GroundForce Capital

GroundForce Capital is an investment management organization founded in 2015 and headquartered in San Francisco, United States. The firm specializes in growth equity investments, focusing on high-potential companies in the consumer food and beverages sectors. GroundForce Capital aims to support businesses that promote human and environmental health and longevity. As a Registered Investment Adviser, it strategically seeks out opportunities that align with its mission to enhance the well-being of individuals and the planet.

Kathryn Cicoletti

COO and Member of Leadership Team

Mark Rampolla

Co-Founder and Managing Partner

42 past transactions

The Coconut Collaborative

Series B in 2024
The Coconut Collaborative provides yogurt, creams, custards, desserts, and kids' ice cream products. An online inquiry form is available on the company's website.

The Collaborative

Series B in 2024
The Collaborative is the fastest growing premium plant-based yogurt and dessert brand.

Bobbie

Series C in 2023
Bobbie is a baby formula delivery startup that sells direct-to-consumer and offers a subscription service to parents across the US. It exists to build a parenting culture of confidence, not a comparison, where every parent is supported in the feeding choice that is right for them and their baby. Bobbie's formulation complies with all FDA regulations, is created with pasture-raised milk from Organic Valley farms, and is the only infant formula to receive the Clean Label Project's Purity Award as well as Pesticide Free Certification.

OWYN (Only What You Need)

Private Equity Round in 2022
OWYN™ (Only What You Need) plant-based protein drinks are made for people who wish to live a clean, inspired and transparent lifestyle. The products contain only real, simple, all-natural ingredients. OWYN currently offers its protein drinks in six flavors and recently expanded its line to include meal replacement shakes. For more information on OWYN.

Partake Brewing

Series B in 2022
Partake Brewing, founded in 2017 and based in Calgary, Canada, specializes in producing and selling non-alcoholic crafted beer. The company focuses on delivering a range of flavorful beer styles designed for individuals who either cannot or choose not to consume alcohol, catering to a growing lifestyle choice. Partake Brewing's products are available through retail outlets and an online platform, allowing consumers to enjoy the social aspects of beer without the effects of alcohol. By emphasizing flavor and inclusivity, the brand aims to provide an enjoyable alternative for those seeking a non-alcoholic option in social settings.

Flying Embers Hard Kombucha

Series C in 2022
Flying Embers Rooted in ancient traditions, brewed with botanical adaptogens, and enlivened with innovative fermentation techniques we bring you the best-tasting sessionable alcohol beverages in the world.

Liquid Death

Series C in 2022
Liquid Death is a rapidly growing beverage brand that specializes in canned mountain water, offering both still and sparkling options enriched with natural electrolytes and minerals. The company distinguishes itself by packaging its products in infinitely recyclable aluminum tallboy cans, appealing to health-conscious consumers while promoting sustainability. Liquid Death aims to compete with the marketing strategies of traditional unhealthy beverage brands by adopting a bold and humorous branding approach. Additionally, the company commits 10% of its profits from each can sold to nonprofits dedicated to reducing plastic pollution and providing clean drinking water to those in need, further emphasizing its dedication to environmental and social responsibility.

Miyoko’s Kitchen

Series C in 2021
Miyoko’s Kitchen is a food production company that produces artisan cultured Vegan cheese and butter. Selling in thousands of stores across the country, the Miyoko's brand has garnered loyalty, excitement, and passion since 2014..

Rae Wellness

Series A in 2021
Rae Wellness is a woman-owned company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that specializes in developing and producing vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free supplements aimed at enhancing beauty, health, and hormonal balance. Founded in 2019, the company offers a diverse range of products, including capsules, powders, and tinctures, designed to support women's well-being. Rae Wellness emphasizes the use of nourishing ingredients, ensuring that its supplements contain no added sugars, colors, or artificial preservatives. The products are available for purchase online, making them accessible to a broad audience.

Rae Wellness

Series A in 2021
Rae Wellness is a woman-owned company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that specializes in developing and producing vegan, non-GMO, and gluten-free supplements aimed at enhancing beauty, health, and hormonal balance. Founded in 2019, the company offers a diverse range of products, including capsules, powders, and tinctures, designed to support women's well-being. Rae Wellness emphasizes the use of nourishing ingredients, ensuring that its supplements contain no added sugars, colors, or artificial preservatives. The products are available for purchase online, making them accessible to a broad audience.

Thistle

Series B in 2021
Thistle is a healthy food and juice company that delivers fully-prepared, plant-forward meals to the doorsteps of its customers. It makes eating nutritious, organic, and local foods incredibly convenient and accessible. They believe that by removing the major existing hurdles to consumers (no time to make a meal; too expensive to eat healthy; bad local options), they can empower our customers to make great choices for themselves, their family, and the environment. It was founded in 2013 and is based in San Francisco, California.

ZICO

Private Equity Round in 2021
ZICO is a beverage company known for its ZICO Coconut Water, an electrolyte-infused drink designed to provide hydration. Founded in 2004 and headquartered in Seal Beach, California, ZICO offers a range of fruit-flavored coconut water products, each containing five electrolytes, including potassium comparable to that found in bananas. The company aims to deliver healthy and natural hydration alternatives while maintaining a commitment to sustainability and impact.

Zero Egg

Series A in 2020
Zero Egg Ltd, founded in 2018 and based in Ashdod, Israel, is a food-tech company that specializes in developing a nutritious plant-based egg alternative. This product is designed to closely resemble the taste, appearance, and functionality of traditional eggs, allowing it to be used in a variety of recipes, including omelets, baked goods, pasta, mayonnaise, and sauces. Zero Egg aims to provide a sustainable, animal-friendly, and healthier option for consumers, promoting its plant-based egg as a viable everyday choice that can effectively replace animal-based eggs in the diet.

Vive Organic

Series B in 2020
Vive Organic, Inc. is a producer of cold-pressed organic beverages, specializing in ready-to-drink wellness shots made from organic and non-GMO herbs. Founded in 2015 and based in Venice, California, the company emphasizes quality by sourcing ingredients exclusively from top-tier organic farms worldwide. Vive Organic is committed to natural purity, avoiding artificial colors and sweeteners in its products. Each wellness shot is designed to support specific health functions, allowing consumers to enhance their well-being through plant-powered formulations. The products are available for purchase both in retail stores and online.

The Collaborative

Series A in 2020
The Collaborative is the fastest growing premium plant-based yogurt and dessert brand.

Thistle

Series A in 2020
Thistle is a healthy food and juice company that delivers fully-prepared, plant-forward meals to the doorsteps of its customers. It makes eating nutritious, organic, and local foods incredibly convenient and accessible. They believe that by removing the major existing hurdles to consumers (no time to make a meal; too expensive to eat healthy; bad local options), they can empower our customers to make great choices for themselves, their family, and the environment. It was founded in 2013 and is based in San Francisco, California.

OWYN (Only What You Need)

Venture Round in 2020
OWYN™ (Only What You Need) plant-based protein drinks are made for people who wish to live a clean, inspired and transparent lifestyle. The products contain only real, simple, all-natural ingredients. OWYN currently offers its protein drinks in six flavors and recently expanded its line to include meal replacement shakes. For more information on OWYN.

Flying Embers Hard Kombucha

Series B in 2019
Flying Embers Rooted in ancient traditions, brewed with botanical adaptogens, and enlivened with innovative fermentation techniques we bring you the best-tasting sessionable alcohol beverages in the world.

Fermented Sciences

Series B in 2019
Fermented Sciences makes handcrafted organic hard kombucha products called Flying Embers. It comes with probiotics and botanical adaptogens. The company's line of live beers with active bacteria cultures, bring to life ancient brews and remedies to the modern-day. There are 6 refreshing flavors that Flying Embers offers, these are berry, lemon, ginger, pineapple, cherry, and grapefruit, all USDA certified organic with zero grams of sugar and carbs. It is a low-calorie, gluten-free, vegan beverage ranging from 4.5% to 7.5% alcohol by volume. Fermented Sciences was founded in 2016 by passionate entrepreneurs focused on disrupting the alcohol beverage industry through the creation of a revolutionary platform of great-tasting botanical brews with functional benefits. It is headquartered in Ojai, California.

Beanfields

Series B in 2019
Beanfields is a food company based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in creating rice and bean-based snacks. Founded in 2010, Beanfields offers a range of gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly chips available in seven distinctive flavors. The company focuses on providing a nutritious alternative to traditional snacks made from corn, potato, and wheat. Each serving of their chips contains four grams of protein and four grams of fiber, allowing consumers to enjoy a tasty snack while maintaining their health. Beanfields is committed to promoting healthier eating habits and supporting sustainable practices that benefit families, farmers, and the environment.

Garten

Seed Round in 2018
Garten, Inc. is a health food company based in San Mateo, California, that specializes in delivering vegan, gluten-free, organic, and non-GMO food products to businesses and individuals, primarily in Silicon Valley. Founded in 2014 and originally named Oh My Green, the company rebranded in June 2020. Garten provides a variety of healthy office snacks, beverages, dairy products, and fresh produce, along with equipment to support its offerings. Additionally, it features a wellness application that promotes employee well-being across various dimensions, including nutrition, exercise, and emotional health. Garten's services are tailored to meet the specific needs of clients and include options for budget management and office stocking. The company's mission is to empower individuals to make healthier choices and lead fulfilling lives. Founder Michael Heinrich's passion for health and nutrition stems from his childhood experiences in Berlin, where his grandmother cultivated an organic garden and emphasized the importance of eating fresh, wholesome food.

Rebbl

Venture Round in 2018
REBBL, the name, is an acronym for roots, extracts, berries, bark and leaves – the various plant constituents we use to craft the world’s finest super herb Elixirs, utilizing the most revered traditional wellness plants on earth. REBBL exists to bring you the highest quality super herb powered beverages, to help you maintain your optimum state of balance and wellness.

Beyond Meat

Series G in 2017
Beyond Meat, Inc. is a food company that specializes in manufacturing and selling plant-based meat products both in the United States and internationally. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, the company offers a diverse range of products, including burgers, sausages, ground beef, chicken, and meatballs, under various trademarks. Beyond Meat aims to address key global issues such as human health, climate change, resource constraints, and animal welfare by providing alternatives to traditional meat. Its products are crafted from simple, non-GMO ingredients, offering nutritional benefits such as higher or comparable protein levels, no cholesterol, and reduced saturated fat, without the use of antibiotics or hormones. The company distributes its offerings through a variety of channels, including grocery stores, mass merchandisers, convenience stores, restaurants, and schools.

Square Roots Urban Growers

Seed Round in 2017
Square Roots Urban Growers, Inc. is a Brooklyn-based farming accelerator established in 2016 that focuses on local food production and entrepreneurship. The company operates a yearlong training program for selected entrepreneurs, teaching them urban farming techniques within controlled-climate container farms. It offers three key programs: an urban farming campus where participants grow food like basil, chives, and mint; a resident entrepreneur program featuring skill-based training and professional development; and a community network that connects local business leaders to foster entrepreneurial growth. Square Roots Urban Growers supplies its produce through partnerships with restaurants and retail outlets, contributing to the availability of fresh food in urban environments year-round.

Farmer's Fridge

Series B in 2017
Farmer’s Fridge operates automated smart fridges that provide a variety of fresh meals, including salads, bowls, and snacks. Founded in 2013 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company aims to make healthy eating accessible and convenient. Its fridges are equipped with technology that allows for real-time demand monitoring, ensuring that customers receive fresh, chef-curated meals quickly. Additionally, unsold items from the fridges are donated to local food pantries, supporting community members in need with responsibly sourced nutrition. This approach reflects the founder's commitment to addressing the lack of healthy, affordable food options for individuals on the go.

Nutriati

Series A in 2017
Nutriati, Inc. is a company that specializes in researching, developing, and producing plant-based food products, primarily focusing on gluten-free chickpea protein and chickpea flour. Established in 2013 and headquartered in Henrico, Virginia, Nutriati offers functional plant-based ingredients that meet the growing consumer demand for high-protein and non-allergenic foods. Its products are designed to provide a clean taste profile and the necessary functional performance for various applications, including bread, baked goods, pasta, sauces, snacks, and non-dairy plant-based meat. By supplying these ingredients, Nutriati supports food companies in creating innovative products that cater to health-conscious consumers.

Beanfields

Acquisition in 2017
Beanfields is a food company based in Los Angeles, California, that specializes in creating rice and bean-based snacks. Founded in 2010, Beanfields offers a range of gluten-free, vegan, and allergy-friendly chips available in seven distinctive flavors. The company focuses on providing a nutritious alternative to traditional snacks made from corn, potato, and wheat. Each serving of their chips contains four grams of protein and four grams of fiber, allowing consumers to enjoy a tasty snack while maintaining their health. Beanfields is committed to promoting healthier eating habits and supporting sustainable practices that benefit families, farmers, and the environment.

Apeel Sciences

Series B in 2016
Apeel Sciences produces products including avocados, apples, mangos, cucumbers, and citrus protected by plants. They support the plant’s natural ability to protect against environmental stress by maintaining moisture and reducing oxidation.

Rebbl

Series D in 2016
REBBL, the name, is an acronym for roots, extracts, berries, bark and leaves – the various plant constituents we use to craft the world’s finest super herb Elixirs, utilizing the most revered traditional wellness plants on earth. REBBL exists to bring you the highest quality super herb powered beverages, to help you maintain your optimum state of balance and wellness.

Veggie Grill

Series E in 2016
Veggie Grill, Inc. operates a chain of vegetarian restaurants primarily located in California, Oregon, Washington, and Illinois. Established in 2005 and based in Los Angeles, the company focuses on offering a diverse menu that includes hot sandwiches, burgers, entrée salads, homestyle plates, daily soups, and housemade desserts, all prepared with plant-based ingredients. In addition to its restaurant services, Veggie Grill also provides catering for office lunches, parties, and picnics. The brand is recognized for its commitment to delivering craveable and comforting meals in a fast-casual dining environment, appealing to customers seeking wholesome and delicious plant-based options.

Beyond Meat

Series F in 2016
Beyond Meat, Inc. is a food company that specializes in manufacturing and selling plant-based meat products both in the United States and internationally. Founded in 2009 and headquartered in El Segundo, California, the company offers a diverse range of products, including burgers, sausages, ground beef, chicken, and meatballs, under various trademarks. Beyond Meat aims to address key global issues such as human health, climate change, resource constraints, and animal welfare by providing alternatives to traditional meat. Its products are crafted from simple, non-GMO ingredients, offering nutritional benefits such as higher or comparable protein levels, no cholesterol, and reduced saturated fat, without the use of antibiotics or hormones. The company distributes its offerings through a variety of channels, including grocery stores, mass merchandisers, convenience stores, restaurants, and schools.

Ripple Foods

Series B in 2016
Ripple Foods specializes in making non-dairy milk with just as much protein as milk and half the sugar. Ripple has 8x the protein of almond milk and half the sugar of dairy milk. It’s high in bioavailable calcium (50% more than milk), potassium and provides a good source of omega-3s. It’s lower in calories than milk and best of all, it has the creamy, delicious texture our dairy-free friends are missing. No more thin, chalky almond/ soy/ cashew milk. It was founded in 2014 and headquartered in Emeryville, California.

Solazyme

Post in 2016
Solazyme is a synthetic biology company that specializes in converting algal biomass into biofuels. Solazyme not only creates biofuels for the the transportation industry, but is experimenting with ways to tailor its products for the cosmetic and food industries.

Perennial

Seed Round in 2016
At Perennial, we believe in living healthier and thriving at any age. Our mission is to champion and enhance the lives of those who are Greater than 50 – by harnessing the power and potential of plant-based ingredients and developing solutions tailor-made for longevity in health. Through relentless innovation, we strive to reimagine adult nutrition across the globe and prepare our world for a generation of people redefining what it means to be Greater than 50.

Rebbl

Seed Round in 2016
REBBL, the name, is an acronym for roots, extracts, berries, bark and leaves – the various plant constituents we use to craft the world’s finest super herb Elixirs, utilizing the most revered traditional wellness plants on earth. REBBL exists to bring you the highest quality super herb powered beverages, to help you maintain your optimum state of balance and wellness.

Thrive Market

Series A in 2015
Thrive Market, Inc. is a membership-based online shopping platform founded in 2014 and based in Culver City, California. The company aims to make healthy living accessible and affordable by providing a wide range of high-quality, organic, and non-GMO products at wholesale prices. Thrive Market offers over 5,000 items across various categories, including food, health, beauty, home, and pet supplies, allowing customers to shop according to their dietary preferences and lifestyles. The platform serves both residential and commercial customers throughout the United States. In addition to its core mission, Thrive Market matches every paid membership with a free membership for someone in need, and has initiated programs like Thrive Gives, which raises funds to support food access and environmental sustainability initiatives.

Hail Merry

Series A in 2015
Hail Merry is a category redefining snack food company born out of the raw foods movement that celebrates the benefits of plant-based dietary fats. they especially love raw nuts for their sweet flavor and good fats, as well as organic virgin coconut oil for its energizing medium chain fats and luxurious mouth feel. Their national award winning and truly great tasting recipes are low- temperature dehydrated rather than baked or roasted at high temperatures, which protects the integrity of their consciously sourced raw oils and pure ingredients, offering an unparalleled freshness and taste experience.

Treasure8

Seed Round in 2014
Treasure8 is a regenerative food systems company based in San Francisco, California, focused on transforming the global food waste ecosystem to address food insecurity. Co-founded by Timothy Childs, the company develops and commercializes patented technologies that convert excess and imperfect produce into nutritious, long-lasting food products and ingredients. Additionally, Treasure8 incubates patent-pending technologies that repurpose production by-products, such as juicing leftovers, into viable food items. The company also implements technologies to create agricultural inputs and energy from food waste. With a multi-faceted approach, Treasure8 operates across various business verticals, including the development of its own food brands, sales and licensing of its technologies, and the planned production of new ingredients for both the food and nutraceutical markets.
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