1st Course Capital
Venture capitalRedwood City Β· Pre-SeedβSeries A Β· 4 people tracked
Investment thesis
1st Course Capital invests in exceptional entrepreneurs building companies that transform the food system. The firm's focus centers on advancing a food system that is healthier for both people and the planet, backing founders driving change across food and agriculture. It also shares thoughts, learnings, and outside perspectives relevant to this mission.
Source: firm website, verified Aug 3, 2026.
Team Β· 4 people
from the firm's websiteWhat they invest in
from 18 of 25 portfolio companiesFoodTech Γ12Consumer Γ9Healthtech Γ6Circular Economy Γ4Wellness & Fitness Γ4Direct to Consumer Γ3SaaS Γ3AgTech Γ2
HQs:United StatesΓ7AustraliaΓ1
Investments Β· 25 tracked
founders shown can be your intro pathAgriDigital builds digital and capital infrastructure for grain and fertilizer supply chains, connecting agribusinesses through a technology platform and inventory financing solutions.
AgTechB2B MarketplacesSaaSAustralia, AU
Emma Weston(Co-founder)Ben Reid(Co-founder)Bob McKay(Co-founder)
Attane Health provides nutritious groceries and educational resources tailored for people with chronic health conditions.
Digital HealthFoodTechHealthtechWellness & Fitness
Emily Brownin
Attune Health combines genomics, proteomics, and metabolomics with functional nutrition and lifestyle modification to treat people with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Digital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesBeverly Hills, US
R. Swamy Venuturupalli(MD, FACR, Founder)
Dispatch Goods operates a reverse logistics platform that enables businesses to implement reusable container systems and circularity in their operations.
Circular EconomyClimate TechE-commerceFoodTechLogistics & Supply ChainSan Francisco, US
Lindsey Hoell(Founder & CEO)
Lumen produces nutrient-dense beverages formulated with bioactive superfoods and marketed as healthy drink options.
ConsumerFoodTechWellness & Fitness
Yasir Hashim(Co-founder & CEO)
Personalized prenatal supplements and customized support
Farmshelf manufactures at-home hydroponic indoor garden systems that enable consumers to grow fresh leafy greens and herbs without pesticides or plastic packaging.
AgTechFoodTechHardwareIoTSan Francisco, US
ANDREW JAMES SHEARER(Executive Officer, Director)MANAN RAJESH GANDHI(Executive Officer, Director)
GlacierGrid provides smart energy management software that monitors and optimizes HVAC and refrigeration systems to reduce energy consumption and costs.
AI & Machine LearningCleantechClimate TechEnergySaaSRichmond, US
Manik Suri(Founder and CEO)Gerald Zingraf(Chief Operating Officer)Liz Piontkowski(VP of Operations)Alex See(VP of Product)
A reimagined pasta brand featuring well-sourced, better-for-you ingredients
Ellement produces personalized prenatal supplements customized monthly to individual nutritional needs from preconception through postpartum.
FemTechHealthtech
Kosterina produces extra virgin olive oil and organic Mediterranean food products sourced from southern Greece, alongside natural skincare leveraging olive oil for hydration and antioxidant benefits.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechWellness & Fitness
Katerina(Founder)Kostas
Great tasting wellness shots powered by climate-friendly superfoods
Maev produces raw, fresh dog food made with human-grade USDA protein and formulated by PhD veterinary nutritionists.
ConsumerFoodTechHealthtech
Boston, US
Yi Chen(Executive Officer, Director)
BoardSteve Fredette(Director)Marcia Hooper(Director)Nicholas Belsito(Director)Kevin King(Director)
Better-for-you, Keto-friendly whipped cream and dispensing innovation
PATH makes refillable aluminum water bottles designed to reduce single-use plastic waste.
Circular EconomyConsumer
Plant Provisions makes plant-based deli slices from chickpeas and vegetables, designed as alternatives to traditional cold cuts for sandwiches.
Circular EconomyConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTech
Mike
Sparkling energy drink made with natural, functional and sustainably produced ingredients
Up To Good produces a sparkling beverage made from coffee fruit, a byproduct of coffee production, positioning it as a natural energy source with clean ingredients.
Circular EconomyConsumerFoodTech
Lars
Frequently asked questions
- What stage does 1st Course Capital invest at?
- 1st Course Capital invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
- What sectors does 1st Course Capital focus on?
- 1st Course Capital focuses on AgTech, FoodTech, Impact & Social Good.
- Where is 1st Course Capital located?
- 1st Course Capital is headquartered in Redwood City, US.
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