office in New York, Big Idea Ventures has locations in Singapore and Paris.

Bill Arnold

Director - GFRP Fund

Henrietta Hearth

Vice President Global Acceleration

Andrew D. Ive

Founder and Managing General Partner

Michael Lightman

Managing Partner

Tom Mastrobuoni

Chief Investment Officer

Qaynat Sharma

Partner

Van Truskett

Director - GRFP Fund

Adrien Villalonga

Senior Investment Associate

Past deals in Fruits and Vegetables

Vacka

Seed Round in 2023
Vacka is a manufacturer of food and beverages. They produce and sell organic and plant-based vegan varieties. It is a plant-based product that seeks to revolutionize the consumption of food.

Karana

Seed Round in 2022
Karana is a Singapore-based company that specializes in producing plant-based meat alternatives using jackfruit. Founded in 2018, Karana transforms jackfruit into versatile products such as dumplings and baos, catering to both chefs and home cooks. The company aims to unlock the potential of jackfruit, a climate-friendly crop that supports regenerative agroforestry, by employing proprietary technology throughout its value chain. By focusing on whole-plant ingredients, Karana seeks to provide nutritious and sustainable food options while promoting a shift from conventional industrial farming to a more equitable and regenerative agricultural model. Its mission encompasses driving innovation in foodservice, retail, and industrial applications, making plant-based diets accessible and appealing.

Vacka

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Vacka is a manufacturer of food and beverages. They produce and sell organic and plant-based vegan varieties. It is a plant-based product that seeks to revolutionize the consumption of food.

No Evil Foods

Seed Round in 2021
No Evil Foods, LLC specializes in producing and retailing plant-based protein products that emulate the taste and texture of meat. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Weaverville, North Carolina, the company utilizes a blend of beans, wheat berries, and yeast to create its offerings. No Evil Foods is committed to enhancing the food system by providing nutritionally superior meat substitutes optimized for health and digestion, employing fermentation and upcycled ingredients in their production process. The company's products are distributed to hundreds of restaurants, universities, and grocery stores across 12 states, including notable retailers such as Whole Foods Market and Earth Fare. The brand has garnered recognition in various media outlets and awards, reflecting its growing impact in the plant-based food sector.

Actual Veggies

Seed Round in 2021
Actual Veggies, founded in 2020 and based in New York, specializes in the production of plant-based vegetable burgers aimed at providing healthy and environmentally friendly meal options. The company focuses on creating burgers made entirely from real vegetables without the use of preservatives or additives. Its product line features large, 5-ounce vegetarian burgers crafted from ingredients such as black beans, kale, sweet potato, beet, oats, and red onions. By avoiding artificial methods and processed offerings, Actual Veggies seeks to appeal to a diverse range of consumers, including vegans, flexitarians, and meat-eaters. Their burgers are designed to be vibrant and visually appealing, highlighting the freshness of the ingredients while delivering a satisfying taste. Products are available for purchase online, allowing customers to enjoy nutritious and flavorful meals without the need for frozen or less appetizing alternatives.

Little Bandits

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Little Bandits is a dairy-free brand focused on providing nutritious food options for children, created in response to the increasing prevalence of food allergies among kids. The company specializes in producing dairy-free and soya-free products, primarily a range of yogurts made from coconut milk. These yogurts are designed to be low in sugar, allergy-friendly, and enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins D2, B12, and iodine. Little Bandits aims to fill a gap in the market for children’s plant-based foods, offering healthy and enjoyable alternatives that cater to the dietary needs of kids with allergies and those following plant-based diets.

Karana

Seed Round in 2020
Karana is a Singapore-based company that specializes in producing plant-based meat alternatives using jackfruit. Founded in 2018, Karana transforms jackfruit into versatile products such as dumplings and baos, catering to both chefs and home cooks. The company aims to unlock the potential of jackfruit, a climate-friendly crop that supports regenerative agroforestry, by employing proprietary technology throughout its value chain. By focusing on whole-plant ingredients, Karana seeks to provide nutritious and sustainable food options while promoting a shift from conventional industrial farming to a more equitable and regenerative agricultural model. Its mission encompasses driving innovation in foodservice, retail, and industrial applications, making plant-based diets accessible and appealing.

Actual Veggies

Seed Round in 2020
Actual Veggies, founded in 2020 and based in New York, specializes in the production of plant-based vegetable burgers aimed at providing healthy and environmentally friendly meal options. The company focuses on creating burgers made entirely from real vegetables without the use of preservatives or additives. Its product line features large, 5-ounce vegetarian burgers crafted from ingredients such as black beans, kale, sweet potato, beet, oats, and red onions. By avoiding artificial methods and processed offerings, Actual Veggies seeks to appeal to a diverse range of consumers, including vegans, flexitarians, and meat-eaters. Their burgers are designed to be vibrant and visually appealing, highlighting the freshness of the ingredients while delivering a satisfying taste. Products are available for purchase online, allowing customers to enjoy nutritious and flavorful meals without the need for frozen or less appetizing alternatives.
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.