Leonardo DiCaprio next stop lab-grown meat, invests in two Isareli startups

According to various reports, actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio has invested an undisclosed sum in Israeli alternative meat firm Aleph Farms, which grows steaks from modified cattle cells. Aleph Farms received the funding as part of a $105 million capital round in July.

Water is life! And without the Amazon, dry conditions will get worse, and drought & fires with it. This video reminds us that Amazonia & other wildlands play a vital role in nature-based solutions to the climate crisis. pic.twitter.com/5EBRBaOYvd

— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) September 10, 2021

Back to back investment for environment

According to the release, the actor also supported Mosa Meat, an alt-meat firm based in the Netherlands. In 2013, the Dutch firm introduced the world’s first cultured hamburger, and it recently announced a $85 million fundraising round. Meanwhile, Aleph Farms released the first produced steak in 2018.

Dicarpio’s role in the start-up

Leonardo DiCaprio will join both firms as an advisor for Leo’s environmental initiative. With his eco-focused Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation, the actor has long championed environmentalist causes, awarding $100 million in grants for everything from lion recovery and mangrove restoration to the defence of indigenous rights and increased access to affordable solar energy. In 2019, he co-founded the Earth Alliance with a group of billionaire investors and philanthropists to combat climate change and biodiversity loss.

Thrilled to share the $5 billion joint 'Protecting the Planet Challenge' from @rewild, Arcadia, Bezos Earth Fund, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Gordon & Betty Moore Foundation, Nia Tero, Rainforest Trust, Wyss Foundation, & the Rob & Melani Walton Foundation. https://t.co/prkRSwdfZ7 pic.twitter.com/fu8ItvZ70H

— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) September 23, 2021

The official comment

According to a statement issued on Wednesday. The best approach to address climate change, according to DiCaprio, is to restructure our food system. Mosa Meat and Aleph Farms, he adds, provide innovative solutions to meet the world’s beef demand while addressing some of the most critical concerns in existing industrial cattle production. As they prepare to deliver cultured beef to consumers, he is delighted to join them as an advisor and investor.

Tonight, late night hosts @colbertlateshow, @fullfrontalsamb, @latelateshow, @fallontonight, @jimmykimmellive, @latenightseth, & @thedailyshow are focusing on climate change. Thanks to partners at @emcollective for setting up this important event. Tune in tonight. #ClimateNight pic.twitter.com/DGrorHjE6c

— Leonardo DiCaprio (@LeoDiCaprio) September 22, 2021

As a passionate environmentalist, Dr. Didier Toubia, CEO of Aleph Farms, welcomed Leonardo DiCaprio to the advisory board and family of top-tier investors. Till today, the business has raised more than $110 million, with intentions to go public in 2022. Aleph Farms is a major player in Israel’s burgeoning food technology sector. According to expert projections, the global cultured meat market might be worth $25 billion by 2030.