Wicked Kitchen, which makes plant-based meals, snacks and ingredients, said Thursday it completed a $14 million Series A funding round.
The round was led by plant-based foods venture fund New York, N.Y.-based Unovis Asset Management and Thailand-based NRF Nove Foods.
Since being launched in 2018 by chefs and brothers Derek and Chad Sarno, Wicked Kitchen has garnered a large following in the United Kingdom through a collaboration with the grocery store chain Tesco.
The Minneapolis-based brand is led by Pete Speranza, who worked at General Mills Inc. for 24 years and founded the company's 301 Inc. unit to invest in food startups.
Speranza said this round of funding will help the company build out its brand in the U.S.
"There's a decent headcount we need to add to allow for what we want to do with the company and brands," he said.
Wicked Kitchen's U.K. lineup includes over 40 products including lunch and breakfast options to frozen ready meals and meal solutions including sauces, mayos, pestos and meal kits.
Stateside, a smaller array of Wicked Kitchen products are currently available in Sprouts Farmers Markets, but more retailers will begin stocking the company's products later this month.
Wicked Kitchen currently has a team of three people at its Minneapolis office, with a hub in London.
Speranza said being based in the Twin Cities has allowed the company to magnify its mission through the global reach the industry has in the region.
"Being part of a highly talented scene allows us to bring in more talent," Speranza said.
