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AF Ventures: Venture capital firm investing in early-stage consumer brands, focused on food & beverage, health & wellness, and personal care.
AF Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage consumer packaged goods, health and wellness, personal care, and beauty brands. The firm manages over $100 million in assets under management and typically writes initial investment checks ranging from $500,000 to $3 million for companies generating $10 million to $30 million in top-line revenue. Operating across pre-seed, seed, and seed-plus stages, the fund has backed a total of 48 portfolio companies to date while also operating a co-investment syndicate network called AF Square. Notable portfolio investments include Siete Family Foods, which PepsiCo acquired for $1.2 billion, the unicorn beverage brand Cirkul, infant formula manufacturer ByHeart, which secured over $395 million in funding, Harmless Harvest, and Flying Embers. Originally established under the name AccelFoods, the firm was founded in 2014 by Jordan Gaspar and Lauren Jupiter.
Key people at AF Ventures.
Key people at AF Ventures.
AF Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm specializing in investments in visionary founders who build authentic, next-generation consumer brands with a focus on omnichannel innovation. The firm primarily invests in high-growth consumer product companies across sectors such as food and beverage, health and wellness, personal and household care, beauty, and pet products. AF Ventures targets companies typically generating $10-30 million or more in revenue, aiming to support the creation of enduring brands through both financial capital and strategic guidance. Their portfolio includes notable brands like Harmless Harvest, ByHeart, Proud Source Water, Koia, Siete Foods, and Hello Bello, collectively managing over 35 portfolio companies. AF Ventures plays a significant role in driving innovation on retail shelves and online platforms, impacting the startup ecosystem by fostering growth in consumer packaged goods and related sectors[1][2][6].
Founded in 2014 and originally known as AccelFoods, AF Ventures evolved to broaden its investment focus while maintaining a core emphasis on consumer brands. The firm was established by key partners including Jordan Gaspar (Managing Partner) and Andrew Fuselier (Principal and Founder), among others. Over time, AF Ventures has expanded its scope to include a wider range of consumer product categories, leveraging its deep industry expertise and network to support early-stage and emerging growth companies. This evolution reflects a strategic shift from a narrower food and beverage focus to a broader consumer innovation platform[2][4][5].
AF Ventures rides the trend of consumer demand for authentic, health-conscious, and innovative products that blend online and offline retail experiences. The timing is favorable due to increasing consumer preference for transparency, sustainability, and wellness-oriented brands, alongside the growth of e-commerce and omnichannel retailing. Market forces such as the rise of direct-to-consumer (D2C) models and the shift toward plant-based and functional foods work in their favor. By supporting brands that innovate in product formulation, packaging, and distribution, AF Ventures influences the broader ecosystem by accelerating the adoption of next-generation consumer goods and shaping retail trends[1][2][3].
Looking ahead, AF Ventures is positioned to continue capitalizing on evolving consumer preferences toward health, sustainability, and convenience. The firm’s focus on omnichannel innovation aligns with ongoing shifts in retail, where seamless integration of digital and physical shopping experiences is critical. Future trends likely to shape their journey include increased demand for personalized nutrition, clean-label products, and eco-friendly packaging. AF Ventures’ influence may grow as it helps scale brands that redefine consumer expectations and retail standards, reinforcing its role as a key driver of innovation in the consumer products space[1][2][6].
