We invest in Emerging CPG Food And Beverage Businesses

UKF is a Washington, D.C.-based investment firm founded in 2022 that manages dedicated funds focused on vertically integrated, founder-led food & beverage CPG brands with strong operating margins and sustainable competitive advantages.

The firm is led by a team of founders, investors, and food industry operators with hands-on experience building and scaling brands.

About

We prioritize Vertically Integrated, Strong Operating-Margin, Founder-Led Companies

Our investment strategy focuses on early-stage companies that demonstrate sustainable competitive advantages through vertical integration, operational efficiency, and committed leadership. Specifically, we target businesses that own their manufacturing processes, maintain strong operating margins, and are founder-driven.

Thesis

ANything you can eat or Drink

We invest across all categories in food and beverage, from the center aisles to the perimeter of the store. Our focus is on businesses that understand how their products are made, sold, and consumed, regardless of where they sit on shelf.

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We are Led by a team of founders, investors, and operators who have built, scaled, and invested in consumer brands.

We bring decades of combined experience across:

  • Founding and growing CPG/food & beverage companies from early stage to multi-million revenue

  • Operating roles in manufacturing, supply chain, distribution, and vertical integration

  • Venture investing focused on founder-led brands with strong unit economics

Our approach is operator-first:

We understand the day-to-day realities of building in food & beverage because we've lived them. We work closely with founders to provide practical support on operational and growth challenges, drawing directly from our own hands-on experience.

Key team highlights include:

  • Expertise in vertically integrated models (from manufacturing to owned grocery stores and distribution)

  • Track record of scaling brands in competitive retail channels (grocery, natural, specialty, e-commerce)

  • Hands-on support for portfolio companies in operations, go-to-market strategy, and capital efficiency

Meet the Team

  • Cullen Gilchrist, UKF GP

    Cullen Gilchrist

    GENERAL PARTNER
    LinkedIn →

    Cullen Gilchrist is the Founder and CEO of Union Kitchen, a leading food business accelerator that has supported hundreds of consumer brands from launch to national scale. He also built and successfully exited District Distribution, a distribution company that specialized in local consumer products.

  • Michael Haft, General Partner UKF

    Michael Haft

    GENERAL PARTNER
    LinkedIn →

    Michael Haft is a former U.S. Marine Corps officer and the founder of Compass Coffee, which he built into one of D.C.’s most recognized coffee brands before successfully exiting the company after more than a decade of growth. He is now the founder of a new workforce technology company currently operating in stealth mode.

  • Elena Gonzalez, Fund Principal UKF

    Elena Gonzalez

    GENERAL PARTNER

    Linkedin →

    Elena Gonzalez is the COO of Union Kitchen, where she leads execution across their ecosystem, ensuring brands scale with purpose and precision. She has advised hundreds of consumer brands including Jesse & Ben’s, Caribe Juice, WTRLMN WTR, and Snancklins and sits on numerous boards.

FAQs

What is UKF's investment focus?

1

Our investment strategy focuses on early-stage CPG companies that demonstrate sustainable competitive advantages through vertical integration, operational efficiency, and committed leadership.

Which CPG categories does UKF invest in?

2

Food & Beverage. Anything you can eat or drink—center aisle to perimeter.

How do I pitch a company to UKF?

3

Email support@unionkitchen.com with your deck, link to your website, and one-pager.

Where is UKF based?

4

Our firm is based in the Washington, D.C. area but we invest in companies all across the United States.