Fundraising FoxGroundForce Capital
Growth equityVenice · Growth · 9 people tracked
Also known as GROUNDFORCE CAPITAL MANAGEMENT, LLC
Find your way into GroundForce Capital
Sign up to see every warm intro you have to GroundForce Capital
- Paths you didn't know you had: your email and LinkedIn already hold routes to the GroundForce Capital team. We find them for you
- 2nd- and 3rd-degree connections: the friend-of-a-friend routes that take hours to manually find through your inbox or LinkedIn
- Answers now, not in days: momentum is everything in a raise. Skip asking around whether someone knows someone
Days of research, done the moment you sign in, with every route ranked by how warm it is.
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 Oct 13, 2026.
Team · 9 people
from public directories
Dan Gluck is the Managing Partner and Co-Founder of GroundForce Capital, where he oversees investment strategy, portfolio management, and business development, and serves on the boards of several portfolio companies. He has over 20 years of experience in investment management, including 14 years as a Portfolio Manager and Partner at the hedge fund Weiss Multi-Strategy Advisers. He also co-founded Health Warrior, which was acquired by PepsiCo in 2018.
Kelly Byrne is a consumer investor who spent over four years at GroundForce Capital, a consumer growth equity firm with $600M in assets under management, where she worked on the firm's investments in Bobbie, Righteous Felon, and Partake Brewing and served as a board observer for Bobbie, ZICO Coconut Water, The Coconut Collaborative, and Partake Brewing. She began her career at Citigroup in Chicago, covering M&A, debt, and equity transactions in the Industrials group. Byrne also runs Who You Become, an interview series featuring consumer brand founders and operators.
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 companiesFoodTech ×18Consumer ×13Direct to Consumer ×11Wellness & Fitness ×8Climate Tech ×7AgTech ×5AI & Machine Learning ×4Circular Economy ×3
HQs:United States×19
Who they back
founder profiles across 18 portfolio companiesFounding team size:solo founder×52 founders×73 founders×54+ founders×1
Where their founders studiedfrom 17 founders with education data
Brown University ×2Stanford University Graduate School of Business ×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 14 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 pathBy year:2025 · 12022 · 22018 · 12015 · 15 dated
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)inTeri 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 CapitalDirlangoDns Capital+19 more
REBBL makes plant-based protein shakes, including a chocolate flavor with 32 grams of pea protein, low sugar, prebiotic fiber, zinc, Reishi mushroom extract, and coconut-derived MCTs.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechWellness & FitnessBerkeley, 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 Consumer PartnersCloudScale Capital ParntersPowerplant Ventures
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
ZICO produces organic coconut water made from a single ingredient, Nam Hom coconuts sourced from Thailand, with no added sugar.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechSeal 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 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+16 more
.jpeg){kind=logo}
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 HorowitzATEL VenturesBild Alternative Investments Corporation+21 more
Bobbie manufactures baby formula and builds workplace support for parents.
ConsumerFoodTechHealthtechWellness & FitnessSan Francisco, US
Laura Modi(Co-founder & CEO)in
BoardSarah Hardy(Co-founder)inSara Adler(Director)
Co-investors1st Course CapitalBaukunstIngeborg InvestmentsLakehouse Venture PartnersNextView VenturesPrecursor Ventures+5 more
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
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(Founder)inBeth Tellman(Founder)in
BoardMarty Schneider(Director)Sasha Brown(Director)John Loser(Director)in
Co-investorsBURNT ISLAND VENTURESCollaborative FundEcosystem Integrity FundFloating PointLowercarbon CapitalMercy Corps Ventures+3 more
Humm Kombucha produces canned kombucha beverages, including a limited-edition Original Lemon Lime flavor made with organic citrus juices, 0g added sugar, 35 calories, and added Vitamin B12.
ConsumerDirect to ConsumerFoodTechWellness & 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
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 AgGHC Fintech SPVMontage CapitalStructural CapitalMonitor Ventures
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 VenturesEvolution VC PartnersHabitat PartnersThe Family FundPowerplant Ventures
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 VenturesCapital B Private HoldingsConvivialité VenturesFeldsmith CapitalHinge CapitalJames Beshara Fund+9 more
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
Co-investorsGroundswell VenturesTerpsi Capital
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
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 GlobalArena VenturesAstanor VenturesDorm RoomDYDX CapitalEndeavor8+15 more
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(Founder)Dr. Neil Renninger(Co-founder)Neil Renninger(Founder)
Co-investorsBloom8Collaborative FundEvolution VC PartnersFall Line CapitalGV (Google Ventures)Material Impact+9 more
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
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 CapitalGHC Fintech SPVInterplay Ventures Early Stage Management LlcPontifax AgTechRevolution+3 more
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-investorsAlumni VenturesAtento CapitalBloom8Montage CapitalNew Ground VenturesSiddhi Capital+3 more
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)inSasha Siddhartha(Founder)inKate Mulling(Founder)
BoardDana Settle(Director)in
Co-investorsAlmanac InsightsBAM VenturesBY Venture PartnersDigi VenturesGreycroftHDS Capital+13 more
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 IPOsBeyond MeatNASDAQ: BYND
Portfolio news
latest coverage across their companies
Beyond Meat · en.wikipedia.org · Sep 7, 2026
Liquid Death · en.wikipedia.org · Aug 21, 2026
Afresh Technologies · finsmes.com · Apr 22, 2026
Trustwell · thesaasnews.com · Jan 7, 2026
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 Growth stage.
- 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 GHC Fintech SPV, Collaborative Fund, Evolution VC Partners, among 138 tracked co-investors.
Media · Podcasts & interviews
featuring the teamDan Gluck: GroundForce Capital's disciplined focus on returns and deep care about people and planet
Grand Slam Journey · Dan Gluck
Images
Similar investors
Channel 4 Ventures is the media-for-equity investment arm of Channel 4, the UK public service broadcaster, providing consumer brands with TV advertising budgets in exchange for equity rather than cash.
AF Ventures is a consumer-focused investment fund that backs emerging growth-stage businesses in categories including food & beverage, health & wellness, personal & household care, beauty, and pet.
TSG Consumer Partners is a global consumer-focused private equity firm with roughly $14 billion in assets under management and a 40-year history of investing in and building consumer brands.
Unilever Ventures is the venture and growth capital arm of Unilever, backing founders building brands for the modern consumer while offering Unilever's global reach alongside the agility of a venture capital team.
Verlinvest is a consumer-focused investment firm that provides long-term, permanent capital to build brands in food, beverage, FMCG, health, consumer technology and lifestyle sectors.