BATTLE CREEK, Mich.,
Jan. 11, 2017 /PRNewswire/ --
eighteen94 capital, Kellogg Company's venture capital fund, today
announced it led a $4.25 million
Series A funding of Kuli Kuli, a manufacturer and distributor of
moringa-based products. Other institutional investors in the round
were InvestEco and S2G Ventures.
Based in Oakland, Calif, Kuli
Kuli is a leading moringa brand in the U.S. A complete plant
protein, moringa is produced by trees grown in semiarid and
tropical areas. Its leaves, pods and oil can provide a good source
of iron, calcium, Vitamin A, and other nutrients.
"We are excited to partner with eighteen94 capital and Kellogg,
and we're thrilled that they see the potential in our company and
in moringa as a next-generation superfood," said Lisa Curtis, Kuli Kuli Founder and CEO. "We want
to create a world where everyone has access to nutritious sources
of food. Through this relationship, Kuli Kuli will benefit from
Kellogg's resources and global presence, both of which will help us
achieve our goals."
"By investing in Kuli Kuli and helping them grow, we're backing
a new superfood category, one in which we see the potential for
ongoing high-growth," said Simon
Burton, managing director of eighteen94 capital and now a
member of the Kuli Kuli board of directors. "We love the company's
strong management team, great products, and the authenticity of
their social mission."
Kuli Kuli is the first investment for eighteen94 capital. The
fund was launched in June 2016 to
invest primarily in companies pursuing next-generation innovation,
bolstering Kellogg Company's access to cutting-edge ideas and
trends. The investment mandate includes a focus on start-up
businesses pioneering new ingredients, foods, packaging and
enabling technology.
"Our social mission is a critical area of focus for Kuli Kuli.
We source high-quality moringa from women's cooperatives across
West Africa, South America and the Caribbean," said Curtis. "We continue to grow
our moringa supply chain by providing fair, sustainable wages to
farmers and women-led co-operatives around the world."
Kuli Kuli's delicious Moringa Superfood Bars, Pure Moringa
Powder and Moringa Green Energy Shots make it easy for Americans to
get their greens on the go while helping Kuli Kuli in planting
moringa trees and supporting women farmers worldwide.
For more information regarding eighteen94 capital, please visit
www.1894capital.com. For more information regarding Kuli Kuli,
please visit www.kulikulifoods.com.
About Kellogg Company
At Kellogg Company (NYSE: K),
we strive to make foods people love. This includes our beloved
brands – Kellogg's®, Keebler®, Special K®,
Pringles®, Kellogg's Frosted Flakes®,
Pop-Tarts®, Kellogg's Corn Flakes®, Rice Krispies®,
Cheez-It®, Eggo®, Mini-Wheats® and more – that nourish families so
they can flourish and thrive. With 2015 sales of $13.5
billion and more than 1,600 foods, Kellogg is the
world's leading cereal company; second largest producer of cookies,
crackers and savory snacks; and a leading North American frozen
foods company. Through our Breakfasts for Better Days™ global
hunger initiative, we've provided more than 1.7 billion servings of
cereal and snacks to children and families in need around the
world. To learn more, visit www.kelloggcompany.com or follow us on
Twitter @KelloggCompany, YouTube and on Social K.
About Kuli Kuli
Kuli Kuli is one of the leading
moringa superfood brands in America. We provide high quality and
nutritious moringa, which provides a good source of iron, calcium,
vitamins, and antioxidants. Our moringa provides a complete protein
with all 9 essential amino acids. Kuli Kuli's delicious Moringa
Superfood Bars, Pure Moringa Powder, Energizing Moringa Herbal Tea,
and Moringa Green Energy shots make it easy for Americans to get
their greens on the go while helping to plant moringa trees and
support women farmers in the developing world. To learn more, visit
www.kulikulifoods.com or follow the company @KuliKuliFoods on
Twitter.
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SOURCE Kellogg Company