eighteen94 capital, Kelloggs venture capital fund, has announced it led a $4.25 million Series A funding of Kuli Kuli, a manufacturer and distributor of moringa-based products. Other institutional investors in the round were InvestEco and S2G Ventures.

based in Oakland, Calif, Kuli Kuli is a moringa brand in the U.S. A complete plant protein, moringa is produced by trees grown in semiarid and tropical areas. Its leaves, pods and oil can provide a good source of iron, calcium, Vitamin A, and other nutrients.

"We are excited to partner with eighteen94 capital and Kellogg, and were thrilled that they see the potential in our company and in moringa as a next-generation superfood," said Lisa Curtis, Kuli Kuli Founder and CEO. "We want to create a world wher everyone has access to nutritious sources of food. Through this relationship, Kuli Kuli will benefit from Kelloggs resources and global presence, both of which will help us achieve our goals."

"By investing in Kuli Kuli and helping them grow, were backing a new superfood category, one in which we see the potential for ongoing high-growth," said Simon Burton, managing director of eighteen94 capital and now a member of the Kuli Kuli board of directors. "We love the companys strong management team, great products, and the authenticity of their social mission."

Kuli Kuli is the first investment for eighteen94 capital. The fund was launched in June 2016 to invest primarily in companies pursuing next-generation innovation, bolstering Kellogg Companys access to cutting-edge ideas and trends. The investment mandate includes a focus on start-up businesses pioneering new ingredients, foods, packaging and enabling technology.

"Our social mission is a critical area of focus for Kuli Kuli. We source high-quality moringa from womens cooperatives across West Africa, South America and the Caribbean," said Curtis. "We continue to grow our moringa supply chain by providing fair, sustainable wages to farmers and women-led co-operatives around the world."