Jaz-Z And Chris Paul Invested In Another Vegan Cheese Brand

Misha's Kind Foods, a California plant-based dairy alternative company announced it closed a $3M seed investment round.

The company was backed by Jay Z's investment firm Marcy Ventures Partners Fund, Chris Paul, 11-time NBA All-Star and Lisa Shamus among other investors. 

Known as the "Best Dairy-Free Cheese" on the market, Misha's Kind Foods will use the investment for product development, retail expansion and staff growth. 

The company was co-founded by Chef Ian Martin and Aaron Bullock and began operating in 2018. California certified and licensed Misha's as a Dairy Company which allows them to legally use the word "Cheese." 

Misha's cheeses are the finest non-dairy spreads on the market. Delicious and healthy, the products are made from their own brand of cashew and almond milk, and blended with various, locally sourced, fresh herbs, vegetables and spices. No vegetable oils, soy, fillers, starches, or nutritional yeasts are used, and everything is lactose free, gluten free and 100% vegan.

The range includes: Sari (sundried tomatoes, roasted garlic, cilantro), Joi (jalapeño, oregano, thyme), Lox (dill, capers, roasted carrots), Seven Point Five (jalapeño, habanero, strawberries), French Connection (herbs de Provence, grains of paradise, black olives), Smoked Cheddar (smoked paprika, chipotle) and Black Truffle (black truffle, shallots).

"These investors, and their enthusiasm, not only confirm the quality and excellence of our artisan cheeses, but they also align with our long-term vision and mission. We are here to serve the large community of cheese lovers, plant-based and not. Everything we make is kind to your body, kind to the planet and kind to your wallet," said Aaron Bullock, CEO and co-founder of Misha's Kind Foods. "I'm confident having these investors at the table will be vital to the future growth of the company as they bring valuable cultural instincts, branding knowledge as well as operations and growth expertise."

"The mission of Misha's directly aligns with our values. When we first discovered Misha's we found some immediate synergies," explained Jay Brown, co-founder of Marcy Venture Partners. "We embrace companies that value sustainability, empowerment, inclusivity, accessibility, convenience, health and wellness and personal expression."

Lisa Shamus, known as the licensing executive with the "Midas Touch," struggled to find edible non-dairy cheese when she was told her daughter could no longer eat dairy. "Everything we tried tasted terrible," she said. Then Shamus discovered Misha's cheeses in Los Angeles, and her family loved it so much, she bought every flavour. She added:  "I've built successful brands and products for decades. With Misha's, I saw the opportunity to invest not just in one item, but in a team with a vision to create an entire category that has tremendous possibilities. As we begin to expand our manufacturing, marketing and distribution, Misha's will be a leader in delicious dairy-free products."