USA – Manna Tree Partners, a Colorado-based investment firm that invests in food companies focused on human health and wellbeing, has raised US$141.5 million for its first fund, Manna Tree Partners Fund I, L.P.
Manna Tree Partners was founded in 2018 by Gabrielle Rubenstein, Chief Executive Oficer; Ross Iverson, Chief Inevstment Officer; and Brent Drever, Choef Operating Officer.
Manna Tree Partners CEO Gabrielle noted that as the demand for healthy food is rising dramatically, the capital raised will be investing in companies that produce, process and distribute healthy food.
The Fund attracted 131 investors in 18 countries from around the world, including private wealth managers, corporate venture partners, family offices and high net worth individuals. The investment firm noted that 30% of investors in the fund are women.
“We are grateful to our investors for their confidence and commitment,” Gabrielle said commenting on the funds raised.
“We are proud to partner with sophisticated investors from around the world who agree that now is a great time to invest in companies that promote nutrition and the concept of food as medicine,” he added
Manna Tree Partners Chief Investment Officer, Ross Iverson said that the firm envision significant on-going opportunity in the health and wellbeing sector as consumers are becoming more educated on the pillars of optimal health and longevity.
Manna Tree Partners invests in an organization’s ability to provide sustainable and traceable ingredients in the marketplace. With the right capital structure, the firm says its investments can scale while preserving the integrity of their ingredients.
To date, Manna Tree Partners has invested in four companies including Vital Farms, the largest national brand of pasture-raised eggs that support small farmers and the healthiest animal welfare standards in the industry.
The company has also invested in MycoTechnology, a sugar inhibitor ingredient company using mushroom protein to create healthier consumer products and Nutriati, a developer and manufacturer of proprietary plant-based ingredients.
Other investments include in Verde Farms, a provider of industry leading environmental practices, and healthy 100% grass-fed, 100% pasture-raised, organic beef for retail, club, and foodservice customers.
“We are pleased with our investments to date, four companies focused on nutrition and a healthy food supply chain,” Ross said.
According to Ross, the new fund harnesses Manna Tree’s deep expertise and global network to source promising investments and create value for portfolio company customers and fund investors.
“Our pipeline of promising investments is full as we focus on making the final 6-8 investments from Fund I,” the CIO revealed.
The investment firm maintains that it works with international organizations and individuals who have a deep commitment to sourcing their own food for the improvement of human health.
