Lukas Southard
Posts by Lukas Southard
BranchOut Food Gets $2.5M To Expand Production
BranchOut Food received $2.5 million in funding through a common stock sale as it moves to expand its production facility.
Manna Tree Takes Minority Stake In Gummy Brand Plant People
PE firm Manna Tree has taken a “significant minority position” in wellness brand Plant People as competition enlarges in the gummy set.
Inside Paperboy’s ‘Venture-Media Hybrid’ Fund I
Paperboy Ventures is readying its $2 million to $3 million Fund I, leveraging its platform as an unconventional “venture-media hybrid model.”
Seeding Its Future: Smackin’ Fuels Growth With Vertical Integration
Sunflower seed snack brand Smackin’ has prioritized flavor innovation and manufacturing control to position for long-term growth.
Oddball Lands $2M As It Enters Whole Foods
Jelly snack brand Oddball raised a $2 million seed round led by Springdale Ventures as it expands its retail footprint with Whole Foods.
Spanish Co-Manufacturer Sets Roots In U.S., Acquires Fresca Foods
Spanish food company Cerealto has natural foods manufacturer Fresca Foods for an undisclosed amount, establishing its first U.S. foothold.
Novak Djokovic Backs Corn-Free Popcorn Cob In $5M Seed Round
Popped sorghum brand Cob has closed a $5 million seed round led by tennis legend Novak Djokovic, as it positions itself as a healthier alternative to popcorn.
Inside the Justin’s Deal: Predicting Its Future Under Forward Consumer Partners
Nut butter and confection company Justin’s will soon return to private ownership, a move that incoming CEO Peter Burns – who previously served as CEO from 2014 to 2016 – believes will “unlock the true potential of the brand.”
Chomps Pushes Production Partnerships With New Investment
Chomps is partnering with co-manufacturing partner Landmark Snacks to build a new production facility that will boost its capacity by 15%.
Kraft Heinz: ‘On-Track’ To Split In 2026
Kraft Heinz reported sales declines and narrowing margins in Q3 as it prepares to separate into two companies during the second half of 2026.

