Raise closed, search for fresh raises on Seedstage

San Rafael, CA

Launching a clean-label snack brand focused on seed oil-free chips made with simple, real ingredients.

• Ingredient integrity: 100% avocado oil, non-GMO, and as few as three ingredients per flavor.
• Experienced founder: Built and ran a prior national snack brand with deep CPG expertise.
• Lean and profitable model: Focused on DTC and high-margin retail with no reliance on traditional distribution.
• Strong consumer trend alignment: Positioned in a fast-growing segment of the $33B snack market.
• Brand with values: Centered around family, fitness, transparency, and American-sourced operations.

Mark’s Snacks is raising funds to launch a new line of clean-label potato chips made with avocado oil and real, minimal ingredients. With no seed oils, no additives, and simple formulations, the brand is positioned to serve the growing demand for healthier, transparent snacks in a $33.2 billion and growing salty snack market. Founded by a seasoned entrepreneur with 20 years of experience and a successful track record in the consumer packaged goods space, Mark’s Snacks is designed from the ground up for operational discipline, profitability, and long-term brand loyalty. The offering supports production, packaging, marketing, and essential operations for a brand that seeks to stand out through ingredient integrity and direct-to-consumer strategy.

Funds raised will be allocated primarily to raw materials and production, allowing for initial manufacturing runs of the brand’s three launch flavors: Sea Salt, Sea Salt & Vinegar, and Barbecue. Additional proceeds will support marketing efforts focused on consumer education around seed oils and clean eating, as well as lean administrative operations. Mark’s Snacks avoids the high costs associated with traditional retail distribution models by focusing on direct-to-consumer sales and selective, high-margin retail placements. Backed by strong margins and a founder with a large industry network and social media presence, the brand is positioned for disciplined growth, aiming for profitability in its first year.

Company Info

Mark’s Snacks makes avocado-oil potato chips with minimal ingredients and sells them through direct and selective retail channels.

Mark’s Snacks is a San Francisco-based food company developing potato chips made with U.S.-grown potatoes, avocado oil, and minimal seasonings, free of seed oils, artificial flavors, and GMOs. Founded by consumer packaged goods entrepreneur Mark Samuel, the brand offers three inaugural flavors—Sea Salt, Sea Salt & Vinegar, and Barbecue—each relying on a short list of recognizable ingredients. The company works with domestic manufacturing and packaging partners and sources ingredients within the United States to maintain supply-chain control and transparency while supporting local jobs.

To reach consumers efficiently, Mark’s Snacks prioritizes direct-to-consumer e-commerce, regional direct-store distribution, and selective retail placements that preserve gross margins. The simplified ingredient list and avoidance of distributor fees are intended to sustain margins of roughly 60 percent. By emphasizing clean-label formulation and consumer education around seed-oil replacement, the company aims to meet growing demand for healthier salty snacks in the $33 billion U.S. market. Planned expansion involves additional production runs through a contracted domestic co-manufacturer and targeted social-media marketing to build brand loyalty without heavy promotional spending.