New Crop Capital

New Crop Capital is a pioneering venture capital firm based in New York, established in 2015, with a singular focus on investing in companies developing products and services that replace traditional animal agriculture. This includes a broad spectrum of innovations, from plant-based foods and beverages to cell-based and cultivated meat, dairy, and egg alternatives. The firm was founded by Chris Kerr, a long-time advocate for sustainable food systems, positioning New Crop Capital as one of the earliest dedicated funds in the burgeoning alternative protein sector.

New Crop Capital primarily targets early-stage companies, typically participating in Seed and Series A funding rounds. Their investment approach extends beyond mere capital provision, offering strategic guidance and leveraging their deep industry expertise to help portfolio companies scale and achieve market penetration. The firm successfully closed its first fund, New Crop Capital I, LP, with $25 million in 2015, followed by a larger second fund, New Crop Capital II, LP, which secured $50 million in 2018. These fund sizes underscore their commitment and growing capacity to support the alternative protein ecosystem.

The firm has played a crucial role in legitimizing and accelerating the growth of the alternative protein industry, demonstrating the commercial viability and consumer demand for these innovative products. Their portfolio boasts several high-profile successes and influential companies that have become household names or significant players in the food tech space. Notable investments include pioneering brands like Beyond Meat, a leader in plant-based meat, as well as Miyoko's Kitchen (plant-based dairy), Good Catch (plant-based seafood), Upside Foods (a leader in cultivated meat, formerly Memphis Meats), Ripple Foods (plant-based dairy), and Eat Just (plant-based eggs and cultivated meat). New Crop Capital's strategic investments have helped these companies bring novel, sustainable food solutions to a global market.