USK Capital acquires US snack brand Go Raw in landmark overseas deal
The deal underscores growing investor interest in health-focused food brands and highlights the continued momentum of plant-based and clean-label products in the American marketplace.
INDIA – USK Capital, the family office of billionaire banker Uday Kotak, founder and former CEO of Kotak Mahindra Bank, has made its first overseas investment by acquiring a majority stake in US-based snacking brand Go Raw.
The transaction marks USK Capital’s entry into international markets via the overseas direct investment route and its debut in the consumer sector.
The deal involved purchasing control of Freeland Foods LLC, Go Raw’s parent company, from Juggernaut Capital Partners, a middle-market private equity firm, and other early investors, though financial terms remain undisclosed.
Chicago-headquartered Go Raw specializes in premium, seed-based snacks, including sprouted seeds, snacking granola, salad toppers, and cluster products, emphasizing minimally processed, clean-label appeal.
The brand has demonstrated robust growth and an expanding retail footprint across the United States, capitalizing on surging demand for healthy, plant-powered options amid wellness trends.
USK Capital’s Chief Investment Officer, Venkat Subramanian, highlighted the strategic fit: “The desire for healthy eating is a growing global trend, and the US consumer is embracing the same. Go Raw has a successful track record of robust growth and a growing retail footprint in the US.”
This acquisition positions the Kotak family office to leverage Go Raw’s momentum in the competitive US$10 billion US seed-snacking category, where consumers prioritize nutrient-dense, low-sugar alternatives to traditional bars and chips.
Freeland Foods, under Go Raw, benefits from strong distribution in major grocers such as Whole Foods, Target, and Kroger, with recent expansions into mainstream channels driving double-digit sales growth.
Juggernaut Capital Partners, which backed Go Raw since 2017, exits with returns fueled by e-commerce acceleration and product innovation, including new flavours and sprouted seed mixes.
USK Capital, which manages Kotak family assets beyond banking, is now diversifying into high-growth CPG, blending financial discipline with consumer insights.
No immediate expansion plans were detailed, but analysts anticipate accelerated marketing, distribution, and possibly international rollouts leveraging Kotak’s networks.
As healthy snacking surges, projected at a 15% CAGR through 2030, Go Raw gains firepower for category leadership, while USK Capital establishes a North American beachhead in a sector aligned with global protein and seed trends vital to African markets.
Sign up to HERE receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.
