Meati Foods Scores A Home Run With MLB Hall of Famer Derek Jeter Investment

Derek Jeter, the former New York Yankee shortstop and Major League Baseball hall of famer, has joined a number of high-profile celebrities backing Colorado’s Meati Foods.

Meati Foods isn’t short on capital; the company has raised more than $250 million following its recent Series C funding round. But Jeter’s commitment to Meati Foods stretches beyond mere financial involvement; the high-profile investor has also pledged his services as an advisor to the company.

‘Making a real difference’

Jeter, who was guided by three essential factors when exploring investments in this field — nutrition, sustainability, and taste — found Meati Foods to be a match. “Meati certainly delivers, with great quality steaks and cutlets and an institutional emphasis on high nutritional value and sustainable practices. As we look to the future, the choices we make and the impact we leave are critical, and I appreciate the way Meati has dedicated efforts to making a real difference,” Jeter said in a statement.

President and COO of Meati Foods, Scott Tassani, views Jeter’s involvement as a noteworthy testament to the company’s product. “Derek has seen endless products cross his desk for partnership consideration, and we’re honored by his support and inspired by his passion for a more sustainable, equitable, nutritious food ecosystem,” Tassani said.

Jeter’s investment in Meati expands on his portfolio, which already includes Performance Kitchen, Amass, and Bespoken Spirits. A philanthropist at heart, he established the Turn 2 Foundation in 1996, which promotes healthy lifestyles among the youth and has since given out over $34 million in grants.

Transforming the food system

Established in 2017, Meati Foods has set out to transform the food system into a more delightful, nutritious, fair, and sustainable model. The debut line, Eat Meati, includes mushroom root-derived cutlets and steaks. After an overwhelmingly successful launch through its online shop, the company is planning a nationwide omnichannel rollout late this year.

The company has enjoyed a significant amount of media attention for its mushroom-based clean meat. Its earned support from several culinary figures including television host and philanthropist, Rachael Ray; David Chang, the brain behind Momofuku and Majordomo Media; Sweetgreen co-founders Nicolas Jammet and Jonathan Neman, and ex-senior policy advisor for nutrition at the White House, Sam Kass.

The partnership with Jeter builds on the brand’s recent rollout across Sprouts stores throughout the U.S. in March. In January, the company announced its “mega ranch” in Colorado, which it says can rival the output of conventional animal farms.