Cleveland Avenue

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.

Matthew Wellington Burns

Senior Associate, Investments

Harry Coaxum

Managing Partner

Walker Cullinan

Investment Analyst

Ellen Federbush

Project Manager, Office of the CEO

Keith Kravcik

Chief Investment Officer

Mingu Lee Ph.D

Managing Partner, Technology Investments

Randall Lewis

Managing Partner, Agri-Tech Investments

Jason Mercer

Principal

Fabian Gosselin

Investor

Veronica Pierce

Director of Strategic Partnerships

Don Thompson

Partner

Ryan Tlusty

CFO

Robert Wietecki

Senior Associate, Investments

Taylor Williams

Senior Associate

Past deals in Illinois

CurlMix

Equity Crowdfunding in 2024
CurlMix is a haircare brand focused on products for curly hair. It operates a subscription service that delivers natural, toxin-free ingredients and ready-made products to help customers define, moisturize, and manage frizz-free curls. Offerings include DIY kits with step-by-step instructions and explainer videos, as well as ready-made items such as flaxseed gel, moisturizers, regrowth serums, and hair and body butters, with bundles and wash-and-go sets. The company sells through stores and online channels. It was founded in 2015 and is based in Chicago.

Dom's Kitchen & Market

Convertible Note in 2023
Dom's Kitchen & Market is a grocery store chain founded in 2021 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company aims to provide a unique shopping experience that combines grocery shopping, restaurant dining, and home delivery services. It focuses on well-crafted, locally sourced, and globally-inspired food, creating a food destination that encourages sharing, exploration, and community engagement. Dom's Kitchen & Market fosters an inviting atmosphere where consumers can enjoy discovery and hospitality, making it a central hub for culinary experiences in the community.

Zerocater

Series C in 2023
Zerocater, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that operates a subscription-based and on-demand food ordering platform, specifically designed for businesses and their employees. Founded in 2009, Zerocater delivers personalized and diet-specific meals from independent restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and private chefs. The service caters to various occasions, including meetings, parties, and celebrations, offering a range of menu options such as breakfast, lunch, happy hour, desserts, and even craft beverages. The company serves clients in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Austin, Texas, and focuses on enhancing workplace culture by providing convenient and diverse food solutions that foster employee engagement and collaboration.

Sunda New Asian

Private Equity Round in 2023
Sunda New Asian is a restaurant specializing in modern Southeast Asian cuisine. It offers contemporary interpretations of classic dishes alongside innovative beverages, providing an immersive dining experience that combines elevated culinary offerings with social hospitality.

Farmer's Fridge

Series E in 2022
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

86 Repairs

Series A in 2022
86 Repairs is a computer software company that offers a subscription-based platform designed to streamline the repair and maintenance processes for restaurant groups. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides comprehensive management of equipment repairs, including for ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. Its services feature 24/7 support from a team of experts and deliver actionable insights aimed at enhancing back-of-house operations. By handling the entire service process, 86 Repairs allows restaurant owners to alleviate the burdens of equipment maintenance, enabling them to concentrate on providing quality service to their guests.

FoodBoss

Convertible Note in 2022
FoodBoss Inc. is an innovative online food delivery search engine that consolidates information about various food delivery options and associated fees for numerous restaurants. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company allows consumers to access a comprehensive view of all available online ordering options, including those from third-party platforms and restaurants that offer their own delivery services. With a database of over 30,000 restaurants across more than 44 major metropolitan markets, FoodBoss enables users to compare delivery fees, menu items, and estimated delivery times. This functionality helps consumers make informed choices and discover the most cost-effective and efficient food delivery options in their area.

Apologue

Convertible Note in 2022
Founded in Chicago in 2016, Apologue produces and markets premium liqueur drinks crafted from entirely natural, non-GMO ingredients. Each expression features a unique regional ingredient, resulting in delicious, adventurous, and versatile liqueurs that cater to discerning consumers seeking natural cocktail options.

Farmer's Fridge

Series D in 2021
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

86 Repairs

Seed Round in 2021
86 Repairs is a computer software company that offers a subscription-based platform designed to streamline the repair and maintenance processes for restaurant groups. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides comprehensive management of equipment repairs, including for ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. Its services feature 24/7 support from a team of experts and deliver actionable insights aimed at enhancing back-of-house operations. By handling the entire service process, 86 Repairs allows restaurant owners to alleviate the burdens of equipment maintenance, enabling them to concentrate on providing quality service to their guests.

Dom's Kitchen & Market

Venture Round in 2021
Dom's Kitchen & Market is a grocery store chain founded in 2021 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company aims to provide a unique shopping experience that combines grocery shopping, restaurant dining, and home delivery services. It focuses on well-crafted, locally sourced, and globally-inspired food, creating a food destination that encourages sharing, exploration, and community engagement. Dom's Kitchen & Market fosters an inviting atmosphere where consumers can enjoy discovery and hospitality, making it a central hub for culinary experiences in the community.

Bartesian

Series A in 2021
Bartesian Inc. is a manufacturer of a cocktail-making machine that enables customers to create customized, bar-quality cocktails at home using a capsule-based system. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a robotic bartender that utilizes pre-mixed ingredient pods, allowing users to prepare a variety of cocktails, such as martinis and cosmos, at the press of a button. The machine combines alcohol, juices, bitters, and water from specialty pods, ensuring a seamless and authentic cocktail experience. Formerly known as MaxMixology Inc., the company adopted its current name in January 2015.

86 Repairs

Seed Round in 2021
86 Repairs is a computer software company that offers a subscription-based platform designed to streamline the repair and maintenance processes for restaurant groups. Founded in 2018 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company provides comprehensive management of equipment repairs, including for ice machines, dishwashers, and ovens. Its services feature 24/7 support from a team of experts and deliver actionable insights aimed at enhancing back-of-house operations. By handling the entire service process, 86 Repairs allows restaurant owners to alleviate the burdens of equipment maintenance, enabling them to concentrate on providing quality service to their guests.

Farmer's Fridge

Series D in 2020
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

Bartesian

Convertible Note in 2020
Bartesian Inc. is a manufacturer of a cocktail-making machine that enables customers to create customized, bar-quality cocktails at home using a capsule-based system. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a robotic bartender that utilizes pre-mixed ingredient pods, allowing users to prepare a variety of cocktails, such as martinis and cosmos, at the press of a button. The machine combines alcohol, juices, bitters, and water from specialty pods, ensuring a seamless and authentic cocktail experience. Formerly known as MaxMixology Inc., the company adopted its current name in January 2015.

FoodBoss

Convertible Note in 2020
FoodBoss Inc. is an innovative online food delivery search engine that consolidates information about various food delivery options and associated fees for numerous restaurants. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company allows consumers to access a comprehensive view of all available online ordering options, including those from third-party platforms and restaurants that offer their own delivery services. With a database of over 30,000 restaurants across more than 44 major metropolitan markets, FoodBoss enables users to compare delivery fees, menu items, and estimated delivery times. This functionality helps consumers make informed choices and discover the most cost-effective and efficient food delivery options in their area.

Dom's Kitchen & Market

Seed Round in 2020
Dom's Kitchen & Market is a grocery store chain founded in 2021 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The company aims to provide a unique shopping experience that combines grocery shopping, restaurant dining, and home delivery services. It focuses on well-crafted, locally sourced, and globally-inspired food, creating a food destination that encourages sharing, exploration, and community engagement. Dom's Kitchen & Market fosters an inviting atmosphere where consumers can enjoy discovery and hospitality, making it a central hub for culinary experiences in the community.

Bartesian

Seed Round in 2019
Bartesian Inc. is a manufacturer of a cocktail-making machine that enables customers to create customized, bar-quality cocktails at home using a capsule-based system. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company offers a robotic bartender that utilizes pre-mixed ingredient pods, allowing users to prepare a variety of cocktails, such as martinis and cosmos, at the press of a button. The machine combines alcohol, juices, bitters, and water from specialty pods, ensuring a seamless and authentic cocktail experience. Formerly known as MaxMixology Inc., the company adopted its current name in January 2015.

Zerocater

Series B in 2019
Zerocater, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that operates a subscription-based and on-demand food ordering platform, specifically designed for businesses and their employees. Founded in 2009, Zerocater delivers personalized and diet-specific meals from independent restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and private chefs. The service caters to various occasions, including meetings, parties, and celebrations, offering a range of menu options such as breakfast, lunch, happy hour, desserts, and even craft beverages. The company serves clients in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Austin, Texas, and focuses on enhancing workplace culture by providing convenient and diverse food solutions that foster employee engagement and collaboration.

Farmer's Fridge

Convertible Note in 2019
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

Farmer's Fridge

Secondary Market in 2019
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

FoodBoss

Venture Round in 2019
FoodBoss Inc. is an innovative online food delivery search engine that consolidates information about various food delivery options and associated fees for numerous restaurants. Founded in 2015 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company allows consumers to access a comprehensive view of all available online ordering options, including those from third-party platforms and restaurants that offer their own delivery services. With a database of over 30,000 restaurants across more than 44 major metropolitan markets, FoodBoss enables users to compare delivery fees, menu items, and estimated delivery times. This functionality helps consumers make informed choices and discover the most cost-effective and efficient food delivery options in their area.

Farmer's Fridge

Convertible Note in 2018
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

Farmer's Fridge

Series C in 2018
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.

Zerocater

Series B in 2018
Zerocater, Inc. is a San Francisco-based company that operates a subscription-based and on-demand food ordering platform, specifically designed for businesses and their employees. Founded in 2009, Zerocater delivers personalized and diet-specific meals from independent restaurants, caterers, food trucks, and private chefs. The service caters to various occasions, including meetings, parties, and celebrations, offering a range of menu options such as breakfast, lunch, happy hour, desserts, and even craft beverages. The company serves clients in major cities such as New York, Chicago, Washington D.C., and Austin, Texas, and focuses on enhancing workplace culture by providing convenient and diverse food solutions that foster employee engagement and collaboration.

Farmer's Fridge

Series B in 2017
Farmer's Fridge is a company that operates automated smart fridges, providing a variety of chef-curated salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, the company addresses the challenge of accessing healthy and affordable food options, particularly for those on the go. The fridges utilize advanced technology to monitor demand and ensure fresh meals are available quickly. Additionally, any unsold items are regularly donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. Farmer's Fridge is committed to making nutritious eating simple and accessible for everyone.
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.