USA – Hemp CBD-infused sparkling water maker, Sweet Reason Beverage Co. has completed its seed investment round, raising US$2.5 million.

The funding round was led by New York venture capital firm Lerer Hippeau with participation from RiverPark Ventures, Max Ventures, Subversive Capital, alongside a strategic group of angel investors.

With the funding, the CBD beverage brand is looking to become the leading hemp and cannabis beverage business in North America.

The company said the new capital infusion will support company growth efforts through building a best in class sales team, growing brand awareness and creating a community of health-forward consumers.

“With Sweet Reason, we’re betting on a team that’s laser-focused on delivering superior quality and building a best-in-class brand,” said Lerer Hippeau’s Caitlin Strandberg.

“Hilary’s deep domain expertise in the food industry as well as her passion for health and wellness will accelerate Sweet Reason into a category leader.”

Launched in December 2018, Sweet Reason is a women-owned and operated beverage company creating quality CBD beverage on the market.

It was founded by Hilary McCain who drew her experience from the Boston Consulting Group, Maple Leaf Foods, Chobani, and Harvard Business School.

The brand, Sweet Reason is a refreshing, naturally flavored sparkling water infused with a highly bioavailable, water-soluble CBD that is CO2-extracted from organic Colorado hemp.

Available in over 200 New York and online retailers, the beverage is purposefully formulated for consumers to experience the health benefits of CBD without the detrimental effects of sugar.

It is available in 12 oz bottle, containing no sugar, sweeteners, sodium, carbohydrates or artificial ingredients and is just five calories.

“Sweet Reason’s mission is to be the leading hemp and cannabis beverage company in North America,” said Founder and CEO Hilary McCain.  

“We are thrilled to have completed our first capital raise, led by Lerer Hippeau.

“We have an incredible group of investors with deep consumer, cannabis and food industry expertise, which will help Sweet Reason bring the highest quality and best tasting CBD beverages to consumers across North America.”