Led · Equity · Aug 2026

Peppertux produces a range of pistachio-based products, including pistachio butters, Pistachio Creams, Pistachio Drizzle and Pistachio Squares, and launched at Natural Products Expo West. The company was founded and bootstrapped by Malia and Ahat Caskurlu and is based in Irvine, Calif. Peppertux’s go-to-market strategy focused first on independent retailers and regional grocery chains to drive strong consumer demand and retail performance before expanding into larger national accounts. Current retail traction includes expansion from 222 to more than 1,140 Target stores and new or expanded placements in Wegmans, H-E-B, Kroger and Albertsons. Following the bridge raise, the company plans to accelerate national retail expansion, pursue foodservice opportunities and introduce additional pistachio product extensions. The company’s financial position prior to the round was bootstrapped, and the new $2.35 million bridge round provides growth capital for these initiatives.

Participated · Series B · Mar 2026

Mezcla is focused on scaling a consumer packaged–goods brand, with a near-term emphasis on brand building and widening its distribution channels. The company plans to leverage newly raised capital to accelerate marketing initiatives and secure additional retail placements. Leadership highlighted the importance of entering Expo West with fresh funding to support these growth objectives. While specific revenue or user metrics were not disclosed, the recent financing indicates investor confidence in the company’s trajectory. Mezcla’s team and backers cite the brand’s momentum and market opportunity as key drivers behind this round. Future plans center on deeper market penetration and heightened consumer awareness. Management praised the internal team’s execution capabilities, underscoring an intent to continue rapid expansion.

Participated · Series A · Jul 2025

Little Sesame makes freshly spun, chef-driven hummus and related healthy snacks, and its products are USDA Organic, non-GMO Project Verified, and OU Kosher. Founded in 2016 by Nick Wiseman and Ronen Tenne and rooted in Washington, D.C., the brand launched its grocery-ready line in June 2021 and is now available in close to 3,000 stores nationwide. The company sources American organic chickpeas that are 100% regeneratively grown exclusively for the brand and aims to transition 10,000 acres to regenerative management by 2027. Little Sesame plans to open a 23,000-square-foot manufacturing facility with in-house High-Pressure Processing (HPP) and a test kitchen by the end of 2025 to support product innovation and scale production. The new facility is expected to increase production capacity by 400%, to produce up to 400,000 pounds of hummus per week. The brand has seen year-over-year growth surpassing 100%, added over 1,000 new retail doors in 2024, and contributed 46% of category growth at Whole Foods Market (L52W 6.8.25).

Led · Seed · Oct 2023

Tia Lupita Foods is a Mexican-inspired food brand founded by Hector Saldivar that sells signature hot sauces and sustainable products such as Grain-Free Cactus Tortilla Chips, Salsa Matcha and Cactus Tortillas. The company’s products are carried coast to coast at retailers including Whole Foods Market, Publix, HEB, Sprouts Farmers Market, Target, Walmart and Albertsons. Saldivar originated in Mexico and is now based in San Francisco. Early this year the company secured investment on Shark Tank from Kevin O’Leary. Tia Lupita intends to use recent funding to grow its team, accelerate new product development, and expand into new markets. No revenue or user metrics were disclosed in the article.