Crit Ventures backs US yuzu drink brand Yuzuco with $1M seed
What's the deal? Crit VenturesDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom → has invested $1 million (about 1.5 billion KRW) in YuzucoDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →, a Los Angeles-based maker of yuzu-based beverages, the firm said on August 3. The seed round positions the Korean venture capital firm as lead backer.
What does Yuzuco do? Founded in 2022, the company sources yuzu directly from partner farms in Japan and uses cold-press extraction to preserve the fruit's aroma and freshness. Its lineup includes 100% Yuzu Juice, a Yuzu Super Juice cocktail mixer, and Sparkling Yuzu Ade, a ready-to-drink option.
The numbers: Yuzuco booked $820,000 in revenue in its first full year of operation in 2023, then grew to $4.65 million last year, turning profitable. Its customers include US premium grocer Erewhon and restaurant chain The Cheesecake FactoryDealroom has a profile for this one. Try Dealroom →.
What's the endgame? Yuzuco is preparing to enter Asian markets, including Korea. Crit Ventures plans to connect the company with its domestic distribution, manufacturing, and marketing channels to support that expansion.
What they're saying: "Just as matcha has established itself as a distinct beverage category in the global market, we expect Yuzuco to captivate F&B companies and consumers beyond the US," said Lee Jong-hyuk, head of Crit Ventures' US branch, who led the deal.
Why it matters: Yuzuco says Korea holds an important place in its sourcing strategy and long-term vision. The company is also expanding its product range into lemon and lime.
The signal: The deal continues Crit Ventures' push into content and consumer goods. In July, it invested 2 billion KRW in Bunkerkids, operator of AI character chat platform Weep, and 800 million KRW in Butbeautiful, behind AI social app Chuurup.
Read more: wowtale.net
Image credit: 305 Seahill
