/Investors

GroundForce Capital

Growth equity

Venice · Seed–Late Stage · 9 people tracked

Also known as GROUNDFORCE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC

Find your way into GroundForce Capital

601 people in our graph share verified history with the GroundForce Capital team — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.

Alex Malamatinasunlockedknows Dan Gluck · together at Weiss Multi-Strategy Advisers LLC (overlapped)
×2knows the team · via GroundForce Capital
×8knows the team · via BTIG
knows the team · via JDRF T1D Fund
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Investment thesis

GroundForce Capital invests in growth-stage consumer companies driving a generational shift in health and wellness. The firm backs bold brands, technologies, and services reshaping how people live, eat, and care for themselves, aiming to build healthier lives, stronger communities, and more conscious living. Beyond capital, it provides operating expertise and a broad network to help founders and operators scale breakout companies faster, smarter, and with greater impact.

Source: firm website, verified Sep 22, 2026.

Stage
Seed–Late Stage
Check
$10M – $35M
HQ
Venice, California, US
Leads rounds
Leads
Instruments
Equity
Founded
2015
Last 12 months
1 investment
AUM
$439.2M
Tracked investments
31
Unicorns
2
IPOs
1

Team · 9 people

from public directories
Eric Desai· Partnerin
Graham Garzon· Senior Associatein
Summer Farren· Associatein

Founder mafia

3 people who came through GroundForce Capital went on to found or lead other companies.

What they invest in

from 24 of 31 portfolio companies

FoodTech ×16Consumer ×13Direct to Consumer ×11Climate Tech ×7Wellness & Fitness ×7AgTech ×5AI & Machine Learning ×4Circular Economy ×3

HQs:United States×19

Who they back

founder profiles across 18 portfolio companies
28%
solo founders
5 of 18 mapped founding teams
38%
repeat founders
of 16 founders with career history

Founding team size:solo founder×52 founders×93 founders×4

Where their founders studiedfrom 19 founders with education data

Brown University ×2McGill University ×2Stanford University Graduate School of Business ×2Yale University ×2

What their founders studiedfrom 18 founders with field-of-study data

Engineering ×5Economics ×4Business & Management ×3Finance & Accounting ×2Humanities ×2

Where their founders worked beforefrom 16 founders with career history

UC Santa Barbara ×2

4 founders hold a PhD · 4 hold an MBA (of 20 with degree data)

Investments · 31 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path

By year:2025 · 12022 · 22018 · 12015 · 15 dated

Beyond Meatbeyondmeat.comin𝕏NASDAQ: BYND

Beyond Meat creates plant-based protein products, including burgers and other foods designed to provide nutritional value while supporting environmental sustainability and soil regeneration.

Advanced ManufacturingAgTechClimate TechFoodTechEl Segundo, US

Ethan Brown(Founder & CEO)Teri L. Witteman(Executive Officer)inJonathan Nelson(Executive Officer)Dariush Ajami, Ph.D.(Executive Officer)Drew Lufkin(Executive Officer)inJohn Boken(Executive Officer)

Co-investorsBlue Horizon CorporationCleveland AvenueCollaborative FundCPT CapitalDns CapitalEvolution VC Partners+16 more

REBBLrebbl.cominFeb 2018

REBBL produces ready-to-drink plant-based protein shakes and functional beverages sold direct to consumers, with flavors such as vanilla, cold brew latte, and dark chocolate.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechBerkeley, US

Palo Hawken(Director)Dave Batstone(Director)Sheryl O'Loughlin(Executive Officer, Director)in

BoardKuldeep Malkani(Director)Hugh Marquis(Director)Kim Perdikou(Director)

Board seatMark Rampolla· per SEC Form D

Co-investorsBIGR VenturesCAVU Venture PartnersCloudScale Capital ParntersPowerplant Ventures

SYSTM Foodssystmfoods.cominNov 2022

SYSTM Foods acquires and operates a portfolio of cold chain, better-for-you functional beverage brands, spanning categories like organic fair trade coffee, plant-based protein, and low/no sugar gut health drinks.

ConsumerFoodTechWellness & FitnessNewport Beach, US

Andy Fathollahi(Executive Officer, Director)Julian Chen(Executive Officer, Director)

BoardDaniel Gluck(Director)inGeorge W. Birman(Director)

Board seatGeorge BirmanMark Rampolla· per SEC Form D

Co-investorsPowerplant Ventures

Zicozico.comMar 2022

ZICO is a coconut water beverage brand offering 100% coconut water sourced from Nam Hom and premium coconuts in Southeast Asia and Thailand, marketed as a natural hydration drink with no added sugar.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerSeal Beach, US

Mark Rampolla(Secretary)Alan George(Chief Financial Officer)Christopher Gallant(Chief Executive Officer)inLogan Schwartz(Director)Tom Hicks(Executive Officer, Director)

BoardCharles Muth(Director)

Board seatMark Rampolla· per SEC Form D

Co-investorsRCV Frontline

Afresh Technologiesafresh.comin

Afresh builds AI-based demand forecasting, inventory management, and ordering software for grocery retailers, focused on fresh and perishable categories.

AI & Machine LearningCircular EconomyClimate TechEnterprise SoftwareFoodTechImpact & Social GoodRetail TechSaaS

Matt Schwartz(Founder)inNathan Fenner(Founder)in

Co-investorsBetter Food VenturesBlack Jays VenturesBright Pixel CapitalCaesar VenturesDesigner FundDoon Capital+12 more

Apeel Sciencesapeel.comin𝕏

Apeel Sciences develops plant-based coatings derived from fatty acids and glycerides—ingredients naturally found in plant peels and seeds—that are applied to fresh fruits and vegetables to extend shelf life, preserve flavor and nutrients, and reduce reliance on refrigeration, pesticides, waxes, and plastics.

AgTechCircular EconomyCleantechClimate TechFoodTech

LouJames Rogers(Founder)inJenny Du(Founder)in

Co-investors3cubed VenturesA-Rod CorpAgFunderAndreessen HorowitzBild Alternative Investments CorporationDBL Partners+17 more

Bobbiehibobbie.comin

Bobbie manufactures baby formula and builds workplace support for parents.

ConsumerFoodTechHealthtechWellness & FitnessSan Francisco, US

Laura Modi(Founder)in

BoardSarah Hardy(Director)Sara Adler(Director)

Co-investors1st Course CapitalBaukunstIngeborg InvestmentsLakehouse Venture PartnersNextView VenturesPrecursor Ventures+6 more

FIDO Techfido.techin

FIDO Tech develops smart water technology to detect and analyze leaks in water networks, serving water utilities.

AI & Machine LearningCleantechClimate TechIoT

Neil Edwards(CTO & Founder)inMitch Donnelly(CEO)inLisa Davis(Chief Financial Officer)inPhil Tomlinson(Chief Revenue Officer)in

Co-investorsEmerald Technology Ventures AgRKKVCSKion

Floodbasefloodbase.comin𝕏

Floodbase offers a parametric insurance platform that uses flood data and near real-time flood event monitoring to help insurers design, price, underwrite, and trigger flood coverage.

AI & Machine LearningClimate TechData & InfrastructureInsurTechBrooklyn, US

Bessie Schwarz(Co-founder)inBeth Tellman(Co-founder)in

BoardMarty Schneider(Director)Sasha Brown(Director)John Loser(Director)in

Co-investorsBURNT ISLAND VENTURESEcosystem Integrity FundFloating PointLOWERCARBONLowercarbon CapitalMercy Corps Ventures+4 more

Humm Kombuchahummkombucha.comin

Humm Kombucha produces canned, USDA Certified Organic kombucha drinks featuring probiotics, vitamin B12, and no added sugars.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerWellness & FitnessBend, US

Michelle Lynn Mitchell(Director, Promoter)Jamie Beth Danek(Executive Officer, Director, Promoter)Brian Jay Grossman(Executive Officer, Promoter)Eric Thomas Plantenberg(Executive Officer)

Co-investorsVMG Partners

HydroPointhydropoint.comin𝕏

HydroPoint provides smart water management technology, including subscription-based IoT solutions for irrigation and water efficiency, serving enterprise customers, municipalities, and public agencies.

AgTechCleantechClimate TechIoTSaaSPetaluma, US

Chris Spain(Co-founder)inPeter Carlson(Co-founder)inChris Manchuck(Co-founder)inSTEVE WILDE(Executive Officer)in

BoardPETER CALLAGHAN(Director)TEYMOUR BOUTROS-GHALI(Director)

Co-investorsEmerald Technology Ventures AgMontage CapitalStructural CapitalMonitor Ventures

KinderFarmskinderfarms.com

KinderFarms makes children's OTC medicine and hydration products, such as electrolyte solutions, formulated with cleaner ingredients like zinc, dextrose, and electrolytes and without artificial dyes.

Advanced ManufacturingConsumerDirect to ConsumerHealthtechWellness & FitnessRedondo Beach, US

Kristin Recchiutti(Executive Officer)Logan Schwartz(Director)Jeremiah Adams(Executive Officer, Director)Gregory Thomas Willsey(Director)Julianne Kur(Director)

BoardMark Rampolla(Director)

Co-investorsBreak Trail VenturesHabitat PartnersThe Family FundPowerplant Ventures

Liquid Deathliquiddeath.com

Liquid Death manufactures and sells sparkling energy drinks, iced teas, and flavored sparkling waters branded with horror-themed names and marketing.

ConsumerFoodTech

Mike Cessario(Founder)inJon-Ryan (J.R.) Riggins(Founder)in

Co-investorsBatshit Crazy VenturesConvivialité VenturesHinge CapitalJames Beshara FundLauder PartnersShrug Capital+4 more

Liveowynliveowyn.com

OWYN produces plant-based protein shakes marketed as allergen-friendly, dairy-free beverages with 32g of protein per serving and no added sugar or artificial sweeteners.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechWellness & Fitness

Partake Brewingdrinkpartake.comin

Partake produces non-alcoholic craft beers, including an IPA with citrus and bitterness notes at around 10 calories, aimed at consumers who want craft beer flavor without alcohol.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTech

Co-investorsAMBERSTONEBarrel VenturesCircleUp PartnersExport Development Canada (EDC)Natural Products Canada

Produce Payproducepay.comin𝕏

ProducePay operates a Predictable Commerce Platform for the fresh produce industry, connecting growers and buyers while providing capital, trading opportunities, supply chain visibility, and market insights.

AgTechFintechFoodTech

Pablo Borquez(Founder & CEO)inBen DusastreinPablo Borquez Schwarzbeckin

Co-investors500 GlobalAstanor VenturesDorm RoomDYDX CapitalEndeavor8G2 Venture Partners+12 more

Righteous Felonrighteousfelon.comin𝕏

Righteous Felon is a food brand that offers customizable bundles of snack products available through a subscription service with discounts and free shipping.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerE-commerceFoodTech

Ripple Foodsripplefoods.com

Ripple Foods makes plant-based milk, shakes, and half & half products from yellow peas, marketed as sustainable alternatives to dairy and other plant-based milks.

Climate TechConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechImpact & Social GoodBerkeley, US

Adam Lowry(Co-founder)Dr. Neil Renninger(Co-founder)

Co-investorsBloom8Evolution VC PartnersMaterial ImpactPrelude VenturesRadicle ImpactS2G Investments+4 more

Rock River Labrockriverlab.comin

Rock River Laboratory provides laboratory analysis and data management services for agricultural inputs including soil, plant tissue, feedstuffs, manure, and water, serving farmers, retailers, and industry partners.

AgTech

Don Meyer(Founder)inBill MeyerMarge MeyerKaren Meyer

Temperpacktemperpack.com

TemperPack designs and manufactures plant-based, plastic-free thermal packaging and insulation used to protect temperature-sensitive shipments such as frozen meals and vaccines.

Circular EconomyLogistics & Supply ChainNew MaterialsRichmond, US

Brian Powers(Cofounder)Charles Vincent(Co-founder)inPeter Wells(CEO)inSheryl Smith(CFO)Troy Hagenbuch(Head of ClimaCell Division & Engineering)inJessica Joyce(Commercial Leader)in

Co-investorsAliment CapitalArborview CapitalPontifax AgTechSJF VenturesThird Prime

Thistlethistle.coin𝕏

Thistle makes and delivers plant-forward, organic meals and juices designed for health and sustainability.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechImpact & Social GoodWellness & Fitness

Ashwin Cheriyan(Founder)inShiri Avnery(Founder)in

Co-investorsAtento CapitalBloom8Montage CapitalNew Ground VenturesSiddhi CapitalAlumni Ventures+1 more

Thrive Marketthrivemarket.com

Thrive Market is an online grocery delivery service offering non-GMO and clean label food products at discounted prices through a membership model.

Direct to ConsumerE-commerceFoodTechCulver City, US

Gunnar Lovelace(Executive Officer, Director)inNick Green(Founder)in

BoardDana Settle(Director)in

Co-investorsAlmanac InsightsBAM VenturesBY Venture PartnersDigi VenturesGreycroftHDS Capital+7 more

Trustwelltrustwell.comin𝕏

Trustwell provides a software platform and consulting services for food and beverage companies to manage compliance, food safety, recipe labeling, and supply chain transparency.

AI & Machine LearningEnterprise SoftwareFoodTechSaaS

Vive Organicviveorganic.comin

Vive produces cold-pressed, USDA organic wellness shots in variety packs formulated with functional ingredients like ginger, turmeric, and mushrooms.

ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechWellness & Fitness

Wyatt

Co-investorsBluestein VenturesBlueberry VenturesMonogram Capital PartnersPowerplant Ventures

Other

Tracked investments with no reachable website or further public details — typically companies that wound down, renamed, or were absorbed.

Hail MerryApeelGgiataOWYNPartakeRippleRTZN Brands

Rows marked “SEC filing” are inferred from directors named on the company's SEC Form D — public regulatory data, not a portfolio list published by the firm.

Exits · 1

1 IPOs

Beyond MeatNASDAQ: BYND

Frequently asked questions

How many investments has GroundForce Capital made?
GroundForce Capital has 31 tracked investments, 1 of which have exited, including 1 dated in the last 24 months.
What stage does GroundForce Capital invest at?
GroundForce Capital invests at the Seed, Growth, Late Stage stages.
What is GroundForce Capital's typical check size?
GroundForce Capital typically writes checks of $10M – $35M.
What sectors does GroundForce Capital focus on?
GroundForce Capital focuses on Consumer, Direct to Consumer, FoodTech, Healthtech, Wellness & Fitness.
Where is GroundForce Capital located?
GroundForce Capital is headquartered in Venice, US.
Does GroundForce Capital lead rounds?
Yes, GroundForce Capital leads investment rounds.
Who does GroundForce Capital co-invest with?
GroundForce Capital most often shares deals with S2G Investments, Emerald Technology Ventures Ag, Evolution VC Partners, among 107 tracked co-investors.

Media · Podcasts & interviews

featuring the team

Dan Gluck: GroundForce Capital's disciplined focus on returns and deep care about people and planet

Grand Slam Journey · Dan Gluck

Images

GroundForce Capital photo

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