US-based Ekos has secured an investment of $8m through Series A investment round, which will be used to improve product features and build integrations with better solutions for the craft food and beverage industry.

The company provides business management software for independent craft beverage companies.

Venture capital firm Noro-Moseley Partners led the funding round.

Ekos CEO Josh McKinney said: “We’re truly excited about our Series A because it means that Ekos will continue to evolve and become a company that will help all artisanal makers.

“However, our first love is the craft beer market and we remain steadfastly committed to those customers and continuing to help them be efficient and profitable.

“This investment from Noro-Moseley Partners means that we can expand our capabilities and global footprint and bring even more effective solutions to both new and existing customers in the craft food and beverage space, as well as execute on our ultimate vision of creating a new ecosystem for the craft industry.”

Additionally, Ekos intends to expand its team with the addition of 40 new team members by the end of next year.

The company has partnered with more than 1,700 beverage producers including beer, cider, wine, coffee and food companies across 40 countries worldwide.

Currently its management software is used by 15% of craft breweries in the US including brands such as Austin Beerworks, Breakside Brewery, Hardywood Park Craft Brewery and Wormtown Brewery.

Going further, Noro-Moseley officials Alan Taetle and John Ale will join the Ekos board of directors.