Jay-Z Helps Vegan Cheese Startup Raise $3M

August 30, 2021 –
From Live Kindly

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Award-winning rapper and entrepreneur Jay-Z just invested in California-based vegan cheese brand Misha’s Kind Foods, adding it to his growing list of plant-based investments.

The music producer, whose real name is Shawn Carter, made the investment through his investment firm Marcy Venture Partners. Jay-Z co-founded the company—the name of which pays homage to the Marcy Projects in Brooklyn, New York, where he was raised—back in 2019.

Jay-Z, along with NBA point guard Chris Paul, helped Misha’s Kind Foods raise $3 million in seed funding. Licensing executive Lisa Shamus also supported the round of funding.

Founded in 2018, the brand churns out a number of vegan cheeses. Varieties include black truffle, smoked cheddar, ricotta, and lox. The company makes its vegan cheese using cashews and almonds, plus a variety of spices and herbs.

“These investors, and their enthusiasm, not only confirm the quality and excellence of our artisan cheeses, but they also align with our long-term vision and mission. Everything we make is kind to your body, kind to the planet, and kind to your wallet,” Aaron Bullock, the CEO and co-founder of Misha’s Kind Foods, explained.

The company will use the funds to further product development, expand its retail presence, and grow its staff.

“I’m confident having these investors at the table will be vital to the future growth of the company as they bring valuable cultural instincts, branding knowledge as well as operations and growth expertise,” Bullock continued.

Photo shows a spread of bagels and vegan cheese from Misha's Kind Foods, one of Jay-Z's latest invesments. — Cheese-maker Mishka’s Kind Foods is not the first vegan company to be backed by Jay-Z. | Misha’s Kind Foods

Jay-Z’s vegan investments

This isn’t Jay-Z’s first foray into vegan investing. The music mogul’s investment firm backs a slew of companies, including Impossible Foods, Oatly, and Partake Foods. It has also invested in the likes of Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty lingerie line and MATE, an electric bike manufacturer.

In June, Marcy Venture Partners invested in Simulate, makers of plant-based chicken brand NUGGS.

The $50 million series B funding round was led by Alexis Ohanian’s venture firm Seven Seven Six. Ohanian is the co-founder of social news and discussion website Reddit and the husband of tennis champion Serena Williams. As part of the round, he also joined Simulate’s board of directors.

Jay-Z is a firm supporter of plant-based living. In 2019, he—along with his wife, Beyoncé—introduced exercise physiologist Marco Borges’ The Greenprint. The movement encourages a vegan lifestyle.

Jay-Z, Beyoncé, and Borges also launched the online store and vegan meal planning service 22 Days Nutrition.

About the author

STAFF WRITER | LOS ANGELES, CA Audrey writes about sustainability, food, and entertainment. She has a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and political science.

Source: Livekindly.co