Jim Jams Spreads and The Artful Baker secure investments

The Good Food Fund has invested £200,000 into Jim Jams Spreads as part of its programme to end childhood obesity, while Batch Ventures, a tie-up between challenger brand builder Mission Ventures and Warburtons, revealed a six-figure investment in The Artful Baker.

Jim Jams was created in order to challenge market leaders in chocolate spreads with a healthier option. “The investment from Good Food Fund is a massive boost for our growth,” says Kevin Bath, who launched Jim Jams in 2015 with partner Kellie Bath. Since its creation in March 2020 by Big Society Capital and Impact on Urban Health, the Good Food Fund has worked with seven start-up and challenger healthy snacking brands.

The supporting accelerator will be run by Mission Ventures and includes 12 months of free business support. “The additional support from Mission Ventures will help us immeasurably in shaping the business and continuing to offer parents healthier options to everyday snacks and store cupboard staples,” Kevin added.

“We’re delighted to continue to support Jim Jams in providing healthier alternatives for families without compromising on taste”, said Mission Ventures’s CEO, Paddy Willis. “Our accelerator programme is run by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs and designed to optimise their chances of scaling successfully.”

Batch Ventures announces first investment

Meanwhile, biscotti maker The Artful Baker has secured support from Mission Ventures and Warburtons, marking the first of several investments that the pair expect to make in 2021 through Batch Ventures, a joint venture designed to support the growth of SMEs and baked goods start-ups.

The company, which has won multiple Great Taste and Quality Food Awards, supplies white label biscotti to premium chocolate brand Hotel Chocolat, and its sub-brand Great British Biscotti Co supplies independents, food service as well as export markets.

“We’re excited to be partnered with Batch Ventures and see the support they provide as a great step forward on our journey of scaling the business, both here in the UK and via export trade,” says founder and CEO of The Artful Baker Paul Rostand. “We already supply our biscotti to Italy and are seeing increased interest from buyers overseas.”

Mission Ventures’ Paddy added, “Paul and his team at The Artful Baker have proven their ability to make high quality products. Batch Ventures is pioneering a new approach to corporate venturing and the combined experience of our team of seasoned entrepreneurs with the support of Warburtons brings great strength to his operation.” Following its support of The Artful Baker, Batch Ventures expects to announce a second investment in February.