SAN DIEGO — Lil Bucks has raised $3 million in a Series A funding round led by Proterra Investment Partners. The investment comes from Proterra’s new fund focused on food and agriculture investments in the rural United States.
The startup began after Emily Griffith was exposed to sprouted buckwheat six years ago in Australia through an açaí bowl. Griffith turned her newfound love for buckwheat into Lil Bucks, a company offering buckwheat-based products.
The company said the funding will support retail expansion, new product lines, expand its direct trade program with more regenerative, organic farmers and create a partnership with Presence Marketing to accelerate growth.
Through Lil Bucks, Griffith also built the Regenerative Organic Certified buckwheat supply chain that supports the company and farmers, according to Lil Bucks.
“Our mission is to nourish people and the planet through the power of buckwheat,” Griffith said. “This partnership with Proterra not only provides the capital to grow our brand, but also brings Proterra’s invaluable food and agricultural expertise that will help us scale our impact on regenerative farming practices and bring buckwheat to the masses.”
Proterra said Lil Buck’s focus on its supply chain and trade programs aligned with its investments in rural America.
“As Lil Bucks grows its US-based buckwheat supply chain, Proterra’s expertise in scaling food companies and large-scale ingredient sourcing will be instrumental,” said Rich Gammill of ProterraEnjoying this content? Learn about more disruptive startups on the Food Entrepreneur page.
