Direct-to-consumer meal delivery service, Wise Apple, announced today that it has raised $3.6 million in seed financing led by Pritzker Group Venture Capital and Levy Family Partners, with participation from Chicago Ventures, Greycroft, BoxGroup and Irish Angels. This round of funding brings total funding for Wise Apple to $4.3 Million. Wise Apple was created to provide parents with a stress and time-saving solution to preparing and packing lunch. Families select from an array of wholesome, ready-to-eat meal options and have them delivered to their doorstep. The funding will support the growth of Wise Apple into a household name as the brand seeks to expand nationwide next year.

Meal delivery services are a disruptive force to the food industry. Taking off in 2012, these services are now a multi-billion dollar market -- and projected to grow tenfold within five years. The primary growth driver is increasing demand for convenience and on-the-go fresh foods. Due to hectic lifestyles, consumers prefer ready-to-eat meals because they reduce the preparation and cooking time.

"Wise Apple takes meal delivery a step further, solving a huge pain point for parents by delivering convenient, healthy, fresh meals for kids," said Sonia Nagar Vice President of Pritzker Group Venture Capital. "The market feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, and it's clear that the product and service the team at Wise Apple built solves a real problem."

Wise Apple was launched in 2016 by Techstars alumni Rebecca Sholiton and Nate Cooper. The concept has grown from hand-delivered meals to a tech-enabled platform designed to facilitate weekly meal selection, customization and delivery. Each meal is balanced and includes a main dish, fruit, vegetable and sweet treat. The Wise Apple platform is a fun way to involve kids in meal planning and aids in educating kids about healthy choices. Parents and kids jointly select and customize their weekly meals from a variety of balanced meals. Menu options range from simple kid favorites to more adventurous options.

"Wise Apple started out as the solution to one mom's struggle - finding the time to prepare and serve a variety of balanced meals to her kids," Wise Apple CEO Rebecca Sholiton explains. "Choosing Wise Apple as a your lunch option gives parents convenience while still providing wholesome foods. We've learned that when kids are involved in the meal selection process they are more likely to eat the food."

"Overtime we believe we can be a partner to parents as they help build balanced eating habits in their families," adds Wise Apple President Nate Cooper.

Wise Apple differentiates itself by focusing on a kid-inspired menu with components that can be customized for a wide range of preferences including gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free options. Meals are created under the direction of the culinary team and pediatric dietitian; the service incorporates the highest quality protein, produce and ingredients into each meal. Items are organic and locally-sourced, whenever possible.

Headquartered in Chicago, Wise Apple is available for delivery throughout the Midwest with plans to expand in 2018. Visit www.getwiseapple.com for more information on menu prices and product offerings.

About Wise Apple
Wise Apple makes life easier by making lunch better - delivering fresh, custom, pre-packaged, ready-to-serve lunches and snacks directly to your door. The service takes away the daily challenge and stress parents face when planning and packing their children's lunch. Wise Apple lunches are chef-crafted, and kid-approved using the highest quality, nutritious ingredients. The service offers items for a range of preferences including gluten-free, dairy-free and nut-free options. Launched in 2016, by Rebecca Sholiton and Nate Cooper, Wise Apple is on a mission to see food through kids eyes, making good-for-you food fun for kids. For more information about Wise Apple please visit: www.getwiseapple.com.