The actor turned environmentalist has joined Neat Burger as a strategic investor

Leonardo DiCaprio has been named one of the investors in vegan restaurant chain Neat Burger’s latest investment round.

The Lewis Hamilton-backed fast-food company launched a $30 million Series B fundraise with US investors and DiCaprio has joined the group as a strategic investor.

The funding is part of Neat Burger’s expansion plans to the US and the company has even hired top players, including Vincent Herbet, who previously helmed bakery chain Le Pain Quotidien, as Neat Burger USA’s chief executive.

Tommaso Chiabra, the founder of Neat Burger told the Standard: “People like Leonardo think like we do and know how much needs to be done, and how much the animal farming industry can be disrupted.

“The fact Leonardo has embraced our mission and come on board is astonishing — it shows how much we can do to bring change to the world.”

‘Sustainable alternatives can make a real difference in reducing global emissions ‘

The actor turned environmentalist, who has also invested in plant-based brand Beyond Meat, said: “Disrupting our food system with sustainable alternatives is one of the key ways we can make a real difference in reducing global emissions.

“Neat Burger’s pioneering approach to alternative proteins is a great example of the type of solutions we need moving forward.”

Vegan food chain Neat Burger

Neat Burger was launched in 2019 and the London-based food chain has a total of eight stores already in the UK. Last year, it revealed further plans to open 30 more outlets nationwide following a $70 million valuation.

The company’s most recent valuation is $100 million, and company is looking to use its capital to fuel global expansion.

Across the pond, the company plans to have 12 locations – a mix of storefronts and ghost kitchens – by the end of 2022.

 The flagship will be a brick-and-mortar outlet in New York City this year: The company is scouting spaces in SoHo, Bryant Park, and Midtown Manhattan.

By the end of the year, Neat expects to be operating 42 locations worldwide, including in the Middle East and Italy.

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Mohsina Dodhiya

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