In This Issue:
- Food Venture Financing Trends
- CPG Corporate Venture and Private Equity Funds
- Links to Relevant Content and Events
Food Venture Financing Trends
- Plantible, a functional protein emerging brand, announced that it raised $30 million in its Series B round.
- Elicit Plant, an agritech startup that develops biosolutions for broadacre crops, announced that it raised 45 million Euros.
- General Mills plans to acquire Whitebridge Pet Brands’ North American pet treat business for $1.45 billion.
- Shiru, an AI-solutions startup focused on protein discovery, raised $16 million in its Series B round.
CPG Corporate Venture and Private Equity Fund
This week's featured corporate venture and private equity fund is BRF S.A.
- BRF S.A., based in Brazil, is one of the largest global food companies. It has nearly 100,000 employees in 120 countries.
- BRF offers more than 3,000 products, with emphasis on flavor and quality.
- Some of the portfolio companies include:
- Claybom
- Banvit
- Deline
- Borella
- Qualy
- Sadia
- Bom Sabor
- Confidence
- Kidelli
Links to Relevant Content and Events
ARTICLES
- US Impact Investor Acumen Catalyzes $1.5 Billion in Climate Finance for Smallholder Farmers
- Plantible Foods Raises $30 Million Series B to Scale Duckweed Protein, Deliver on ‘Multi-Million Dollar Offtake Agreements’
- Shiru raises $16 Million Series B to Expand AI-Powered Ingredient Discovery Platform
- General Mills to buy Whitebridge’s US Pet Food Business for $1.45 Billion
- Wonder to Acquire Grubhub for $650 Million
UPCOMING EVENTS
Naturally New England
Rise & Thrive: Business as a Force for Justice
Tuesday, December 3 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. ET
Location: Village Wine and Coffee, Shelburne Road 5288, Shelburne, VT
Join Naturally New England for Business as a Force for Justice: Activism in Your Brand Mission, an exclusive speakeasy conversation with Ben Cohen, cofounder of Ben & Jerry's and lifelong advocate for social change. Ben will dive into how businesses can move beyond profit-driven models to intentionally integrate activism into their core mission, creating brands that stand for justice and drive meaningful impact.
From leveraging your brand voice to mobilizing for change, this intimate talk will reveal the strategies and principles that guided Ben & Jerry's unique approach to activism and the lessons it offers for today's mission-driven businesses. Whether you're a founder, entrepreneur, or advocate, come prepared to gain insight, ask questions, and explore how you, too, can make your business a true force for justice.
Naturally New York
Propel Your Growth: Year-End Strategies for Minimizing Tax Liabilities
Tuesday, December 3 | 2:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. ET
As the year comes to a close, it's time to ensure your company is positioned for success in 2025. Join Naturally New York and Anchin for a year-end webinar packed with actionable insights. Discover essential strategies for optimizing financial performance, minimizing tax liabilities, and navigating compliance challenges. Whether you're scaling up or fine-tuning your business, this webinar will provide the tools and knowledge you need to drive growth and thrive in the year ahead. Don't miss this opportunity to set your business on the right course!
Agenda:
- Strategic Tax Planning for Growth
- Leveraging Tax Incentives and Credits
- Compliance and Financial Reporting Tips
Speakers:
- Megan Klingbeil, Partner and Co-Leader of the Beauty, Health, and Wellness Group at Anchin
- Brent Lessey, Partner and Tax Leader of the Consumer Products Group at Anchin
- Laura Mirro, Senior Tax Manager at Anchin
Naturally New York
The Holiday Bazaar, presented by Bank of America
Wednesday, December 11 | 4:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET
Location: Home Studios Inc., 873 Broadway, 4th floor, New York, NY
Join Naturally New York community members and CPG industry professionals for a festive evening of networking and holiday cheer inspired by the iconic Bryant Park Holiday Shops.
Here's what to expect at our most anticipated event of the year...
- Professional Networking: Connect with 250+ attendees from our vibrant community!
- Holiday Marketplace: Shop, sample, and take home products from our curated marketplace featuring 40+ Natural Brand Members!
- Delicious Treats: Enjoy complimentary food, refreshments, & cocktails!
- Live Entertainment: MC, Photobooth, Mentalist, and some very Special Guests!
Naturally Colorado
Colorado Food Works & Naturally Colorado Ugly Sweater Holiday Party *Members Only*
Wednesday, December 11 | 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. MT
Location: Little Man Ice Cream, 4411 West Colfax Avenue, Denver, CO
Join Naturally Colorado for their Ugly Sweater Holiday Party and Food Drive with food and drink for all. In addition to purchasing your ticket(s), we ask that you bring food donations of your own product, purchase at the store, or we will purchase for you with an add on ticket of $15 or $30.
This event is open to Naturally Colorado and Colorado Food Works members only. If you would like to attend but are not a current member of Naturally Colorado, you can join here.
Naturally Minnesota
Holiday Happy Hour
Thursday, December 12 | 6:00 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. CT
Location: 411 N. Washington Ave, Ste. 500, Minneapolis, MN
Join Naturally Minnesota for one of the biggest networking events of the year, as Naturally Minnesota brings together our entire ecosystem to celebrate the thriving natural products industry. Whether you're a founder, investor, retailer, industry employee, or simply passionate about food, ag, and CPG, this is your chance to connect, share insights, and toast to a successful year with hundreds of like-minded individuals.
In addition to fostering valuable connections, this year's Holiday Happy Hour will showcase a diverse range of brands from across Minnesota, including exciting innovations from Greater MN, who will be sampling and selling their products. This is a unique opportunity to meet brand founders, support businesses not typically represented at Twin Cities based events, and discover new favorites.
Naturally San Diego
Holiday Coffee (+ Tea!) and Convos
*Members Only*
Friday, December 13 | 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. PT
Location: Chuao Chocolatier, 2350 Camino Vida Roble, Carlsbad, CA
We will have dedicated tables where you can display and give away your product and/or coupons.
There will be a donation drive for Bridge of Hope.
Click here to learn how to become a member!