A plant-based dairy startup is raising funds, with plans to grow locally.
Buffalo-based Edenesque recently raised $175,000, thanks to an investment from Launch NY, a nonprofit venture development organization in Upstate New York, according to a news release. The company, which moved from Hudson Valley to Buffalo, will also be featured in the next few weeks to Launch NY’s investor network, made up of 320 members.
Leslie Woodward, a Black woman who founded the startup in 2014, spent more than 20 years as a New York City chef.
Her company relocated to Buffalo to be closer to the business’ new contract manufacturing partner, Elma-based Steuben Foods, and its main distribution partner, West Seneca-based Sonwil Logistics.
Edenesque has also participated in Launch NY’s Founders Go Big program, which aims to engage founders from underrepresented communities through resources, investment and mentorship.
The company is sold in retail stores in Brooklyn and Manhattan, in New York City restaurants and cafes and has a presence in corporate offices like Estée Lauder and Calvin Klein.
The startup’s products will be sold in Whole Foods starting this summer, and Edenesque expects to build an employee base in Buffalo, starting with hiring a chief of staff and sales personnel. The company is also participating in the University at Buffalo’s Cultivator accelerator program.
The business expects to start sales and marketing efforts with regional café and restaurant owners and retailers.
Edenesque is the fifth local company to acknowledge a private, growth-oriented round of funding this year. The list includes TeleSafety ($230,000), SelectFI ($750,000), Top Seedz ($750,000), CleanFiber ($28 million) and Edenesque ($175,000).
