KAUAI, HAWAII — PlantBaby raised $4 million in seed funding to fuel the development of new plant-based products for children.

 The startup is developing a portfolio of clean label, organic and plant-based foods, beverages, formulas and supplements to support children from infancy into adulthood. Founders Lauren and Alex Abelin launched the company just months after their son Alakai was born. Dissatisfied with existing options for plant-based, soy-free and dairy-free infant formula supplements, the new parents set out to create products suitable for their own son and for the 40% of children who have chronic health conditions nationwide.

PlantBaby’s first product, Kiki Milk, debuted late last year. The plant-based milk is designed specifically for children and comes in original and chocolate varieties. Formulated in partnership with pediatrician Joel “Gator” Warsh, MD, and nutritionist Vicki Kobliner, RD, it features organic oats, hemp seeds, sprouted pumpkin seeds and coconuts. Each variation contains a proprietary blend of powders, including bananas, blueberries, spinach and Aquamin, a multi-mineral supplement derived from red algae. The product is free from additives like refined sugars, gums, glyphosate and protein isolates.

“Since launching just six months ago, we’ve seen constant consumer demand,” Mr. Abelin said. “This fundraising round will support continued research and development of new plant-based culinary innovations and continued growth of the brand to make PlantBaby itself a vehicle to create positive change for children's health and well-being.”