Paradise Spreads is a technology company.
Paradise Spreads has raised $20K across 1 funding round.
Paradise Spreads has raised $20K in total across 1 funding round.
Paradise Spreads has raised $20K in total across 1 funding round.
Paradise Spreads's investors include Elevate Ventures.
Paradise Spreads is a food company producing the world's only organic, sweet plant-based protein spreads and snacks that are gluten-free, dairy-free, allergy-friendly, and infused with pea protein.[1][2] Founded by Emily D. Edwards, a former social worker, it targets families, especially millennial parents seeking clean-label, protein-packed options for allergen-free snacking without compromising taste.[1][2][3] The products solve the problem of finding healthy, delicious spreads amid sugary or additive-heavy alternatives, serving schools, military bases, offices, and households via retail and wholesale.[2][3] Launched in March 2018 at the seed stage in Schererville, Indiana, it emphasizes joyful, safe snacking for those with food allergies and gut issues, with early wholesale traction and positive consumer testimonials.[1][2][3]
Paradise Spreads emerged from founder Emily D. Edwards' transition from social work to food entrepreneurship in 2018.[1][2][3] Growing up in Mississippi with a love for baking and food experimentation, Emily sold her private therapy practice to shift from mental to physical wellness, creating versatile, sweet plant-based spreads infused with pea protein.[1][3] Inspired by her mother's kitchen and nostalgic family moments, she aimed to help millennial parents offer clean, allergen-free treats.[2][3]
Co-founder David C. Glenn, motivated by his Type II diabetes and struggles with healthy snacking, joined with his marketing expertise (Bachelor’s in Marketing, Master’s in Management and Entrepreneurship) and 20+ years in networking.[1] His experience with K-12 educators highlighted the need for nutritious school options, aligning with Emily's mission to empower families.[1] This partnership launched Paradise in March 2018, blending personal passion with purpose-driven innovation.[1][3]
While not a traditional technology company, Paradise Spreads leverages food tech trends like plant-based innovation and clean-label processing to ride the wave of allergen-free, protein-enriched snacking.[1][2][3] Timing aligns with rising demand for gut-friendly, family-oriented products amid growing food allergy awareness (affecting 1 in 10 adults) and parental focus on nostalgic yet healthy treats.[2][3] Market forces favoring it include the $8B+ plant-based food boom and wholesale channels in institutions seeking compliant options.[2] It influences the ecosystem by pioneering protein spreads, inspiring purpose-driven vegpreneurs, and normalizing safe snacking in schools and homes.[1][3]
Paradise Spreads stands out for humanizing healthy eating through founder-led innovation, with potential to scale via expanded wholesale and flavor lines amid plant-based growth.[2][3] Next steps likely include retail expansion, new recipes, and partnerships to boost visibility beyond seed stage, shaped by trends in personalized nutrition and allergy solutions.[1][3] Its influence may evolve by mentoring mission-focused founders, proving purpose trumps margins in a competitive market—echoing its origin as a leap from therapy to transformative snacks.[1][3]
Paradise Spreads has raised $20K across 1 funding round. Most recently, it raised $20K Seed in July 2022.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 1, 2022 | $20K Seed | Elevate Ventures |