Participated · Series A · Aug 2018

Good Catch produces plant-based seafood products created by chef partners and brothers Chad and Derek Sarno and is owned by Gathered Foods. The company closed an oversubscribed Series B funding round with net proceeds totaling over $32 million. Management says the funds will be used to expand distribution across North America, Europe and into Asia. Proceeds will also support the opening of a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility and new product and food-service channel launches in early 2020. Company leadership and investors described the round as recognition of Good Catch’s strategy and strong consumer reception. Quotes in the coverage emphasize growing consumer demand for plant-based alternatives as a driver for the raise. Good Catch Foods produces plant-based seafood using a special “six-bean blend” of pea, soy, chickpea, lentil, fava, and navy beans to recreate fish-like products such as fish-free tuna, crab-free cakes, and fish-free sliders. The company is based in Newton, Pennsylvania. Its product line targets sustainable alternatives to seafood with a stated mission to preserve the ocean’s natural resources while introducing enjoyable seafood choices. The article says the business aims to benefit both consumers and the environment through these products. Good Catch received $8.7 million in capital funding to advance its sustainability mission. Investors in the round are described as interested in helping save the ocean’s ecosystem.

Led · Series A · May 2018

Rael offers a line of personal care products centered on clean period care and broader women’s wellness, using natural and sustainable materials. Its products are manufactured using South Korean manufacturing technology and designed by a development team based in South Korea. The company sells direct-to-consumer at getrael.com and through major retailers including Amazon, Target, Walmart, CVS, and Walgreens. Led by CEO Yanghee Paik, Rael positions itself as a 360° holistic solution for modern women. The company has raised $59M in total funding since its 2017 founding and plans to continue product innovation, expand its women’s wellness offerings, accelerate retail growth, invest in brand and trade marketing, and advance global expansion. Rael is a women’s personal-care brand founded in 2016 in the U.S. by three Korean women, known for ranking No.1 on Amazon in the sanitary-pad category. The company expanded to South Korea in 2018 and has since entered 15 markets. In 2018 Rael raised a Series A of 200억원 (KRW 20 billion) from investors including SoftBank Ventures, a GS Retail–Mirae Asset joint fund, and Lotte Shopping. Last year Rael recorded 200% year‑over‑year revenue growth. The company recently secured a new investment from Unilever Ventures and plans to accelerate distribution expansion into China and Latin America. Rael sells primarily through e-commerce and retail channels as it scales its international footprint. Rael produces organic cotton pads and pantyliners (both #1 Amazon Best Sellers in their categories), biodegradable cardboard and non-applicator tampons, and a "Period Beauty" line of facial sheet masks and acne healing patches. Launched in 2017 and based in Orange County, CA, the company was founded by three female co‑founders: Aness An, Binna Won, and CEO Yanghee Paik. Rael positions itself around healthier, chemical‑free alternatives to conventional feminine care products and consumer education. The company emphasizes comfort and performance while expanding its product assortment beyond period basics. Rael plans to use new funding to grow its DTC site GetRael.com, pursue global expansion, and explore partnerships with major brick‑and‑mortar retailers. The article does not disclose revenue or user metrics. Rael develops feminine hygiene and feminine care products. The company is based in Buena Park. Rael disclosed it raised $2.1M in a pre-Series A funding round. The funding came from SoftBank Ventures Korea and Thrive Market Ventures. Thrive Market Ventures is the venture capital investment arm of Los Angeles-based Thrive Market, which has been making investments in companies related to its organic food and products. Thrive Market's first investment was in March in organic snacks maker Square Organics.