Wicked Kitchen, a startup that makes plant-based foods, announced it raised $20 million in bridge funding, thanks in part to an Emmy Award winner.
Actor Woody Harrelson was named as one of the company’s latest investors. Wicked Kitchen will use the $20 million to increase global brand awareness and grow retail distribution and other channels, such as food service, according to a news release.
The company raised a $14 million Series A funding round last year.
"What I love about this brand is that the products are actually created by chefs that always put flavor first, making it so easy to go plant-based." said Harrelson, a vegan advocate, in a statement.
Besides Harrelson, new investors in the funding include Bengaluru, India-based Ahimsa VC, a venture capital fund that invests meat alternatives, and Nutra Regenerative Protein Ltd., a Bangkok City, Thailand-based food producer.
Harrelson is perhaps best known for his role as Woody Boyd in the long-running sitcom "Cheers," for which he was nominated for several Emmy awards and won one in 1989, according to the official Emmy Awards website, but he's appeared in many other series and movies since.
Wicked Kitchen was launched in 2018 by brothers Derek and Chad Sarno. The company experienced rapid growth in 2021 after partnering with Cincinnati-based grocer Kroger and other grocery chains.
The Minneapolis-based company also launched a line of plant-based, non-dairy ice cream back in April.
"During this high growth phase, it is validating to have support from additional investors who believe in our mission and in the future of plant-based foods," said Pete Speranza, CEO, Wicked Kitchen, in a statement.
