Organization · Venture Capital
Cleveland Avenue
Cleveland Avenue is a Chicago-based venture capital firm that invests in lifestyle consumer brands and technology companies. Founded by Don and Liz Thompson in 2015, it focuses on disruptive innovations in foodservice, hospitality, and related sectors.
Overview
What Cleveland Avenue does
What Cleveland Avenue is
Cleveland Avenue is a Chicago-based venture capital firm that invests in lifestyle consumer brands and technology companies. Founded by Don and Liz Thompson in 2015, it focuses on disruptive innovations in foodservice, hospitality, and related sectors.
How it participates in the startup ecosystem
The current public profile supports funder capabilities. Each capability below is shown separately so organization identity and role-specific information do not get conflated.
Operational profile
Organization status and context
Organization status describes the entity itself. Funding and program availability appear within the relevant capability profile.
- Operational status
- Active
- Organization type
- Venture Capital
- Founded
- Founded in 2015
- Approximate age
- About 11 years
- Structured capabilities
- Funder
- Last reviewed
- April 10, 2026
Official channels
Find Cleveland Avenue elsewhere
Open the official website or a supported primary organization account.
Capability profile
Cleveland Avenue as a funder
Investment thesis
Cleveland Avenue invests in lifestyle consumer brands and technology companies that disrupt large markets, focusing on innovative businesses that enhance consumer lifestyles and foster sustainable growth.
Focus narrative
Cleveland Avenue focuses on consumer products, industry-level technology, and social impact initiatives. The firm seeks to support entrepreneurs who create and grow innovative businesses that positively disrupt markets, emphasizing customer solutions that enhance consumer lifestyles and promote sustainable growth.
Value beyond capital
Cleveland Avenue adds value to its portfolio companies through hands-on operational support, leveraging the extensive experience of its team and founders. The firm also operates an innovation facility that supports research and development, consumer research, and showcases for its portfolio companies.
Terms and economics
- Typical check
- $1,000,000–$10,000,000
- Sweet spot
- $5,000,000
Focus and fit
- Stages
- Seed · Series A · Series B
- Regions
- Global · United States
Availability
- Currently deploying
- Yes
Portfolio and track record
- Recorded portfolio count
- 15
- Recorded notable exits
- Beyond Meat
Portfolio context
Notable portfolio companies include: Rare Hare: A portfolio of ultra-premium spirits including whiskey, cognac, and tequila. Rheaply: A resource exchange platform that helps organizations visualize and utilize their materials for sustainability goals. Apologue: A manufacturer of ready-to-drink cocktails and spirits. Open Water: Produces ultra-purified still and sparkling waters in recyclable aluminum packaging. Intelligent Growth Solutions: An agriculture tech company providing vertical farming and smart lighting solutions. Beyond Meat: A leader in plant-based meat alternatives with a successful IPO exit.
Common questions
What to know about Cleveland Avenue
Upseed classifies Cleveland Avenue under the Venture Capital organization type. Its current public profile includes funder capabilities.
Source and update disclosure
Know what this page is based on
Source basis
Public organization and program material, official websites, and structured Upseed records.
Last reviewed
April 10, 2026
Known limits
Capability profiles appear only when a structured public profile also contains decision-useful role evidence. Terms and availability can change.
Upseed is an independent guide. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the organization described on this page.