Thanksgiving is a time to appreciate food, surrounded by loved ones. On equity crowdfunding (ECF) platforms, investors also seem to appreciate food, as numerous food startups have raised funds online. This got us wondering: which types of food attract the most investment? We analyzed the amounts raised by food startups that began crowdfunding in January 2023 or later.
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The Meat, Seafood, and Dairy category tops the charts, with startups raising a combined $5 million since 2023. Notable contributors include Porter Road (raise open) and Plainview Beef (raise open), which offer high-quality, sustainable meat, and Painterland Sisters (raise closed), an organic yogurt brand. While these products aren’t groundbreaking, they cater to the growing segment of health-conscious consumers who prioritize sustainability and animal welfare.
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Snacks & Desserts lead in diversity, with 17 startups raising funds since January 2023. While many healthy snack brands emerged, indulgent options stole the spotlight: Scream Truck (raise closed), an ice cream startup, and Doughp (raise closed), a cookie company, each raised twice as much as their peers in this category. This suggests that, despite the health trend, investors still have a sweet tooth.
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Once a darling of the investment world, Plant-Based Foods raised only $1.3 million since 2023. The decline reflects a shift in consumer interest, as many startups in the space have struggled to maintain momentum following the initial craze in 2020-2021.
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Among the startups analyzed, Pacha (new raise open), a company producing healthy bread with minimal ingredients, stood out by raising $721,352 in 2023. While bread is a staple, Pacha’s success highlights the demand for healthier, ingredient-conscious innovations in everyday food products.
