Joyful Ventures

Joyful Ventures is a venture capital fund dedicated to transforming the global food system through sustainable proteins. With a focus on early-stage investments, Joyful targets alternative protein startups using plant-based, fermentation, and cultivated technologies. Founded by Milo Runkle, Jennifer Stojkovic, and Blaine Vess, the fund aims to disrupt traditional food production and address urgent climate issues. Their $23M fund supports companies developing innovative, humane, and scalable food solutions that outcompete animal-based products on cost, taste, and convenience. Joyful Ventures prioritizes founders facing early-stage challenges, especially underrepresented groups, and actively engages with its portfolio, providing mentorship and leveraging a vast network to accelerate growth. They believe in long-term collaboration and are action-oriented, with a clear commitment to nurturing relationships and driving results​. Their notable investments include startups in cultivated and plant-based meat, like Bosque Foods and Ohayo​. The fund's leadership brings decades of experience in food activism and tech innovation, positioning Joyful Ventures as a driving force in building a more sustainable and inclusive food industry​.