BOULDER, COLO.  — Meati Foods has gained two new investors interested in its plant-based meat formulated from MushroomRoot. Twelve-time NBA All-Star and two-time Olympic gold medalist Chris Paul, and three-time gold medalist and two-time world champion gymnast Aly Raisman, are joining investors like Derek Jeter, the MLB Hall of Fame member who joined the company in June; chef and restaurateur Tom Colicchio; television personality Rachael Ray; and sweetgreen co-founders Nicolas Jammet and Jonathan Neman.

Meati Foods is a maker of fungi-based meat alternative. The company formulates nutrient dense meats using mycelium, the muscular root structure of fungi as its single main ingredient.

Mr. Paul, who currently plays point guard for the Golden State Warriors, is an entrepreneur and an investor in plant-based companies, Meati said. Mr. Paul is a two-time Olympic gold medalist, a 12-time NBA All-Star, an NBA Rookie of the Year winner, and a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

“When I choose to invest in a company, I look at everything from the quality of the products to how our values align,” Mr. Paul said. “Meati and I share an understanding that building something great involves being willing to put in the work. We also agree that nutrition has to taste good and be good for you. This is an exciting time to invest and make a real impact with Meati, a company committed to whole food nutrition that tastes amazing.”

Ms. Raisman is a two-time team captain of the gold medal winning US women’s gymnastics team in 2012 and 2016. Ms. Raisman is also an advocate for the sexual abuse prevention movement and for health and wellness, Meati said.

“Eating healthy has been a huge focus and priority for me,” Ms. Raisman said. “Over the years, I have realized how much better I feel, mentally and physically, when I eat whole foods. When I was introduced to Meati Foods, I was so impressed with their MushroomRoot, how nutritious their products are and how few ingredients they use. I am so excited to be a Meati investor and partner, and I look forward to supporting and sharing their mission.”

Meati Foods launched into retail in early 2023 and features products like the crispy cutlet, classic cutlet, the classic steak and the carne asada steak. Meati’s current retail locations include Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Meijer and Fresh Thyme.

“World-class athletes like Chris and Aly choosing to invest in our company reinforces that we are introducing a powerful, new whole-food staple worthy of fueling everyone, including those most discriminating about what they eat,” said Scott Tassani, president and chief operating officer at Meati Foods. “After an exciting 2023, we are preparing for an even bigger 2024, and the insights Aly and Chris have to share will be invaluable as we continue to scale.”

Enjoying this content? Learn about more disruptive startups on the Food Entrepreneur page.