WILDE Raises $40 Million From S2G Investments To Expand Protein Snack Production And Product Innovation

WILDE, a Lexington, Kentucky-based snack company specializing in protein-rich chips and crackers, has secured a $40 million investment from S2G Investments. The financing will support manufacturing expansion, new product development, and marketing initiatives as the company builds on more than $100 million in sales and distribution across over 35,000 retail locations nationwide.

Founded in 2015 by Jason Wright, WILDE has developed a portfolio of salty snacks made primarily from natural chicken breast, egg whites, and bone broth. Its products are designed to provide the taste and texture associated with traditional snack foods while delivering higher protein content.

The company’s Protein Chips and Protein Crackers offer more than 10 grams of protein per serving, positioning the brand within the growing market for snacks that combine convenience, flavor, and nutritional benefits.

WILDE recently opened a 130,000-square-foot manufacturing facility designed to substantially expand its production capabilities. According to the company, the facility is the only USDA-regulated salty snack manufacturing plant in the world.

The new operation increases WILDE’s production capacity sixfold, providing additional infrastructure to serve its expanding retail distribution network and introduce new products.

The $40 million investment will help the company scale manufacturing operations while broadening its product portfolio beyond its original Protein Chips.

Following the recent introduction of Protein Crackers, WILDE is developing additional snack formats intended to reach new consumers and address a wider variety of eating occasions.

The financing will also support improvements to the company’s visual identity, product packaging, and marketing capabilities as it seeks to establish greater recognition in the broader packaged food industry.

S2G Investments sees an opportunity to expand WILDE’s position as consumers increasingly seek convenient foods that deliver additional nutritional value, particularly protein.

The investment firm focuses on businesses operating across food and agriculture, energy, and oceans. Its investment capabilities include growth equity, structured finance, and other forms of capital designed to help companies expand their operations.

For WILDE, the investment provides resources to support the next phase of growth following the development of a national retail footprint and substantial investments in manufacturing infrastructure.

The company plans to use its expanded production capacity and new product development initiatives to reach additional consumers while maintaining its focus on protein-forward snacks.

KEY QUOTES:

“Building WILDE has never been easy. We started this company to prove that protein snacks don’t have to taste like punishment, and we’ve spent years betting on an idea that didn’t fit neatly into the snack aisle. We stuck with it, built something people crave, and this investment proves that hard work and conviction pay off. Now we have the firepower to go bigger, move faster, and shake up a whole lot more of the snack aisle.”

Jason Wright, Founder And CEO Of WILDE

“WILDE has shown you can have better products with high quality ingredients without sacrificing the taste experience that makes people love salty snacks. Jason created a standout product with Protein Chips, but what excites us most is the opportunity ahead as a snacking platform. Protein Crackers is among my favorite CPG innovations ever. We’re excited to partner with Jason and the team as WILDE scales into a household brand.”

Arthur Chow, Principal, Food & Agriculture At S2G Investments