We're a seed fund in the heart of the midwest, investing in companies solving global food issues, creating new markets, and improving the supply chain.
Leveraging our decades of experience of operating, scaling, and investing in companies (plus our strategic relationships), we help early-stage food entrepreneurs propel their ideas forward.
our CORE focus areas
Better-for-You and Disruptive Consumer
High-conviction investments across food, beverage, and broader health and wellness brands redefining legacy categories through cleaner ingredients and differentiated functionality.
Food and Ingredient Technology
Biological and technology-driven innovations developing functional ingredients and nutrients to improve human health, address supply constraints, and power next-generation consumer products.
Supply Chain and Innovation
Software, logistics, and mateiral science infrastructure modernizing distribution networks, reducing inefficiencies, and enabling scalable packaging alternatives.
Vertical AI
Industry-specific AI platforms automating complex workflows and optimizing operational performance across modern CPG and food enterprises.
Our companies
Our Team
partner
Nate Cooper
Nate started Barrel Ventures out of a passion to help others fill the gaps in the world. Nate is an operator at heart, having founded L3HG, and Wise Apple.
partner
Carey Cooper
Carey is a serial entrepreneur who has served as the CEO and/or chairman of firms throughout the food & beverage & supply chain industries.
strategic advisor
Joel Warady
Joel Warady most recently served as General Manager, Chief Sales & Marketing Officer of Enjoy Life Foods, a leading brand in the Gluten-Free, Allergy-Friendly snack category experiencing 18 consecutive years of growth under his guidance, achieving $100 million in North American consumption in 2019.
advisor
Elliot Wheeler
Elliot is the Chief Investment Officer of Cooper Management, a Chicago based family office. He evaluates a variety of investment opportunities across private equity, public equities, and real estate.
In the News
