Berlin/Cologne — The funding of The Rainforest Company has a total volume of € 36 million and was led by Kaltroco Ltd. Katjes Greenfood participated in the financing round via a secondary. This is one of the largest financing rounds in the German food tech sector in 2022 and the largest investment amount received by a women-led food tech company in Europe to date. A YPOG team co-led by Johannes Janning and Benjamin Ullrich advised Katjes Greenfood on this financing round for food startup The Rainforest Company.
The Rainforest Company achieved impressive growth rates in 2018 following the entry of Katjes Greenfood. Thanks to a successful multichannel strategy with listings in more than 12,000 retail locations worldwide and a strong D2C business, the startup has already achieved sales of € 20 million. In order to further expand the company’s success, the additional capital will be used for internationalization and product expansion.
Albana Rama (photo © THe Rainforest Company) is founder of The Rainforest Company, the European pioneer of sustainable superfoods with a focus on açaí, the “superfood” from the Brazilian rainforest. There are currently two natural, vegan products: The frozen açaí puree of the tropical fruit, which is currently particularly popular for preparing healthy bowls and delicious smoothies, and the world’s first açaí bowl-to-go in blueberry, mango and ginger flavors.
About Katjes Greenfood
Katjesgreenfood GmbH & Co. KG, based in Düsseldorf, together with its two sister companies Katjes Fassin GmbH & Co. KG and Katjes International GmbH & Co. KG, form the Katjes Group. As a legally independent investment company, it invests in growth companies in the food industry that are redefining the future of nutrition with innovative and sustainable products. In addition to financial investments, a profound network and in-depth expertise in food retailing are the central pillars on the basis of which the portfolio companies are built into market leaders and the iconic brands of tomorrow.
About The Rainforest Company
Since 2016, The Rainforest Company has been on a mission to provide 100% natural foods to make a lasting difference in the lives of its customers across Europe. The company specializes in the vegan lifestyle, superfoods, acai-based products, organic and healthy foods, and transparent sustainability. The Rainforest Company was founded in 2016 and is based in Berlin.
Consultant Katjes Greenfood: YPOG
Dr. Johannes Janning (Co-Lead, Transactions), Partner (elect)
Dr. Benjamin Ullrich (Co-Lead, Transactions), Partner
About YPOG
YPOG is a specialist tax and commercial law firm operating in the core areas of Funds, Tax and Transactions. The YPOG team advises a wide variety of clients. These include emerging technology companies and family-run medium-sized enterprises as well as corporations and private equity/venture capital funds. YPOG is one of the leading addresses for venture capital, private equity and fund structuring in Germany. The firm and its partners are nationally and internationally ranked by JUVE, Best Lawyers, Legal 500, Focus, and Chambers and Partners. Today, YPOG employs more than 100 experienced lawyers, tax advisors, tax specialists and a notary in three offices in Berlin, Hamburg and Cologne.