Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue, founded in 2015 and based in Chicago, Illinois, is a venture capital firm that invests in lifestyle consumer brands and technology companies. The firm is dedicated to accelerating growth for entrepreneurs by providing not only financial resources but also strategic support across various business functions. Cleveland Avenue focuses on several sectors including food and beverage, AgTech, consumer goods, and health and wellness. Their portfolio includes innovative companies like Farmer’s Fridge, a vending machine company providing fresh meals; PreciTaste, an AI-enabled foodservice management platform; and Hero, a producer of zero-carb, zero-sugar foods made from plant-based proteins. The firm's approach goes beyond passive investment. They offer a range of services such as financial expertise, organizational development, marketing, supply chain optimization, and operational guidance to help their portfolio companies succeed. Their state-of-the-art Innovation Facility in Chicago serves as a hub for R&D, consumer research, and product showcases. Key figures at Cleveland Avenue include Don Thompson, the CEO, who leverages his extensive experience in corporate leadership to guide the firm's strategic vision, and Joseph McCoy, the COO and General Counsel, who brings a wealth of experience in legal and business transactions.