Plant People Raises Series A to Accelerate Expansion of Plant-Based Functional Wellness Brand
Plant People, the Austin-area functional wellness brand known for its plant-based, science-backed gummy supplements, has closed a major Series A funding round as it looks to accelerate expansion of its product lines and deepen its retail footprint across the United States. The investment, announced in November 2025, represents a key milestone for the company, which has grown rapidly in recent years and now counts a portfolio of partners across both brick-and-mortar and e-commerce channels.
The funding round was led by Manna Tree Partners, a global private equity firm focused on consumer health and wellness brands, which has taken a strategic minority stake in Plant People. Joining Manna Tree in backing the company was Unilever Ventures, an early investor that participated in this latest financing to support continued growth. Plant People’s Series A round, completed in mid-November 2025, totaled approximately $7.93 million, marking the company’s first significant institutional capital raise after years of profitable, largely self-funded growth.
Founded in 2018 by Hudson Davis-Ross and Gabe Kennedy following their own health and wellness journeys, Plant People has carved out a niche in the crowded supplements market by offering Wonder gummies and other functional products made from plants, mushrooms, adaptogens and zero sugar. These products are designed to support a variety of everyday health needs, including sleep, stress relief, focus, hydration, weight management and beauty, and the brand has become a top seller in multiple categories at national retailers. Plant People’s gummies are widely available through outlets such as Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Erewhon and increasingly through mass channels including Target.
The decision to bring on Manna Tree as a strategic partner reflects both the company’s strong growth trajectory and its desire to scale more rapidly while maintaining the values that have defined it to date. Plant People spent its early years building a profitable, purpose-led business with minimal external capital, a fact highlighted by co-founder and chief executive Hudson Davis-Ross as a point of pride even as the company prepared for broader expansion. With the new investment, Plant People plans to accelerate distribution expansion, increase brand awareness, and invest in product innovation while leveraging Manna Tree’s experience in scaling consumer brands.
From the investor perspective, Manna Tree’s involvement signals confidence in both Plant People’s category position and its broader market opportunity. Gabrielle “Ellie” Rubenstein, co-founder and managing partner at Manna Tree, has described herself as a long-time customer of the brand and highlighted Plant People’s differentiated approach and consumer appeal as key factors in the firm’s decision to lead the round. The investment aligns with Manna Tree’s strategy of backing companies that empower consumers to live healthier, longer lives through everyday products aligned with modern wellness trends.
Unilever Ventures’ continued participation as a Series A investor also underscores Plant People’s appeal to strategic backers with a broader footprint in health and lifestyle categories. As the venture arm of a global consumer goods company, Unilever Ventures brings not only capital but also insights into scaling brands across channels and geographies, which could support Plant People’s ambitions as it enters new markets and expands its product portfolio.
Industry observers have pointed to the company’s strong year-over-year growth, including double-digit revenue increases as Plant People expanded into more than 820 Target stores nationwide in late 2025. The brand’s omnichannel presence, encompassing direct-to-consumer, retail and e-commerce sales, has helped it balance growth with profitability in a competitive landscape where many wellness startups prioritize scale over margins.
With funding in place and strategic partners aligned, Plant People is positioning itself to build on its early success and further entrench its presence in the dynamic health and wellness sector. The company plans to continue broadening distribution, increasing visibility, and innovating across its functional wellness lineup. As demand for plant-based, accessible supplements continues to rise, Plant People aims to leverage its combination of consumer traction, disciplined growth and institutional backing to bring its vision of joyful, natural wellness to a wider audience.
