SAN FRANCISCO — Immi, the world’s first low-carb, high-protein, and 100% plant-based instant ramen brand, has closed $10 million in Series A funding. This new round of funding will help the company hire for key leadership roles, expand its better-for-you lineup of flavor offerings, and scale retail expansion nationwide. The round was led by Touch Capital along with celebrity investors such as Naomi Osaka, Usher, Apolo Ohno, David Grutman, Kygo’s Palm Tree Crew, and Gryffin.
“This new raise is a huge milestone for immi as it enables our team to further improve the quality of our products, expand retail distribution, bring down prices, and continue broadening access to nutritious and delicious Asian American food,” said immi Co-Founders Kevin Lee and Kevin Chanthasiriphan.
Over the past two years, immi says it has seen tremendous growth in online demand across its website, Amazon, and other online wholesale channels for its three base flavors – Black Garlic “Chicken”, Spicy “Beef”, Tom Yum “Shrimp”. In 2022, immi began expansion into retail stores including Whole Foods. To continue scaling the business to support online and retail demand, immi will be using this funding to hire for key leadership roles to support retail sales, operations, finance, product, and growth. The financing will additionally support immi’s product development research as the brand plans to launch a series of new permanent and limited-time flavors, as well as co-branded partnership flavors.
“Touch Capital is thrilled to deepen its partnership with immi, as the immi team has managed the improbable: transforming instant ramen into a low-carb, high-protein, and plant-based product that is just as crave-worthy as its classic comfort food predecessor,” detailed the team behind Touch Capital.
“I’m excited to announce my investment in immi, which has revolutionized the ramen industry with a low-carb, high-protein, plant-based, and delicious alternative to one of my favorite childhood foods,” said Naomi Osaka, TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, Entrepreneur-Activist, Four-time Grand Slam singles tennis champion and immi investor.
“Food – just like music – has always been at the center of culture, and I am excited to play a small part in this new wave of global flavors with immi. The Kevins are reinventing ramen – a nostalgic dish for many of us – with more thoughtful ingredients. Instant ramen is a beloved pantry staple from my own childhood and now I get to share a healthier, plant-based version with my family.” explained Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and investor, Usher.
“I value my nutrition and health more than anything else,” shared Apolo Ohno, eight-time Olympic medalist, most decorated American Winter Olympian, U.S. Olympic Hall of Famer, “I’m excited to invest in immi, which has allowed me to bring ramen back into my life again.”
Other investors joining this round include: Siddhi Capital, Gold House Ventures, Anti Fund, Harizury, Lab Capital Advisors, CAA’s Co-Head of Basketball, Lynja, Lauren Kleinman (Dreamday, The Quality Edit), Theresa Kang (Blue Marble Pictures), and the CEOs or Co-founders of Fly By Jing, Bokksu, Boba Guys, LMNT, OWYN, Hero Cosmetics, Supply, Rumble Boxing, Worlds, Venice Music, Adgile Media Group, Hyphen Capital and more.
Founders Kevin Lee and Kevin Chanthasiriphan grew up immersed in the farms and noodle stalls of their Taiwanese and Thai family food businesses and created immi after seeing their families suffer through chronic health conditions from unhealthy diets. Since launching in January 2021, immi has grown over 6x, sold out 7x, and launched in retailers including Whole Foods, Wegmans, and The Fresh Market, with additional stores coming this year.
