Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨

The functional foods industry in Latin America is booming, driven by rising health awareness among consumers. This sector features companies offering products that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition, including fortified foods, plant-based options, and functional beverages. Innovations from startups and established brands are meeting demand for clean-label, nutrient-dense foods. As consumers seek convenient and health-oriented choices, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry is anticipated to expand furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r, with major players exploring new markets and enhancing product formulations. Climate-friendly ingredients and sustainability are also increasingly important, shaping Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ direction of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ sector.

The list of investors in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector consists of a mix of venture capital firms and corporate investors primarily located in major cities across Latin America. Companies range in size from small teams to large corporations, with founding years spanning from 1925 to 2022. In total, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se investors made around 80 deals in 2024, indicating strong interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing functional foods market. Noteworthy entities like Semillero Partners and Grupo Lala are driving investments that align with health trends, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ industry’s attractiveness for financial backing.

Top 17 Functional Foods Investors in Latin America

1. bossa invest

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 56
• LinkedIn:

Bossa Invest is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm specializes in investing in innovative startups, particularly in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ technology sector, but has also shown a significant interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food industry. Bossa Invest has been involved in several relevant transactions, including Banza, which raised $20 million to enhance its food service and brand development, and Liv Up, which raised approximately $5.8 million to expand its healthy meal offerings. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments include Made in Natural and Legurmê, both of which contribute to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods landscape. Bossa Invest not only provides capital but also strategic guidance and access to a network of co-investors, aiming to empower entrepreneurs and foster growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ startup ecosystem.

2. Moriah Asset

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

Moriah Asset is a corporate investor based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in technology and wellness, providing innovative tech solutions and health-related products aimed at health-conscious consumers and businesses. Moriah Asset has made several notable investments in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, including a $2 million investment in Naturanic, a company focused on health-oriented products, and participation in funding rounds for Desinchá, which offers wellness teas. They also invested in Oakberry, a brand known for its healthy food offerings. These transactions highlight Moriah Asset's commitment to enhancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ wellness and functional foods landscape through strategic investments.

3. Grupo Bimbo

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico
• Founded year: 1945
• Headcount: 10001+
• Number of deals in 2024: 4
• LinkedIn:

Grupo Bimbo, founded in 1945 and headquartered in Mexico City, is a leading global manufacturer of baked goods, including bread, pastries, and snacks. With a workforce of over 10,000 employees, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company is dedicated to providing convenient and nutritious options for consumers worldwide. In recent years, Grupo Bimbo has made strategic investments and acquisitions to enhance its presence in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods market. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y acquired Emmy's Organics, a US-based gluten-free cookie maker, which allows Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m to tap into Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ growing demand for healthier snack options. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir acquisition of Amaritta Food SL, a gluten-free bread producer in Spain, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r emphasizes Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to expanding Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector. Grupo Bimbo has also invested in innovative companies like Protera and Algama, which focus on developing sustainable and nutritious food solutions. This focus on health and wellness aligns with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir sustainability and community engagement goals, making Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨m a relevant investor in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods industry.

4. Veronorte

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sabanalarga, Antioquia, Colombia
• Founded year: 2012
• Headcount: 1-10
• LinkedIn:

Veronorte is a venture capital firm based in Sabanalarga, Antioquia, Colombia, founded in 2012. The firm focuses on sustainable development in Latin America, investing in early and growth-stage companies across various sectors, including energy, agriculture, and healthcare. Their mission is to facilitate access to sustainable opportunities and help businesses navigate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ regional market effectively. Notably, Veronorte has invested in several companies relevant to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, such as Nuritas, which raised $45 million in a Series B funding round to develop food-derived peptides for health benefits. They also participated in funding rounds for Shiru, a biotech start-up, and The EVERY Company, which focuses on sustainable food production. These transactions highlight Veronorte's commitment to supporting innovations that enhance health and nutrition, aligning with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods industry.

5. Santatera Capital

• Website: santatera.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
• Founded year: 2022
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 2
• LinkedIn:

Santatera Capital is a venture capital firm based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, founded in 2022. The firm specializes in investments within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Food & Beverage industry, particularly targeting early-stage startups that are innovating in food products and technologies. In 2023, Santatera Capital participated in several notable transactions, including a Series A funding round for Mezcla, a company known for its innovative nutrition bars, and a Seed funding round for Tia Lupita Foods, a brand focused on Mexican-inspired food products. These investments reflect Santatera's commitment to supporting businesses that align with health and wellness trends in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic focus on functional foods.

6. Semillero Partners LLC

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico
• Founded year: 2016
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Semillero Partners LLC is a venture capital firm based in San Juan, Puerto Rico, founded in 2016. The firm is dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Food & Beverage, Food Tech, and Wellness industries by providing investment capital and strategic guidance to help businesses grow sustainably. Their mission emphasizes collaboration and creating value for society. Notable transactions include a $5 million Series A investment in The Jackfruit Company, which focuses on plant-based food products, and a $1.8 million seed round for PRoduce, a company likely involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods space. These investments highlight Semillero Partners' commitment to supporting innovative companies within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector.

7. Kaszek

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 2011
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 17
• LinkedIn:

Kaszek is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2011. The firm focuses on investing in and supporting entrepreneurs across various technology-driven industries in Latin America. With a strong emphasis on long-term partnerships, Kaszek aims to foster a vibrant technology ecosystem in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ region. Notably, Kaszek has been involved in significant transactions within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, particularly with Liv Up, a Brazilian healthy foodtech startup. They participated in multiple funding rounds for Liv Up, including a Series A investment of $1.7 million in 2017, a Series C investment in 2019, and a Series D investment of $35.8 million in 2021. These investments highlight Kaszek's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods industry and its potential for growth in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Latin American market.

8. Kptl

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 2020
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

KPTL is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2020. With a team that has over 15 years of experience, KPTL has made more than 124 investments, focusing on innovative startups across various sectors. Notably, Kptl has invested in Ages Bioactive, which raised $1,474,845 in 2022, a company that specializes in bioactive compounds relevant to functional foods. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir portfolio includes oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r health-related companies, indicating a strategic interest in sectors that overlap with functional foods. Kptl provides not only capital but also strategic guidance to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se companies grow and succeed in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir respective markets.

9. Grupo Lala

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Rancho Playa, Veracruz, Mexico
• Founded year: 1950
• Headcount: 10001+
• LinkedIn:

Grupo Lala, S.A.B. de C.V. is a prominent food manufacturer based in Rancho Playa, Veracruz, Mexico, specializing in dairy and meat products. Founded in 1950, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ company has grown to employ over 10,000 people and has established a strong presence in both Mexico and international markets. Grupo Lala offers a diverse range of products, including milk, yogurt, cheese, and processed meats, catering to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ nutritional needs of consumers and businesses alike. Notably, Grupo Lala has made significant acquisitions to bolster its position in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ dairy sector, including Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Vigor Alimentos, a Brazilian dairy company, for approximately $1.83 billion in 2017, and Farmland Dairies in New Jersey, enhancing its distribution in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ U.S. market. These strategic moves, along with Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ acquisition of Laguna Dairy's U.S. branded business, demonstrate Grupo Lala's commitment to expanding its portfolio of value-added dairy products, which often fall under Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods category due to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir health benefits.

10. Order VC

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Order Venture Capital is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, that specializes in investing in early-stage consumer goods companies. Founded with a mission to support entrepreneurs and businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ consumer goods sector, Order VC provides not only capital but also management consulting and branding support to help Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se companies grow and establish strong market positions. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in Enova Foods and Enjoy Snacks, both of which are involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector. These investments indicate a potential interest in functional foods, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ specific nature of Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se companies' products is not detailed. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments include Monama and Forever Liss, which may not directly relate to functional foods but furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r illustrate Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir focus on consumer goods.

11. The Yield Lab LATAM

• Website: Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨yieldlablatam.com
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
• Founded year: 2017
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 5
• LinkedIn:

The Yield Lab LATAM is a venture capital firm based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, founded in 2017. It specializes in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ AgriFoodTech sector, investing in early-stage startups that tackle challenges within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agri-food industry. The firm not only provides capital but also supports its portfolio companies through governance, talent development, and fundraising assistance. Among its notable transactions, The Yield Lab LATAM invested in Heartbest Foods, which is likely involved in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods market, and Symbiomics, which raised funds in both seed and venture rounds. These investments highlight Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ firm's commitment to fostering innovation in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food sector, including areas that align with functional foods.

12. Crp

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil
• Founded year: 1981
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

CRP Companhia de Participações is an investment firm based in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil, specializing in private equity and venture capital. Founded in 1981, CRP has over 35 years of experience in providing capital and strategic support to small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as larger companies seeking growth. Their portfolio is diverse, including investments in various sectors. Notably, CRP has invested in Carobhouse, which raised $2,000,000 in a Series A round in January 2015 and an undisclosed amount in a subsequent private equity round in September 2015. This investment highlights CRP's engagement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, as Carobhouse focuses on health-oriented products. Additionally, CRP has participated in oÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments such as Grano Congelados and JA Saúde Animal, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir active role in supporting companies across different industries.

13. SP Ventures

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 2007
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 3
• LinkedIn:

SP Ventures is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2007. The firm specializes in investments in technology-driven solutions for Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agriculture and food sectors, supporting early-stage startups with capital and consulting services to foster innovation and growth. Their focus is particularly on addressing challenges within Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ AgFood value chain in Latin America. Notable transactions include Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Puna Bio, which raised funds for developing soybean seed treatments and expanding agricultural trials, highlighting Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in projects that can enhance food quality and production. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir investment in Pink Farms, an agrotech startup, furÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r demonstrates Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to advancing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ agricultural sector, which is closely related to functional foods.

14. Grupo Arancia

• Website: arancia.com.mx
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
• Founded year: 1925
• Headcount: 1001-5000
• Number of deals in 2024: 1
• LinkedIn:

Grupo Arancia, founded in 1925 and based in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico, operates in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food service, biotechnology, and natural extracts industries. The company specializes in providing high-quality ingredients and logistics solutions to businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and beverage sector, as well as enzymes for industrial applications. With a strong focus on sustainability and innovation, Arancia serves a diverse range of customers, ensuring reliable supply chains and product excellence. Notably, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y have invested in several companies relevant to functional foods, including iwi Life, which raised $10 million in Series A funding for health-focused products, and Qualitas Health, which also secured $10 million in Series A funding for nutritional solutions. These transactions highlight Arancia's commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector and its strategic investments in health-oriented companies.

15. Monashees

• Website:
• Type: Venture Capital
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 2005
• Headcount: 11-50
• Number of deals in 2024: 18
• LinkedIn:

Monashees is a venture capital firm based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, founded in 2005. The firm specializes in investing in technology-based companies across Latin America, providing not only funding but also support in talent acquisition, fundraising, and access to a network of industry experts. Among Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir notable transactions, Monashees has invested significantly in Fazenda Futuro, a Brazilian foodtech company focused on plant-based meat alternatives. They led Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ Series A round with an investment of $8.5 million in July 2019, followed by participation in subsequent funding rounds, including a $21.3 million Series B in September 2020 and a £42 million Series C in November 2021. These investments highlight Monashees' commitment to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector, particularly in promoting sustainable and innovative food solutions.

16. Kria

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
• Founded year: 2014
• Headcount: 11-50
• LinkedIn:

Kria is an investment platform based in Sao Paulo, Brazil, specializing in equity crowdfunding for startups and small businesses. Founded in 2014, Kria connects individual and institutional investors with high-potential companies seeking capital, democratizing access to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ private capital market. In recent transactions, Kria has participated in funding rounds for companies like Mais Mu, a food tech startup that raised $25M to expand its presence in Latin America, and Suprevida, a healthtech startup that raised R$ 4 million in seed funding, showcasing Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir engagement in sectors that intersect with functional foods. Their involvement in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se transactions highlights Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir commitment to supporting innovative businesses in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ food and health industries.

17. LIP Ventures Boutique

• Website:
• Type: Corporate
• Headquarters: Cuajimalpa, Mexico City, Mexico
• Founded year: 2019
• Headcount: 1-10
• Number of deals in 2024: 7
• LinkedIn:

LIP Ventures Boutique is a venture capital firm based in Cuajimalpa, Mexico City, founded in 2019. The firm specializes in providing funding and business development services to technology startups in Latin America, with a focus on connecting investors with high-potential opportunities. In 2024, LIP Ventures has made 7 investments, including notable transactions in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods sector. They participated in Ripple Foods' Series F funding round, a company known for its innovative plant-based dairy products, which are considered functional foods due to Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir health benefits. Additionally, Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨y invested in Ynsect, a company that produces insect protein, which is increasingly recognized for its nutritional value and sustainability. OÅ·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨r investments include Consumer Physics and Sweetch, although Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨se are less directly related to functional foods. Overall, LIP Ventures Boutique demonstrates a growing interest in Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ functional foods market through Å·²©ÌåÓýƽ̨ir strategic investments.

Functional Foods Insights: Key Investors in Latin America

Investor	Headquarter	Size	Founded	Deals 2024
	Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil	11-50	2011	56
	Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil	11-50	2019	5
	Mexico City, Mexico City, Mexico	10001+	1945	4
	Sabanalarga, Antioquia, Colombia	1-10	2012	0
Santatera Capital	Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico	1-10	2022	2
	San Juan, San Juan, Puerto Rico	1-10	2016	1
	Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil	11-50	2011	17
	Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil	11-50	2020	5
	Rancho Playa, Veracruz, Mexico	10001+	1950	0
	Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil	1-10		1
The Yield Lab LATAM	Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina	11-50	2017	5
	Porto Alegre, Rio Grande Do Sul, Brazil	11-50	1981	0
	Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil	1-10	2007	3
Grupo Arancia	Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico	1001-5000	1925	1
	Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil	11-50	2005	18
	Sao Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil	11-50	2014	0
	Cuajimalpa, Mexico City, Mexico	1-10	2019	7

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