Après, Maker of Plant-Based Protein Beverages, Raises $1.1M in Seed Funding to Expand Product Line and Nontraditional Beverage Channels

Après, a manufacturer of plant-based protein beverages that offers comprehensive body replenishment, has successfully concluded a seed series fundraising round worth $1.1 million, which was spearheaded by Rocana Venture Partners. Founded in 2016 by Darby Jackson and Sonny McCracken, Après produces beverages that are a blend of organic plant protein from pea, chia, cacao, and hemp, combined with organic virgin coconut oil and organic coconut water. Each bottle contains 180 to 190 calories and 13 grams of plant protein, and they come in mint cacao, sea salt chocolate, and chia spiced vanilla flavors. The drinks consist of all-vegan, kosher, non-G.M.O., dairy-free, gluten-free, and soy-free ingredients, and have gained widespread acceptance among various consumer groups nationwide who have quickly incorporated Après into their wellness routines.

Darby Jackson stated, “We created Après to meet the market’s demand for a clean, functional formula that balances protein and other complementary ingredients to provide essential nutrition and great taste for on-the-go and post-workout replenishment.” The recent seed series raise, which was led by Rocana Venture Partners, brings Après’ total capital raised to $1.6 million to date. Après intends to utilize the funds to create a range of new product options and expand the brand through nontraditional beverage channels.

“We’ve made building authentic customer relationships, both on-line and off, our priority in order to develop a community around the Après brand and inform our strategy,” said co-founder Sonny McCracken. “It’s still early, but we’re seeing some strong signals that we’re headed in the right direction. With the recent raise, we can use the proceeds to build on our early successes and amplify our growth.” Après joins Rocana Venture Partners’ investment portfolio alongside WTRMLN WTR, The Modern Pop, Splendid Spoon, and Pop & Bottle.

Sumesh Sachar, managing partner for Rocana Venture Partners, explained, “Our investment philosophy at Rocana is to support next-generation C.P.G. brands that are effectively engaging consumers as we continue to see a rapid movement toward better living. Après embodies our philosophies perfectly with a clean and nutritious product for the modern on-the-go consumer. Equally as important, Sonny and Darby have the combined skill set for building a brand that they live and breathe with the type of never-ending passion and drive that we look for in our founders.”