May 25, 2017

Natural snack food startup HIPPEAS,  a producer of organic, gluten-free, vegan, and non-GMO chickpea puffs, announced that Strand Equity Partners, a leading growth equity fund co-founded by Leonardo DiCaprio and Seth Rodsky has made a minority equity investment in the company.

DiCaprio and Strand Equity are joining existing investor, Joe Serventi, former barkTHINS EVP and current general manager of HIPPEAS, who recently made an investment in the company.

“I’m truly excited that Strand Equity Partners and Leonardo have joined the HIPPEAS family. As the brand continues to grow with such momentum in the marketplace, it’s incredible to bring on board partners who align with our vision and values as a company. We are very enthusiastic to be sharing in this journey with them,” said HIPPEAS CEO and Co-Founder Livio Bisterzo.

With three grams of fiber and four grams of protein per serving, HIPPEAS are the ideal snack for consumers who are increasingly demanding nutritional, “better for you,” convenient snacks.

The company, which launched in the U.S. only last year, has seen turnover of 3 million euro in its first year of operation, and is on track to triple those numbers this year, according to Yahoo Finance.

“HIPPEAS is a high-growth and differentiated brand that has been created in a short amount of time,” said Seth Rodsky, managing partner of Strand Equity Partners. “The unprecedented traction the brand has achieved is a testament to its unique offering that combines nutrition with a creative flavor profile. We look forward to partnering with Livio, and the talented management team at HIPPEAS, to lead the next evolution of ‘better for you’ snacking.”

Another aspect of the company’s business model that has served to gain it traction in a competitive market is its social and ethical practices. The company has partnered with Farm Africa  – a charity operating in rural eastern Africa to alleviate hunger and improve the standard of living in the region. For each pack of HIPPEAS sold, the company donates a portion of the sale to support African farmers improve their production and livelihoods.

Celebrity Endorsement

The investment in HIPPEAS marks the second investment made by Leonardo DiCaprio in sustainable food companies this year.

In March it was announced that the celebrity had joined existing investor Aqua-Spark in LoveTheWild – a U.S.-based producer of sustainable, ready-to-prepare, frozen seafood meal kits.

Driven by a double mission, the company aims to take the intimidation factor out of preparing seafood dishes and to encourage consumers to broaden their choices beyond traditional choices, such as salmon, to more sustainable, environmentally-friendly species such as barramundi or striped bass.

“Estimates show the Earth’s population is approaching nine billion by 2050, putting tremendous pressure on our natural food resources. Seafood is a primary source of protein for nearly a billion people – but climate change, acidification, and over fishing are putting increased pressure on our oceans’ natural stability,” said DiCaprio. “LoveTheWild’s approach to sustainable, responsible aquaculture is promoting the development of a secure and environmentally-conscious solution to feeding our planet’s growing population.”

These investments made by a high-profile, global celebrity not only provide the capital needed to expand sustainable and ecologically-aware food systems, but can also add weight and endorse the investment class as a path to return on investment.

-Lynda Kiernan

Lynda Kiernan is Editor with GAI Media and daily contributor to GAI News. If you would like to submit a contribution for consideration, please contact Ms. Kiernan at lkiernan@globalaginvesting.com.