American actor and environmental activist Leonardo DiCaprio has invested in Israeli cultured meat startup Aleph Farms, also recently joining the company's advisory board, according to an announcement on Wednesday.
The Oscar winner is also investing in Mosa Meat, another cultivated meat company based in the Netherlands.
The investment in Rehovot-based Aleph Farms was part of a $105 million Series B funding round in July.
"One of the most impactful ways to combat the climate crisis is to transform our food system. Mosa Meat and Aleph Farms offer new ways to satisfy the world's demand for beef, while solving some of the most pressing issues of current industrial beef production. I'm very pleased to join them as an advisor and investor, as they prepare to introduce cultivated beef to consumers," DiCaprio said.
Cultivated meat grows beef directly from animal cells, reducing the environmental footprint compared to industrial beef production.
"As a committed environmentalist, we welcome Leonardo DiCaprio to our advisory board and family of top tier investors. Our team is committed to improving the sustainability of our global food systems and we're thrilled to have Leo share in our vision," Didier Toubia, Co-Founder and CEO of Aleph Farms, said.
DiCaprio has visited the Jewish state multiple times, including during his relationship with Israeli supermodel Bar Refaeli from 2005 until 2011.