In Michigan, the Kellogg Company’s venture capital fund, eighteen94 capital, led a $4.25 million investment in Kuli Kuli, a manufacturer and distributor of moringa-based products. Kuli Kuli is the first investment for eighteen94 capital, a fund launched by Kellogg in June 2016 to invest in start-ups pioneering new ingredients, foods, packaging and enabling technology.
Moringa is a complete plant protein with all 9 essential amino acids made from trees grown in semiarid and tropical areas. Also a good source of iron, calcium and Vitamin A, Kuli Kuli is planting moringa trees in these regions.
“Our social mission is a critical area of focus for Kuli Kuli. We source high-quality moringa from women’s cooperatives across West Africa, South America and the Caribbean,” said Lisa Curtis, Kuli Kuli Founder and CEO. “We continue to grow our moringa supply chain by providing fair, sustainable wages to farmers and women-led co-operatives around the world.”