LOS ANGELES — Plant-based dairy alternative startup Misha’s Kind Foods raised $3 million in a seed funding round with participation from Marcy Venture Partners Fund II LP, Lisa Shamus & Partners and National Basketball Association all-star and businessman Chris Paul.
Co-founded by Ian Martin and Aaron Bullock in 2018, Misha’s offers a line of dairy-free cheeses made from a cashew and almond milk base. The product comes in a range of flavors such as Smoked Cheddar, featuring smoked paprika and chipotle, and Sari, featuring sundried tomatoes, roasted garlic and cilantro. Other varieties include Joi (jalapeño, oregano and thyme), Lox (dill, capers and roasted carrots), Seven Point Five (jalapeño, habanero and strawberries), French Connection (herbs de Provence, grains of paradise and black olives) and Black Truffle (black truffle and shallots).
The lactose-free, gluten-free, paleo, keto and 100% vegan plant-based cheese alternatives are free from vegetable oils, soy, fillers, starches and nutritional yeast.
The company will use funds from its seed round to invest in product development, retail expansion and staff growth.
“We are here to serve the large community of cheese lovers, plant-based and not,” Mr. Bullock said. “Everything we make is kind to your body, kind to the planet and kind to your wallet. I'm confident having these investors at the table will be vital to the future growth of the company as they bring valuable cultural instincts, branding knowledge as well as operations and growth expertise.”