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KBW Ventures

North America, California, United States, San Mateo

Description

KBW Ventures is the venture capital arm of Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, a prominent Saudi Arabian investor and advocate for sustainable living. Based in San Mateo, California, the firm was established in 2018 with a clear mandate to invest in companies driving innovation in the plant-based, alternative protein, and sustainable technology sectors. Its investment philosophy is deeply rooted in the principles of animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and health-conscious consumer trends, reflecting Prince Khaled's personal commitment to these areas. The firm actively seeks out disruptive technologies and business models that align with a future-forward, ethical economy.

The firm's portfolio demonstrates a strong focus on companies developing cultivated meat, plant-based foods, and other sustainable solutions. Notable investments include Upside Foods (formerly Memphis Meats), a pioneer in cultivated meat, and BlueNalu, which focuses on cell-cultured seafood. KBW Ventures also backs companies like Rebellyous Foods and Plant Power Fast Food, which are expanding the accessibility and appeal of plant-based culinary options. Their investment strategy often involves participating in syndicated rounds, collaborating with other mission-aligned venture capital firms and institutional investors to support high-growth companies.

KBW Ventures typically acts as a follow-on investor, contributing to rounds across various stages, from Seed to Series B. While specific check sizes are not publicly disclosed, their participation in a $1.2 million Seed round for Bond Pet Foods indicates a willingness to engage with early-stage companies. Conversely, their involvement in a substantial $161 million Series B round for Upside Foods suggests the capacity for multi-million dollar investments in more mature, high-potential ventures. The firm's approach emphasizes long-term value creation, supporting its portfolio companies not just with capital but also through strategic guidance and network access within the burgeoning sustainable economy.

Investor Profile

KBW Ventures has backed more than 27 startups, with 5 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 5 rounds, about 19% of its total and boasts 0 exits across its portfolio.

Investment Focus Highlights

  • Concentrates on Seed, Series A, Convertible Note rounds (top funding stages).
  • Majority of deals are located in United States, Singapore, United Arab Emirates.
  • Strong thematic focus on Food and Beverage, Biotechnology, Food Processing.
  • Led 2 rounds in the past year.
  • Typical check size: $250K – $5M.

Stage Focus

  • Seed (41%)
  • Series A (19%)
  • Convertible Note (11%)
  • Pre Seed (11%)
  • Series B (7%)
  • Corporate Round (4%)
  • Series Unknown (4%)
  • Series D (4%)

Country Focus

  • United States (59%)
  • Singapore (15%)
  • United Arab Emirates (11%)
  • Saudi Arabia (4%)
  • France (4%)
  • Egypt (4%)

Industry Focus

  • Food And Beverage
  • Biotechnology
  • Food Processing
  • Health Care
  • Alternative Protein
  • Organic Food
  • Software
  • Nutrition
  • Manufacturing
  • Internet
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does KBW Ventures frequently co-invest with?

Unovis Asset Management
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 2
New Crop Capital
North America, New York, United States, New York
Co-Investments: 3
Lever VC
North America, Connecticut, United States, Brooklyn
Co-Investments: 3
Atomico
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 2
Agronomics
Europe, South Lanarkshire, United Kingdom, Douglas
Co-Investments: 3
CPT Capital
Europe, England, United Kingdom, London
Co-Investments: 3
Fifty Years
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Co-Investments: 3
Clear Current Capital
North America, Florida, United States, Vero Beach
Co-Investments: 2
Inevitable Ventures
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Co-Investments: 2
Stray Dog Capital
North America, Kansas, United States, Leawood
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does KBW Ventures often collaborate with?

FL
North America, California, United States, San Diego
Shared Deals: 1
BG
North America, Washington, United States, Seattle
Shared Deals: 2
AO
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
KB
North America, California, United States
Shared Deals: 1
SC
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
ND
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
GT
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 1
KV
North America, California, United States, San Francisco
Shared Deals: 2
CL
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
KM
North America, Colorado, United States, Denver
Shared Deals: 2

What are some of recent deals done by KBW Ventures?

Clearspeed

San Diego, California, United States

Clearspeed provides voice-based risk assessment technology that identifies potential risk in speech using vocal characteristics.

AnalyticsEnterprise SoftwareGovTechMilitaryRisk Management
Series DJun 25, 2025
Amount Raised: $60,000,000
ClearGrid

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

ClearGrid aims to help modernize debt collection and recovery with AI.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)Financial ServicesSoftware
SeedMar 19, 2025
Amount Raised: $6,500,000

PlaysOut is a mini-game platform that helps developers publish mini-games on superAPP platforms

GamificationGamingOnline Games
SeedMar 17, 2025
Amount Raised: $7,000,000
Kaso

Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Kaso is a B2B marketplace.

B2BE-CommerceInformation TechnologyMade to OrderMarketplaceRestaurants
SeedAug 21, 2024
NoorNation

Cairo, Al Qahirah, Egypt

NoorNation's mission is to provide long-term, decentralised energy and water infrastructure solutions.

ManufacturingRenewable Energy
SeedAug 21, 2024
Simplified Financial Solutions Company

Riyadh, Ar Riyad, Saudi Arabia

Simplified Financial Solutions Company offers startups and SMEs financial management solutions.

AppsFinancial ServicesFinTech
SeedMay 30, 2024
Amount Raised: $10,000,000
Rebellyous Foods

Seattle, Washington, United States

Rebellyous Foods is a food manufacturing technology and production company.

Alternative ProteinFood and BeverageFood ProcessingManufacturing
Series BFeb 3, 2023
Amount Raised: $20,321,630
Black Sheep Foods

San Francisco, California, United States

Black Sheep Foods is a plant-based meat company that produces animal meats for the lamb alternative.

Alternative ProteinFood and BeverageNutritionOrganic Food
Series ADec 8, 2022
Amount Raised: $12,300,000
Eclipse Foods

Oakland, California, United States

Eclipse Foods is a food manufacturing company that provides plant-based ice cream and dairy products with taste and texture.

Food and BeverageFood ProcessingManufacturing
Series BJun 28, 2022
Amount Raised: $40,000,000
Furahaa Group

Paris, Ile-de-France, France

Furahaa Group operates as a vegan fast-food chain.

Food and BeverageRestaurants
SeedMay 25, 2021