Plant-based protein beverage gets $1.1m investment

1 May 2018

Après, a digital-first company based in San Francisco offering a plant-based protein beverage developed specifically for premium whole-body replenishment, has announced the closing of a $1.1 million seed series fundraising.

Après, a digital-first company based in San Francisco offering a plant-based protein beverage developed specifically for premium whole-body replenishment, has announced the closing of a $1.1 million seed series fundraising round led by Rocana Venture Partners.

Après launched its Direct-to-Consumer sales nationally in Nov. 2017, and generated early momentum on the back of its online community formed prior to launch. The brand's growth accelerated through Q1 as customer acquisition and repeat purchase rates significantly outpaced forecasts. This early success, with realized total sales 50% higher than anticipated, led to a stockout in late-Q1 and a 2,000+ customer waitlist from both existing and new customers. In less than six months in market, Après believes that it's changing the conversation around protein nutrition.

"We developed Après to meet a need in the market that our consumer, especially women, was asking for — a clean, functional formula that balances protein and other complementary ingredients to provide essential nutrition and great taste for on-the-go and post-workout replenishment," said co-founder Darby Jackson. "Our product has resonated across a broad range of consumers nationwide who have quickly incorporated Après into their wellness routines."

On the back of strong demand, Après accelerated their raise for more capital to build on initial momentum, quickly restock, and develop a range of new product options to continue delivering to consumer needs. The $1.1 million seed series raise led by Rocana Venture Partners, bringing the company to $1.6 million total capital raised to-date, was filled out by both new Angels and re-ups from the previous round. Notable new participants include Kyle Vogt (CEO of Cruise Automation), Joey Cannata (former EVP of Sales & Distribution at Rockstar Energy), Kevin Lin (co-founder of Twitch), and Filipp & Polina Chebotarev (Managing Partners of Cambridge Companies).

"Rocana's investment philosophy is to support next generation CPG brands that are effectively engaging consumers as we continue to see a rapid movement towards better living," said Sumesh Sachar, Managing Partner. "Après embodies our philosophies perfectly with a clean and nutritious product for the modern on-the-go consumer. Equally as important, Sonny and Darby have the combined skill set for building a brand that they live and breathe with the type of never-ending passion and drive that we look for in our founders."

Following the recent raise and re-stock, Après will continue to grow the brand through non-traditional beverage channels and focus on community building and engagement through authentic experiences that bring the brand to life. "We've focused on building real relationships with our customers, both online and off, to inform our strategy and develop a community around the Après brand," said co-founder Sonny McCracken. "It's still early, but we're seeing some strong signals that we're headed in the right direction. With the recent raise, we can use the proceeds to build on our early successes and amplify our growth."