The Consumer VC Roundup #64
Hey everyone,
I hope you all are having a great week. I’ll be in New York next week for The Whalies. Really excited to see meet and catchup with folks in the eCommerce world. If you happen to be in New York on 4/10-11, let me know! I’m also currently working on throwing more morning/coffee events to help bring the emerging consumer community together. If you’d like to help organize and/or sponsor one in your city – let’s chat. Below are the latest fundraises from this past week.
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💻Consumer Software💻
👁️ ViaLase, Inc., a clinical-stage medical tech company focused on addressing unmet needs in the conventional glaucoma treatment paradigm, announced that it has closed a $40M Series C funding round led by a new investor along with strong support from current investors, including Venture Investors Health Fund, Arboretum Ventures and Falcon Vision, an ophthalmology investment platform supported by KKR. PR Newswire
🎮 Elixir Games, a leading web3 gaming distribution platform backed by Square Enix, announced closing a $14M Seed funding round led by Square Enix, the Solana Foundation and Shima Capital, among other private entities to lead the way in creating a global gaming ecosystem that will launch later this year. PR Newswire
🧰 Wilko, the home and garden retailer, has launched wilkohire, described as “the ultimate tool and equipment hire service”, in a bid to make quick fixes and big renovations accessible to all. Retail Gazette
🌿 Clean Food Group (CFG), the UK-based biotech firm, has raised £2.5 million led by the UK VC Clean Growth Fund to accelerate the commercial launch of its yeast-derived, non-GMO alternative to palm oil by 2025. Vegconomist
👾 Midas Games, the skill-based and competitive game developer, received a $1 million Pre-Seed investment in a round led by Ludus Ventures. Tech EU
🛍️Consumer Brands / Inventory-Based Businesses🛍️
👚 Kidsy, a new Chicago-based e-commerce startup, aims to give consumers greater access to discounted baby and kids products by partnering with large brands, retailers and liquidation companies for their overstock and returns inventory. At the same time, it says, it can help prevent overstock and liquidation items from ending up in landfills to help the environment. Tech Crunch
🍫 Aloha, the plant-based protein bar, protein beverages, and protein powder company, is joining SemCap Food & Nutrition’s portfolio after SemCap invested $68 million to place a “significant minority stake” in the company. The investment of secondary capital also will buy out early angel investors, according to the company. Food Business News
🛒 Allies Of Skin, the premium skincare line, announced a $20 million investment round with the funds earmarked for a wide US expansion as it’s the brand’s first institutional raise, having previously taken investment from private investors. Business of Fashion
🛒eCommerce & Retail Tech🛒
🏠 Blueground, the largest global operator of furnished, flexible rentals for 30+ day stays, announced securing $45 million in Series D funding led by Susquehanna Private Equity Investments, LLLP (Susquehanna), along with WestCap. In addition, Blueground raised a debt facility from Barclays with participation from Morgan Stanley, Deutsche Bank and HSBC, which replaced its prior facilities with Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). The capital will be used to accelerate the development of Blueground’s technology and new strategic initiatives, fueling the company’s continued growth. Business Wire
🏪Distribution Expansion🏪
🥃 White Claw, the alcoholic beverages brand, announced the launch of Tequila Smash, which contains agave-based alcohol instead of the brand’s traditional malt alcohol base. The drink contains 100 calories and 5% alcohol-by-volume per can. It is available in four flavors: Strawberry Guava, Pineapple Passion Fruit, Mango Tamarind and Lime Prickly Pear. Food Dive
🥤 PepsiCo partners up with Unilever’s Lipton to launch ‘Pure Leaf Zero Sugar’ sweet tea as the latest beverage brand to introduce a no-sugar offering as more consumers look to curtail sugar or calorie consumption to improve their health. Food Dive
🥨 Jack Link’s, the meat snack manufacturer, has developed a new Dr Pepper-inspired beef jerky product as it’s infused with flavors reminiscent of the popular soda to create a blend of sweet and savory flavor notes. Food Business News
✨ OleHenriksen, the skin care brand, has launched its Banana Bright+ Instant Glow Moisturizer, which is clinically tested to improve the appearance of makeup, visibly brighten skin both instantly and over time, and reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. Global Cosmetic Industry