Chicago Seed Co Happy Hour Connected Brands and Investors
All photos by Bob Benenson/Naturally Chicago
Naturally Chicago last year united with Chicago Seed Co, the premier network of investors who are passionate about supporting food, beverage and natural products companies. Chicago Seed Co is designed to connect mission-driven capital with high-potential opportunities.
The network unites investors who share a vision for a healthier, more sustainable future — and provide a safe space to collaborate, share insights and co-invest.
Most of Chicago Seed Co’s interactions take place online through its two dynamic platforms that connect brands with investors:
Investor Database: Businesses seeking investment can explore detailed profiles of investors and their specific focus areas.
Deal Database: Investors can discover the most promising food and CPG investment opportunities in the Chicago area.
But Chicago Seed Co also is deploying an expanding range of in-person events that provide entrepreneurs with face-to-face access to investors who have the capital that these businesses need to grow. While the deal database is open to all brands looking to raise funds, these special events are only open to Naturally Chicago Brand Partners.
One such event, a Chicago Seed Co Happy Hour, took place on Thursday, October 9. Hosted in the offices of the Norton Rose Fulbright law firm in Chicago’s Fulton Market District, the gathering gave select brands the opportunity to table and impress the investors in attending with their exceptional products.
George Khalife (left) of the Norton Rose Fulbright law firm hosted the Chicago Seed Co Happy Hour.
Adam Chrusciel, a partnership manager with Bank of America, is an active participant in Chicago Seed Co.
Noam Frankel, who has a successful career as an entrepreneur in transportation, logistics operations and technology, manages Chicago Seed Co for Naturally Chicago.
Posing for a group photo (from left): George Khalife of Norton Rose Fulbright; Noam Frankel of Chicago Seed Co; investor Adam Rosen; Jim Slama, Naturally Chicago managing director; investor Mollye Santulli; Naturally Chicago Board member Adam Chrusciel; and investors Alok Advani, Garrett Dallas, Bert Cohen, and Jason Starr.
Now, meet the participating brands:
ACE NUTRACARE: Ace NutraCare delivers patented nutritional therapies for chronic condition management, starting with type 2 diabetes and obesity. Powered by world-class science, proprietary technology, and proven success in the Chinese market, it’s poised to improve the lives of millions of Americans. Contact Alice Yu Zhang: yu1371856@gmail.com.
ARCHWAY PET FOODS: Archway food and treats are packed with hypoallergenic proteins for food-sensitive pets. They are committed to creating healthy, nutrient-rich products that don’t compromise the health of pets or planet. Archway has products that focus on digestive health, skin and coat health, and hip and joint health, and others in a variety of flavors that pets love. Contact Gabriel Huerta: gabe@archpetfood.com.
CLOSTRABIO: Clostrabio products provide targeted metabolite delivery to transform intestinal health. The company is pioneering next-generation probiotics for gut health and advanced metabolite delivery solutions for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and food allergy. Contact Brett Newswanger: brett.newswanger@clostrabio.com.
DUO/FUSION FOOD GROUP: DUO’s 50-50 blends of meat and mushrooms are designed to replace traditional ground meat in meals such as burgers, tacos and meatballs. They know that 100% plant-based alternatives aren't always the most appetizing to many, so they never compromise on taste and texture. Available blends include beef, turkey, lamb and chicken. Contact Jonathan Ostroff: Jonathan@fusionfoods.org
EL MOLCAJETE SAUCES: Chef Ernesto Rodriguez grew up in the food-focused Mexican state of Oaxaca, and his product line celebrates that region’s famed mole sauces. El Molcajete also sells a tomatillo sauce, chili oil that provides zest without blowing out your taste buds, and uniquely delicious tortilla chips fried in coconut oil. Contact Ernesto Rodriguez: elmolcajetesauces@hotmail.com.
ESSIE MARIE: Essie Marie prides itself on being the only African American woman-owned heart-healthy dressing and marinade brand. Created in a range of flavors, their products go great on all greens and are perfect marinade for meats, fish, poultry and vegetables, with a rich and creamy consistency and light texture. Contact Itiona Scott: tioni@hearthealthydelish.com
EVERY BODY EAT: Every Body Eat® exists to bring people together over a shared love of delicious food, regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences. They believe every body deserves a seat at the table – literally and figuratively. More than 90% of food allergies and intolerances are associated with 14 ingredients; Every Body Eat uses exactly ZERO of them (and no corn) to make delicious, flavorful, unforgettable foods that just about anyone can enjoy, regardless of dietary needs. Contact Matt Rink: matt.rink@everybodyeating.com.
INSPIRO TEQUILA: Inspiro is a lean, additive-free tequila that's easy to drink and crafted without compromise. Founder-owner Mara Smith knew women deserved great, clean tequila, and to have their voices heard in the spirits industry. So she create a sippable tequila that celebrates the time-honored spirit while bringing a fresh new perspective to the table. Contact Mara Smith: mara@inspirotequila.com.
OUTRIDER STEAKS/CROWD FOODS: Crowd Foods is recently launched Outrider™, the first premium frozen steak brand for retail grocery. They source USDA Choice Angus beef from U.S. ranchers, hand-trim, vacuum-seal, and flash freeze each cut to lock in peak tenderness and convenience. Its goal is to lead lead the development of a new segment in grocery. In the photo, founder John Crowder chats with Naturally Chicago’s Joan McGloin. Contact John Crowder: john@crowdfoodsco.com.
VITAMINIS: Vitaminis produces daily juice shots to help in your wellness journey. Individual products are branded as Gut Health, Daily Greens and Immune Support. Vitaminis says its products contain no added sugar, are non-GMO, 100% vegan and allergen friendly; and never contain binding agents or fillers found in tablet supplements, preservatives, artificial colors or flavors or any other mystery ingredients. Contact Leslie K. Danford: leslie@vitaminisbrand.coin