Gaia Herbs Gains $3 Million Investment

BREVARD, N.C.—TBL Capital invested $3 million in Gaia Herbs, a producer of certified organic botanicals, to help fund growth initiatives including entering new markets, developing strategic partnerships, expanding the management team, and developing new products.

“Gaia Herbs has been and continues to be a leader in developing botanical products that can literally change the way health-conscious consumers view self-care,” said Mark Finser, general partner of Sausalito, Calif.-based TBL Capital. “These plant-based supplements are gaining significant acceptance by a large part of the population. People increasingly see these supplements as a more cost effective way of maximizing optimum wellness.”

Gaia Herbs is based in Western North Carolina, cultivating 250 acres of medicinal herbs and running operations at a 36,000-square-foot manufacturing facility; its agricultural and manufacturing operations are certified organic by Oregon Tilth, under USDA’s National Organic Program. Ric Scalzo founded the company in 1986, and said he was “thrilled” to have TBL’s investment, noting: “There is no question that TBL Capital is committed to our mission to produce pure plant medicines of exceptional quality and purity while enriching the ecology of the earth and the health and harmony of the people that use our phyto-medicines. In addition, they bring considerable experience and expertise to our company. ... With this important round of financing, Gaia Herbs is now well positioned to establish a powerful sales and marketing leadership team with a plan for extensive new product launches over the next several years.”