News

VMG, TerraVia create TerraBrands

13 Apr 2016

VMG Partners, a private equity fund focused exclusively on partnering with emerging branded consumer product companies, and algae-based food, nutrition and specialty ingredients company TerraVia (formerly known as Solazyme) have launched TerraBrands.

VMG Partners, a private equity fund focused exclusively on partnering with emerging branded consumer product companies, and algae-based food, nutrition and specialty ingredients company TerraVia (formerly known as Solazyme) have launched TerraBrands.

Over more than a decade, TerraVia says it has invested in developing a unique understanding and expertise around algae, resulting in an innovative suite of algae-based food, nutrition and specialty ingredients with successful regulatory review and validation by major CPGs and cutting-edge consumer brands. Terrabrands will target investing in or acquiring established lower middle-market companies in the food, pet and nutrition segments to drive differentiated positioning and compelling growth opportunities in attractive categories.

“Algae is the mother of all plants and earth’s original superfood. Given the accelerating demand for plant-based nutrition, we are excited to be at the forefront of this next generation of foods and ingredients,” said Michael Mauze, Managing Director of VMG Partners. Kara Cissell-Roell, Managing Director of VMG Partners, said, “We see a compelling opportunity to marry products and brands with TerraVia’s innovative, nutrient-rich ingredients in response to a rapidly growing consumer demand for healthy, environmentally sustainable food products that don’t sacrifice on taste.”

“We’re excited to work with VMG, one of the world’s most successful private equity firms in building cutting-edge food and nutrition brands, and which also recently invested in our transformation from Solazyme to TerraVia,” said Jonathan Wolfson, the founder and CEO of TerraVia. “I am also thrilled that Keith has agreed to take a key role in this venture, as he is not only a brilliant marketer but also a proven category creator. By bringing together VMG and TerraVia, we will help drive a new movement, recognizing algae as a critical solution for plant-based eating and nutrition. We believe TerraBrands will also enable TerraVia to capitalize on the opportunity to create substantial value for our shareholders by focusing on select branded consumer opportunities.”