TCHO

TCHO Ventures, Inc., operating as TCHO, is a Berkeley, California-based chocolate manufacturer that has sought to merge technology with chocolate making since its inception. The company was co-founded in December 2005 by Timothy Childs, a technology entrepreneur who developed vision systems for NASA's Space Shuttle program, and Karl Bittong, a veteran with over four decades of experience in the chocolate industry. This unique blend of Silicon Valley innovation and deep industry knowledge is central to the company's story. Early operations were also shaped by Louis Rossetto and Jane Metcalfe, the founders of Wired magazine, who joined as CEO and President, respectively.

The company's core business model revolves around producing high-quality chocolate for both consumers and professional chocolatiers. Its revenue is generated through the sale of its products via retailers across the United States, as well as wholesale and bulk options. A pivotal element of TCHO's strategy is its TCHO Source program, a direct-sourcing initiative that partners with cacao farmers and cooperatives globally. Through this program, TCHO establishes "Flavor Labs" in cacao-producing regions, providing technology and training in sensory analysis to help farmers improve the quality and consistency of their beans. This collaborative approach turns suppliers into co-creators, allowing TCHO to source beans with specific flavor profiles, such as "fruity" or "nutty".

Initially located at the historic Pier 17 in San Francisco, TCHO relocated its factory and offices to Berkeley in 2014. After raising a total of $5.96 million over three funding rounds, the company was acquired by Japanese confectionery giant Ezaki Glico in February 2018. This acquisition aimed to give Glico a stronger foothold in the growing U.S. premium chocolate market. A significant strategic shift occurred in 2021 when TCHO announced it would transition its entire product line to be 100% plant-based, a process completed by 2023. The product portfolio now consists of Certified B Corporation, Fair Trade, and organic certified chocolates, including a range of dark chocolates, oat-milk based chocolates, baking supplies, and roasted cacao nibs.

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