Taika raises $2.2m in funding, launches functional matcha latte

Innovative coffee company Taika has raised $2.2 million in a seed funding round led by Obvious Ventures. 

The round also included participation from Kindred Ventures, Human Ventures and Quiet Capital, as well as multiple angel investors.

Taika, which creates functional blends of coffee, tea and adaptogens, has also launched a functional canned matcha latte made with “creamy, housemade macadamia milk high in healthy fats and protein”.

The macadamia milk is developed using a secret formula that is keto-friendly, vegan-friendly and has zero carbohydrates “unlike alternatives like oat milk,” a company statement said. 

“Our vision for Taika is to help people effortlessly live healthier lives,” said Michael Sharon, co-founder and CEO of Taika. “Our new adaptogenic Matcha Latte gives people another way to do that and builds on our existing product line of outrageously delicious, perfectly calibrated beverages that are authentically good for you. Scaling this vision out over the next few years is possible thanks to the support of our inspiring community and wonderful group of investors.”

He continued: “We’re thrilled to continue partnering with Obvious Ventures who have a long track record of supporting transformative, world positive companies like Beyond Meat and Miyoko’s. We’re also delighted to continue working with Kindred Ventures, Human Ventures and Quiet Capital as well as our stellar group of angel investors.”

“Our approach to developing new products is simple in theory yet challenging in practice,” said Kal Freese, co-founder and head of product at Taika. “While many other canned matcha drinks use non-organic, culinary grade matcha, we source the very best ingredients we can get our hands-on, which included blind taste testing dozens of teas, and then turning them into delicious and healthy ready-to-drink products with minimal processing and no preservatives.

He added: “Taika’s organic, ceremonial grade matcha from Kagoshima has a nuanced sweetness and 60mg caffeine per can (half of our coffees) that works magnificently with our naturally sweetened macadamia milk”.