Plant-based instant ramen brand immi announced that it has closed $10M in Series A financing to help bring its healthy, low-carb and high-protein ramen to the mainstream market. The round was supported by a strong group of celebrities including Naomi Osaka, Usher and Apollo Ohno.
“Imi’s team managed the impossible: transforming instant ramen into a low-carb, high-protein and plant-based product”.
Founded by Kevin Lee and Kevin Chanthasiriphan, Imi sells better-for-you instant vegan ramen in three flavors – Black Garlic “Chicken”, Spicy “Beef”, and Tom Yum “Shrimp”. Since launching in 2021, the brand has reported “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 reported seeing strong, sustained retail momentum.
The new funding will enable Emi to continue scaling through 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.
“Major Milestone”
“Touch Capital is thrilled to deepen its partnership with Imi, as the Imi team has managed the impossible: transforming instant ramen into a low-carb, high-protein and plant-based product that’s as tempting as its classic comfort food predecessor,” behind Touch Capital. The team is divided.
“This new growth is a huge milestone for immi as it enables our team to further improve our product quality, expand retail distribution, lower prices and expand access to nutritious and delicious Asian American food,” said immi co-founder Kevin Lee and Kevin Chanthasiriphan.
7X sold
In 2021, immi raised $3.8M Seed fund – Since then, the brand says it has grown 6X and sold seven times and can now be found at Whole Foods, Wegmans and The Fresh Market. The Series A round included participation from Siddhi Capital, Gold House Ventures, Lab Capital Advisors and others.
Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka said, “I’m excited to announce my investment in Imi, which is revolutionizing the ramen industry with a low-carb, high-protein, plant-based, and delicious alternative to my favorite childhood meal.
Reinventing Ramen
Grammy Award-winning musician Usher shares, “Food – just like music – has always been at the center of culture, and I’m excited to play a small part in this new wave of global flavors with Emmi. Kevin’s is reinventing ramen – a nostalgic dish for many of us – with more thoughtful ingredients. Instant ramen has been a favorite pantry staple since my childhood and now I get to share a healthy, plant-based version with my family.”
“I value my nutrition and health more than anything else,” says eight-time Olympic medalist Apolo Ohno. “I’m excited to invest in Imi, which has allowed me to bring ramen back into my life.”