Plant-based instant ramen brand immi announces it has closed $10M in Series A funding to help brings its healthy, low-carb and high-protein ramen to mainstream markets. The round was backed by a powerful group of celebrities, including Naomi Osaka, Usher and Apollo Ohno.
“The immi team has managed the improbable: transforming instant ramen into a low-carb, high-protein, and plant-based product”
Founded by Kevin Lee and Kevin Chanthasiriphan, immi sells a range of better-for-you instant vegan ramens in three flavors – Black Garlic “Chicken”, Spicy “Beef”, and Tom Yum “Shrimp”. Since launching in 2021, the brand reports “tremendous” growth in demand across its website, Amazon, and other online wholesale channels. Last year, the company began retail expansion at companies like Whole Foods, where it reports seeing strong, sustained retail velocities.
The new financing will enable immi to continue scaling by hiring for key leadership roles in retail sales, operations, finance, product, and growth. The round will also support product development as the brand launches new permanent and limited-time flavors, as well as co-branded partnership flavors.
“Huge milestone”
“Touch Capital is thrilled to deepen its partnership with immi, as the immi team has managed the improbable: transforming instant ramen into a low-carb, high-protein, and plant-based product that is just as crave-worthy as its classic comfort food predecessor,” shared the team behind Touch Capital.
“This new raise is a huge milestone for immi as it enables our team to further improve the quality of our products, expand retail distribution, bring down prices, and continue broadening access to nutritious and delicious Asian American food,” said immi Co-Founders Kevin Lee and Kevin Chanthasiriphan.
Sold out 7X
In 2021, immi raised $3.8M in seed funding – since then, the brand states it has grown by 6X and sold out seven times, and can now be found in Whole Foods, Wegmans and The Fresh Market. The Series A round included participation from Siddhi Capital, Gold House Ventures, Lab Capital Advisors and more.
“I’m excited to announce my investment in immi, which has revolutionized the ramen industry with a low-carb, high-protein, plant-based, and delicious alternative to one of my favorite childhood foods,” said tennis superstar Naomi Osaka.
Reinventing ramen
Grammy award-winning musician Usher shared, “Food – just like music – has always been at the center of culture, and I am excited to play a small part in this new wave of global flavors with immi. The Kevins are reinventing ramen – a nostalgic dish for many of us – with more thoughtful ingredients. Instant ramen is a beloved pantry staple from my own childhood and now I get to share a healthier, plant-based version with my family.”
“I value my nutrition and health more than anything else,” said Apolo Ohno, eight-time Olympic medalist. “I’m excited to invest in immi, which has allowed me to bring ramen back into my life again.”
