# Banza

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/banza

- Industry: Food
- Headquarters: Detroit, US
- Website: www.eatbanza.com
- Total disclosed funding: $8.8M
- Latest round: Series A (Aug 3, 2017)
- Investors on record: 5

## About

Banza LLC specializes in producing nutritious food alternatives, focusing on gluten-free, chickpea-based products designed for health-conscious consumers looking for convenient meal options.Founded in 2014, Banza LLC is based in Detroit, US, and primarily focuses on creating chickpea-based food products. The company has raised a total of USD 20.00 mn in funding, with their most recent funding round being a Growth round in November 2019, co-led by Enlightened Hospitality Investments and Prelude Growth Partners. The founders, Brian and Scott Rudolph, have prior entrepreneurial experience that contributes to Banza's operations.Banza is dedicated to providing nutritious food options primarily through its core offerings of chickpea-based pasta, pizza, and protein waffles. The company’s flagship products include gluten-free pasta made from chickpeas, which boasts higher protein and fiber content compared to traditional wheat pasta while containing fewer net carbs. Banza also produces a line of frozen pizzas that combines chickpeas with a variety of toppings, making them both a healthier and unique alternative for pizza lovers. These products are designed to cater to health-conscious consumers looking for gluten-free options without compromising on taste or texture. Banza products are primarily sold in the United States, targeting consumers who prioritize healthier eating, including individuals with dietary restrictions and those seeking alternative protein sources.Banza operates on a direct-to-consumer and retail model, generating revenue through the sale of its products both online and through various grocery retailers. The transaction structure is primarily B2C, where customers can purchase individual items like chickpea pasta and frozen pizzas directly from the company’s website or through partner retailers. Banza's pricing strategy reflects its premium positioning in the health food market, with individual products priced to appeal to the target demographic of health-conscious consumers seeking convenient meal options. The company also engages in wholesale partnerships with grocery chains, enhancing its distribution capabilities and market reach. The combination of these sales channels supports Banza's goal of meeting the growing demand for nutritious and gluten-free food alternatives.In November 2019, Banza LLC raised USD 20 million in Growth funding, which will be utilized to support the introduction of new product lines and enhance distribution capabilities. The company plans to launch new offerings in the coming year, expanding its product range further into the health food sector. Banza is also exploring opportunities to enter new geographic markets, aiming to reach consumers in regions that increasingly favor gluten-free and nutritious options.

## Funding rounds

- Series A, Aug 3, 2017, $7.5M — Rosecliff Ventures, Endeavor Catalyst, RSE Ventures, Strand Equity, Beechwood Capital
- Seed, Oct 30, 2015, $1.3M — RSE Ventures

## Investors

- RSE Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/rse-ventures) — Seed, Series A
- Rosecliff Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/rosecliff-ventures) — Series A
- Endeavor Catalyst (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/endeavor-catalyst) — Series A
- Strand Equity (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/strand-equity) — Series A
- Beechwood Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/beechwood-capital) — Series A