Leonardo DiCaprio Invests in Two Cultivated Meat Companies
The prominent actor and environmentalist has invested an undisclosed sum in cultivated meat start-ups Mosa Meat and Aleph Farms.
Credit: Christopher William Adach
Oscar-winning actor and long-time environmentalist, Leonardo DiCaprio has invested in cultivated meat companies Aleph Farms and Mosa Meat.
Beef cultivated directly from cells is projected to reduce climate impact by 92% and air pollution by 93%, and use up to 95% less land and 78% less water than conventionally farmed cattle-based beef, according to independent research firm CE Delft. Cultivated meat is projected to be a $25 billion global industry by 2030, according to McKinsey & Co.
“One of the most impactful ways to combat the climate crisis is to transform our food system,” said DiCaprio. “Mosa Meat and Aleph Farms offer new ways to satisfy the world's demand for beef, while solving some of the most pressing issues of current industrial beef production. I’m very pleased to join them as an adviser and investor, as they prepare to introduce cultivated beef to consumers.”
Aleph Farms produces uses cutting-edge technology to produce slaughter-free beef steak, through a combination of 3D bioprinting technology and the natural building blocks of meat – real cow cells. Earlier this year the Israeli startup announced the completion of a $105 million Series B funding round, increasing its total funding to more than $118 million. The leader in sustainable, cultivated meat is using the funds to scale up manufacturing and grow operations international ahead of an initial market launch in 2022
“As a committed environmentalist, we welcome Leonardo DiCaprio to our advisory board and family of top-tier investors,” said Didier Toubia, co-founder and chief executive officer of Aleph Farms. “Our team is committed to improving the sustainability of our global food systems and we're thrilled to have Leo share in our vision.”
Mosa Meat, the European clean meat technology startup, introduced the world’s first cultivated beef hamburger in 2013. Bolstered by $96 million in funding to date, the Netherlands-based food technology company is in the process of expanding its cultivated beef production.
“Leonardo DiCaprio's work to bring about positive change is closely aligned with our mission at Mosa Meat,” said Maarten Bosch, CEO of Mosa Meat. “We are thrilled to bring him on board as adviser and investor and work together to feed current and future generations sustainably.”
More stories:
Species Unite
A collection of stories of those who fight the good fight on behalf of animals.
The footage was reportedly recorded at Marshall BioResources in North Rose, New York, where up to 22,000 dogs - mostly beagles - are being bred for animal experimentation.