1st Course Capital
Venture capital4 people tracked
Investment thesis
The firm invests in entrepreneurs driving systemic change within the food system, with a focus on creating positive outcomes for both human health and environmental sustainability.
Source: firm website, verified Jul 21, 2026.
Team · 4 people
from the firm's websiteSerial entrepreneur with experience serving as board member and advisor to early-stage companies. Holds BS in Electrical Engineering and Mathematics from Carnegie Mellon University.
Experienced leader in food, agriculture, and nutrition policy and regulatory affairs with board memberships and investments in early-stage food system companies. Educated at Boston University (BA) and University of California, Berkeley (MPP).
VP of International Business Development at Inspire Brands and founder of Circle Alliances, a growth strategy firm for scaling innovative brands. Held senior leadership roles at multiple U.S. restaurant concepts and spent 23 years in various roles at Starbucks across the U.S. and internationally.
President of the Culinary Institute of America with global leadership experience at Google and Starwood Hotels & Resorts. Holds an MBA from University of Bradford UK and advanced degrees including an Executive MSc from University of Denver and MS in Hotel and Operations Administration from UNLV.
What they invest in
from 18 of 30 portfolio companiesFoodTech ×12Consumer ×9Healthtech ×6Circular Economy ×4Wellness & Fitness ×4Direct to Consumer ×3SaaS ×3B2B Marketplaces ×2
HQs:United States×4Australia×1
Investments · 30 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. The company combines food access with personalized support to help individuals manage their health through dietary intervention.
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. The company leverages precision science and technology to improve patient outcomes in this healthcare sector.
Digital HealthHealthtechMedical DevicesBeverly Hills, US
R. Swamy Venuturupalli(MD, FACR, Founder)
BlueCart is a wholesale management platform that connects food and beverage distributors with restaurants, cafes, hotels, and foodservice businesses. The platform provides digital storefronts, order management, inventory, invoicing, and CRM tools for distributors to manage their wholesale operations.
B2B MarketplacesFoodTechSaaS
Infant formula produced using clean and transparent ingredients
Bobbie manufactures baby formula and builds workplace support for parents. The company serves parents and their families while advocating for changes in infant feeding practices.
ConsumerFoodTechHealthtechWellness & Fitness
Founded by Moms, Led by Moms<UNKNOWN>
Transforming women's health with evidence based nutrition for body and mind
A company offering personalized supplement recommendations for women through a quiz-based matching system covering fertility, prenatal, postpartum, and hormone balance categories.
FemTechHealthtech
Dispatch Goods operates a reverse logistics platform that enables businesses to implement reusable container systems and circularity in their operations. The company serves restaurants and other businesses seeking to reduce waste from single-use products.
Circular EconomyClimate TechE-commerceFoodTechLogistics & Supply ChainSan Francisco, US
Lindsey Hoell(Founder & CEO)
Reverse logistics company offering re-usable packaging for restaurant delivery and takeout
Lumen produces nutrient-dense beverages formulated with bioactive superfoods and marketed as healthy drink options. The company sources ingredients from regenerative farms that exceed organic standards.
ConsumerFoodTechWellness & Fitness
Yasir Hashim(Co-founder & CEO)Kris
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. The company provides seedpods, nutrients, and remote monitoring via machine learning to automate the growing process for residential customers.
FoodTechHardwareIoT
GlacierGrid provides smart energy management software that monitors and optimizes HVAC and refrigeration systems to reduce energy consumption and costs. The platform serves businesses seeking to lower operational expenses while reducing environmental impact.
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)
PATH makes refillable aluminum water bottles designed to reduce single-use plastic waste. The bottles are BPA-free, durable, and infinitely recyclable.
Circular EconomyConsumer
A reimagined pasta brand featuring well-sourced, better-for-you ingredients
Goodles produces snacks and gives away at least 1% of products sold to organizations addressing food insecurity, focusing on supporting children's nutrition and well-being.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechImpact & Social GoodSocial
Ellement produces personalized prenatal supplements customized monthly to individual nutritional needs from preconception through postpartum. The products are formulated with 30+ key nutrients, free from common allergens and fillers, and manufactured in small batches in the USA.
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. The brand serves health-conscious consumers seeking authentic, high-polyphenol ingredients and beauty products.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechWellness & Fitness
Katerina(Founder)Kostas
Great tasting wellness shots powered by climate-friendly superfoods
Building the future of dog care
Maev produces raw, fresh dog food made with human-grade USDA protein and formulated by PhD veterinary nutritionists. The company targets dog owners seeking premium, minimally processed nutrition for their pets.
ConsumerFoodTechHealthtech
<UNKNOWN>
Better-for-you, Keto-friendly whipped cream and dispensing innovation
The first certified refillable and recyclable bottled water packaged in a sleek aluminum container
Plant Provisions makes plant-based deli slices from chickpeas and vegetables, designed as alternatives to traditional cold cuts for sandwiches. The company sources ingredients from sustainable farms and targets consumers seeking minimally processed, plant-based food options.
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. The company targets consumers seeking functional beverages without artificial additives.
Circular EconomyConsumerFoodTech
Lars
Whipnotic produces whipped cream infused with fruit juices and flavor essences using patented technology. The product serves consumers seeking healthier, more flavorful alternatives to traditional whipped cream.
ConsumerFoodTech
TracyLori
Frequently asked questions
- What sectors does 1st Course Capital focus on?
- 1st Course Capital focuses on AgTech, FoodTech, Impact & Social Good.
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