Avaana Capital leads 1.2 million dollars seed round in High Time Foods
Bengaluru, May 8 (UNI) Avaana Capital, a venture capital fund backing deep-tech and frontier innovation, has led a USD 1.2 million seed round in High Time Foods, a food-tech startup offering cost-effective, shelf-stable plant-based protein solutions. Existing investors also participated in the round.
The funding coincides with High Time Foods' official launch in India, where it aims to address the country's protein gap by building a climate-resilient, non-refrigerated, and versatile protein product line catering primarily to the institutional food sector.
The Bengaluru-based startup had earlier secured a distribution deal with US-based Sysco, one of the world's largest foodservice providers, which it described as a significant global validation of its product innovation and operational efficiency.
"With Avaana Capital backing us, my co-founder Damian and I are doubling down on our mission to deliver delicious and versatile plant-based protein to our B2B partners across India and beyond,' said Aakash Shah, Co-Founder and CEO, High Time Foods.
"We're launching at a very affordable price point, and as we scale, we aim to be cheaper than conventional protein sources, including meat."
The firm's offerings, designed for restaurants, hotels, caterers, institutions, and manufacturers, are intended to function as adaptable ingredients in diverse preparations, including Indian staples like samosas and kebabs. The company's early India operations include a partnership with Vasantha Bhavan, a 65-year-old restaurant chain with presence across Tamil Nadu and abroad.
According to Avaana Capital's Investment Director Shruti Srivastava, 'High Time Foods is tackling one of the most urgent gaps in food systems today—affordable, scalable protein. Their shelf-stable innovation is built for real-world conditions, especially in markets where infrastructure can be a challenge.'
Founded by MBA classmates Aakash Shah and Damian Felchlin, the company combines experience in foodservice, logistics, and international trade.
Shah has previously co-founded a cloud kitchen venture and held leadership positions at Zomato, while Felchlin served as a Swiss Trade Commissioner in the United States.
The fresh capital will be deployed for product development, hiring across R\\\\\\\\&D, culinary innovation and business operations, and expanding partnerships across India, the US, and emerging markets in the Global South. UNI BDN SSP
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