Investor profile

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Mana Up

Micro-fund

USConsumerOther

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Investment thesis

Mana Up is an accelerator and venture fund for Hawaiʻi-based products growing to markets globally, with the mission to increase economic opportunity and jobs for the people of Hawaiʻi. The fund is dedicated exclusively to supporting the expansion of product companies headquartered in Hawai'i, focusing on companies in food, retail, and beauty industries. Mana Up's mission centers on regenerative entrepreneurship, supporting businesses that tell authentic Hawaiian stories, creating meaningful local jobs, and contributing positively to the community's economic and cultural sustainability. Mana Up Capital invests in Seed or Series A rounds and primarily invests in companies who have gone through the Mana Up accelerator.

Notable quotes

There has been an organic growth of hundreds of local product companies in recent years, but the funding to fuel their growth beyond Hawai'i's borders has been lacking. Paired with the accelerator's mentorship resources and sales channels, this investment capital makes it possible to maximize growth opportunities and build a massively successful company from right here at home, along with the downstream benefits of jobs, community giveback, and supporting Hawai'i's agriculture.

Meli James · Mana Up Fund Launch Press Release · 2021

It's been a long journey and we're excited to be continuing to support all these entrepreneurs and this industry that's actually gaining traction.

Meli James · Hawaii Business Magazine · 2023

Team

Meli James

Co-founder

Consumer

Brittany Heyd

Co-founder

Consumer

Austin Anderson

Finance Manager

Consumer

Marc Graser

Director of Marketing

Consumer

Craig Perkins-Shiraishi

Program Manager

Consumer

Cathy Briese

Senior Director of Operations

Consumer

Recent investments

CompanyRoundSizeDate
SymbrosiaSeries A Extension$6m2023-12
SymbrosiaSeries A$7m2022-06
Kō Hana RumSeed2021
Big Island Coffee RoastersSeed2021
Kauai KookieAccelerator
Hanalei CompanyAccelerator
Aloha Spice CompanyAccelerator
Waimea Herb CompanyAccelerator2024
Ahualoa Family FarmsAccelerator2024
Oysters HawaiiAccelerator2024

Frequent co-investors

VC firmDeals together
Danone Manifesto Ventures2
Hatch Blue2
Kamehameha Schools2
Pacific62
Presidio Ventures1
Idemitsu Americas Holdings Corporation1

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