News for February 29, 2025
Recent Transactions in the Nutrition and Health & Wellness Industry:
Uptime Energy acquires Rise Brewing Co.; new glass bottle line targets convenience stores
Uptime Energy, an energy drink company, has acquired cold brew coffee maker Rise Brewing Co., merging two independent brands into a unified platform. This strategic acquisition aims to diversify Uptime’s product offerings by incorporating Rise’s nitro cold brew coffees. In conjunction with the merger, Uptime is introducing a new glass bottle line specifically designed for convenience stores, expanding its retail footprint. The collaboration seeks to leverage both brand’s strengths, combining Uptime’s market presence with Rise’s innovative coffee products. This move reflects a growing trend in the beverage industry, where companies are broadening their portfolios to meet diverse consumer preferences. The financial terms of the acquisition have not been disclosed. |
Santatera Capital leads $2 million seed round for Refresh Gum
Refresh Gum, a plant-based, clean-label chewing gum brand, has secured $2 million in a seed funding round led by Santatera Capital, which contributed $1 million to the investment. Refresh Gum is recognized for its commitment to sustainability, offering products free from artificial additives and utilizing eco-friendly packaging. The funds will be allocated to scaling production, expanding distribution channels and enhancing marketing efforts to reach a broader audience. This investment aligns with the growing consumer demand for natural and environmentally conscious products in the confectionery industry. The company aims to disrupt the traditional gum market by providing a healthier and more sustainable alternative. |
Olipop secures $50 million in Series C funding to expand functional soda offerings
Buzzy functional beverage brand Olipop has successfully closed a $50 million Series C funding round, bringing the company’s valuation to $1.85 billion. The round was led by J.P. Morgan Private Capital’s Growth Equity Partners. Olipop is known for its prebiotic sodas that offer alternatives to traditional soft drinks, featuring low sugar content and gut-friendly ingredients. The new capital will be utilized to expand product development, enhance marketing efforts and broaden distribution networks. |
80 Acres Farms raises $115 million and acquires Plantae Biosciences to advance vertical farming
80 Acres Farms, a leader in vertical farming, has raised an additional $115 million in funding, increasing its total capital to over $370 million. The company also announced the acquisition of Israeli biotechnology firm Plantae Biosciences, aiming to enhance its focus on plant genetics tailored for indoor agriculture. This strategic move is expected to accelerate the development of crop varieties optimized for controlled environments, improving yield and nutritional value. The new funds will support the expansion of 80 Acres’ retail partnerships, the development of an ingredient supply channel and the scaling of its Kentucky farm operations. This initiative underscores the company’s commitment to integrating advanced biotechnology into its sustainable farming practices. |
Jitterless coffee brand Rarebird announces latest round of capital infusion
Rarebird, a coffee brand that purports to craft jitterless coffee, has secured a $1 million investment from Buffalo-based accelerator 43North. This funding will facilitate the relocation of Rarebird’s corporate headquarters to Buffalo, New York, positioning the company within a burgeoning startup ecosystem. The infusion of capital and strategic relocation is aimed to accelerate Rarebird’s market expansion and product development initiatives. |
Food Brewer nets funding from Lindt and Sparkalis for cocoa grown via plant cell culture
Zurich-based startup Food Brewer has secured $5.6 million in a seed extension round, bringing its total funding to $11.1 million. The investment was led by chocolate manufacturer Lindt & Sprüngli and Sparkalis, the corporate venture arm of Puratos. Food Brewer specializes in producing cocoa through plant cell culture technology, aiming to offer sustainable solutions amid concerns over cocoa supply due to climate change. The funding will enable Food Brewer to refine its proprietary technology, allowing cocoa production without traditional farming methods. The company also plans to explore commercial partnerships with global food manufacturers to integrate its sustainable cocoa into premium chocolate and confectionery products. |
Kynda raises $3.2M to expand mycelium-based meat production
German food tech startup Kynda has raised $3.2 million in seed funding to scale up its production of mycoprotein-based meat alternatives derived from upcycled food waste. The funding round was led by Enjoy Ventures, with participation from Clima Now and poultry giant PHW Group. Founded in 2019, Kynda utilizes submerged biomass fermentation to produce mycelium protein in just 48 hours, offering an alternative to traditional proteins. The investment will support the opening of a new facility near Hamburg, increasing production capacity to meet growing demand. Kynda’s protein aims to replace animal-derived proteins in meat and seafood alternatives. |
Unilever to acquire Wild
Consumer goods company Unilever has announced plans to acquire British personal care company Wild for $286 million. Founded in 2019, Wild specializes in refillable personal care products, focusing on sustainability and reducing single-use plastics. The brand’s deodorants, sold in compostable or refillable packaging, have gained a strong following among eco-conscious consumers. The acquisition aligns with Unilever’s commitment to sustainability and expands its portfolio of environmentally friendly brands. Wild has experienced rapid growth, driven by direct-to-consumer sales and a retail presence in major UK supermarkets. |
Disclaimer: NCN does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, or timeliness of any NCN news item. Before relying on any NCN News item the information should be independently verified.
News for February 29, 2025
Upcoming Events
October 29, 2024 | Mandalay Bay Convention Center | Las Vegas, NV
November 6 – 7, 2024 | Golden Gate Club at the Presidio | San Francisco, CA
