GroundForce Capital has made a strategic investment in RTZN Brands, the parent company of Righteous Felon, marking a significant milestone for one of the fastest-growing brands in the better-for-you meat snack category. The new funding is intended to support Righteous Felon’s plans to broaden its national retail footprint, expand distribution partnerships, and introduce additional clean ingredient, high-protein meat snack innovations.
The investment comes on the back of a year of exceptional momentum for Righteous Felon. The company reported year-to-date gross sales growth of more than 100%, fueled by stronger multi-channel performance and a wave of new retail placements that accelerated national penetration. The brand’s focus on craft-driven flavors and clean ingredients has resonated with consumers seeking alternatives to mass-produced jerky and meat snacks.
GroundForce Capital noted that the investment reflects its confidence in Righteous Felon’s leadership and category potential. The firm, known for backing high-growth companies across food and beverage, plans to support the company with its operator network, retail expertise, and ecosystem of industry advisors.
Righteous Felon intends to build on its recent progress by scaling distribution across club, online, and grocery channels, while continuing to strengthen its operational platform to meet rising demand. The company views this new phase as an opportunity to advance its mission of delivering a cleaner, more flavorful approach to meat snacks for a broader consumer base nationwide.
Support: Solomon Partners served as the company’s exclusive financial advisor on the transaction.
KEY QUOTES:
“Righteous Felon was built on the idea that meat snacks could be both outrageously flavorful and made with clean ingredients. Watching consumers embrace that vision has been incredible. GroundForce Capital is the ideal partner for this next chapter. Their hands on operating advisors, deep network, and track record of scaling category defining brands will help us grow with discipline while keeping the craft and character that make Righteous Felon what it is.”
Brendan Cawley, Founder and CEO of Righteous Felon
“Righteous Felon is one of the most compelling better for you snack brands we’ve seen in years. What Brendan and his team have built with limited resources is remarkable – a craft driven, clean ingredient meat snacks platform that does not sacrifice taste and has captured clear momentum with the consumer. Our role now is to bring the full strength of the GroundForce Capital ecosystem to their side and a founder first partnership approach. We’re incredibly excited to help Righteous Felon unlock its next chapter and become a defining brand in the future of snacking.”
Mark Rampolla, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at GroundForce Capital
