Manna Tree Named to Inc.'s 2026 Founder-Friendly Investors List

The annual list recognizes private equity, venture capital, and lending firms with strong track records of supporting founder-led businesses

DENVER, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Manna Tree, a global private equity firm focused on investing in companies that empower consumers to live better, longer, has been named to Inc.'s 2026 Founder-Friendly Investors list for the second time (the first time was in 2021), which recognizes private equity firms, venture capital firms, and lenders with demonstrated track records of supporting founder-led companies.

The prestigious Founder-Friendly Investors list celebrates the investors and firms that work closely with entrepreneurs and remain engaged with the businesses they back. Honorees are recognized for their approach to partnering with founders and supporting their companies through growth and beyond.

"With the current funding environment and rapid changes facing growing companies, founders are looking for more than just capital from their investors. They want true partners who believe in their business, but who are also able to provide the critical advisement and strategic support they need to reach their potential," says Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc. "The 2026 Founder-Friendly Investor awards celebrate those firms –– the ones committed to partnership, excellence, and helping founder-led companies grow."

"At Manna Tree, we believe the strongest investment partnerships combine strategic insight, operational experience, and a shared commitment to building long-term value. We partner with founders to identify opportunities for growth, navigate key business decisions, and build on what makes their companies unique," said Steve Young, Managing Partner of Manna Tree. "We're proud to be recognized by Inc. for our approach and the strong relationships we've built with founders and leaders across the health and wellness sector," said Grace Zuncic, Managing Director of Manna Tree.

Manna Tree's portfolio reflects this approach, with investments in industry leaders such as Vital Farms, New Primal, Plant People, Good Culture, and Zambezi. Its partnership with Good Culture is a strong example of the firm's commitment to supporting founder-led businesses through growth. Since investing in the clean-label cultured dairy brand in 2022, Manna Tree collaborated with founder and CEO Jesse Merrill to scale the business while maintaining its focus on quality and simple ingredients. In the time leading up to January 2026, Good Culture's sales nearly quadrupled, and the company subsequently announced a majority investment from L Catterton to support its next phase of growth.

To compile the Founder-Friendly Investors list, Inc. went straight to the source: entrepreneurs who have sold to private equity and venture capital firms. Founders completed questionnaires about their experiences partnering with private equity, venture capital, and debt firms and shared data on how their companies have performed during these partnerships. The resulting list highlights investors that founders identified as strong partners throughout the investment process.

For more information or to view the complete list of honorees, visit https://www.inc.com/founder-friendly-investors.

About Manna Tree
Founded by Gabrielle (Ellie) Rubenstein and Ross Iverson in 2018, Manna Tree is a global private equity firm committed to investing in companies that empower consumers to live better, longer. The firm strategically invests in the consumer sector, particularly within the health and wellness ecosystem, focusing on growth-stage and buyout opportunities. Manna Tree has made investments in 15 companies to date, including companies like: Health-Ade, Gotham Greens, Vital Farms, Good Culture, Plant People, Verde Farms, Urban Remedy, New Primal, and Zambezi.

About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

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SOURCE Manna Tree Partners