Koia Expands Plant-Based Beverage Platform

Southern California-based Koia produces refrigerated, ready-to-drink, plant-based protein beverages that are soy-free, dairy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. A proprietary blend of brown rice, hemp, and pea proteins is at the heart of Koia's recipe, creating an honest, craveable beverage that boasts an unrivaled 5-to-1 ratio of plant protein to sugar content.

This round of funding will be used to expand Koia's team, support the brand's rapid retail expansion, and launch a multi-region field marketing campaign. As part of this Series Seed round Bill Moses, the founder of Kevita (sold to PepsiCo in 2016), will join Koia's board of directors.

"We are honored and fortunate to have partners like KarpReilly, AccelFoods, and Bill Moses support our company so early in its life cycle. Their support, alongside the powerful consumer response that we've witnessed during our nationwide rollout at Whole Foods Market and with retailers like Wegmans, is validating," said Chris Hunter, CEO, Koia. "It is a testament to how strongly people value simple, natural, transparent products that don't force them to compromise on flavor. We are excited to continue to innovate and expand on our mission to power people through plants."

"We are incredibly excited to partner with Chris and the rest of the Koia team," said Allan Karp, co-founder of KarpReilly. "We rarely encounter a business that so early on has so clearly resonated with both retailers and consumers alike. Combined with an experienced and talented group of management, advisors, and co-investors we are confident that Koia is well positioned to become a category leader."

Added Jordan Gaspar, AccelFoods co-founder and managing partner, "We are thrilled to further invest in Koia and the company's vision of a plant-based future. Chris Hunter is a proven leader capable of building a world-class management team to grow this innovative next-generation brand. The consumer appetite for plant-based protein is only beginning. We could not be prouder to have partnered with Koia, Bill Moses, and KarpReilly, partners with proven track records of building innovative beverage platforms."

ABOUT KOIA
Koia (www.drinkkoia.com) is a refrigerated, plant-based protein drink made naturally craveable and nutritious using honest ingredients without excess sugars, dairy, soy or GMOs. Featuring a proprietary blend of rice, pea, and hemp proteins, Koia is an ideal fit as a healthy snack, meal accompaniment, or post-workout beverage for people with active lifestyles. Founded in 2013, Koia is now headquartered in Southern California where the drink is manufactured and produced. Koia is privately owned.  

ABOUT KARPREILLY
KarpReilly, LLC (www.karpreilly.com) is a private investment firm, founded by Allan Karp and Chris Reilly, whose primary mission is to partner with premier small to mid-size growth companies and help them achieve their long-term vision. KarpReilly currently manages funds and affiliates with capital commitments in excess of $500 million. Over the past 15 years, the principals of KarpReilly have invested in, sat on the boards of and nurtured dozens of growth companies. For more information, please visit www.karpreilly.com.

ABOUT ACCELFOODS
AccelFoods invests in disruptive food and beverage companies, providing its portfolio with industry access, expertise, and infrastructure to propel innovation and fuel growth. Our fund works with founders to bridge the gap between their innovative thinking and the resources needed to scale to the highest levels of growth. To learn more please visit the AccelFoods website at: http://www.accelfoods.com.

SOURCE Koia

Related Links

http://www.drinkkoia.com