Cleveland Avenue

Cleveland Avenue is a global venture capital firm investing in lifestyle consumer brands and technology companies addressing large and growing markets. The firm backs entrepreneurs with equity capital and operates across the consumer products, food and beverage, and consumer packaged goods sectors, with a presence in Chicago and a stated global reach. Founders Don and Liz Thompson lead the firm. Beyond capital, Cleveland Avenue provides hands-on business support to portfolio companies - practical assistance across marketing, supply chain, finance, and operations, alongside strategic advice and introductions to industry partners. This operational involvement distinguishes its approach from passive minority investment; the firm describes itself as an engaged, operationally minded investor. The firm's technical capabilities are concentrated in product development. An in-house Innovation Facility supports culinary and beverage product and concept development, consumer research, and product testing and validation, supplemented by supply chain and operations consulting. These functions serve portfolio companies directly, giving the firm in-house expertise in the product lifecycle of consumer brands. Cleveland Avenue states a mission of fostering growth for businesses that positively affect people's lives and communities. Its stated focus is on lifestyle consumer brands and technology companies targeting large and growing markets.