BOULDER, COLO. — 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 the latest investors in patented MushroomRoot company, Meati Foods. Other investors and partners include MLB Hall of Fame member Derek Jeter; chef and restaurateur Tom Colicchio; cook, philanthropist and television personality Rachael Ray; and sweetgreen co-founders Nicolas Jammet and Jonathan Neman.

Meati launched in early 2023 with its lineup of the Crispy Cutlet, the Classic Cutlet, the Classic Steak and the Carne Asada Steak and has since expanded to over 3,000 stores. The company recently announced its availability in Super Target and Albertsons locations around the country with a plan to double store count in Q1 of 2024. Four new products, Crispy Bites, Spicy Crispy Cutlet, Garlic & Black Pepper Steak and Italian Seasoned Cutlet, will make retail debuts in the first half of 2024. All products in the eat meati line offer significant amounts of protein, fiber, vitamins and other nutrients in easy-to-prepare, minimally processed, flexible options designed to stand on their own or as part of classic recipes.

Meati’s current retail locations include Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Meijer and Fresh Thyme. Its products regularly reach repurchase rates of up to 60%, signaling a strong positive response and growing product loyalty, according to the company. Meati Foods has also launched the Meati Marketplace for direct-to-consumer sales, offering bundles of both new and favorite products.

“Eating healthy has been a huge focus and priority for me,” 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.”

Two-time team captain of the gold-medal-winning US women’s gymnastics teams in 2012 and 2016, Raisman is one of the most decorated American female gymnasts of all time. Off the mat, Raisman is recognized as a leader in the sexual abuse prevention movement, including her award-winning documentary Aly Raisman, “Darkness to Light,” as well as for her passion for health and wellness.

Paul avidly invests in plant-based companies and lives a plant-based lifestyle in pursuit of ongoing peak performance. He is also a New York Times best-selling author and founder of The Chris Paul Family Foundation.

“When I choose to invest in a company, I look at everything from the quality of the products to how our values align,” 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.”

Scott Tassani, president and chief operating officer at Meati Foods added, “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. 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.”