When investing, your capital is at risk.
__
In September’s Investing Insights, Seedrs reported on the global consequences of climate change and how animal agriculture is a major contributor. According to National Geographic, cattle contribute 40 percent of the annual methane budget. As the population grows, the demand for meat will only increase, leading to a snowball effect on an existing problem.
Meanwhile, COVID-19’s impact has resulted in an increase in junk food intake. Many people were forced further into poverty as a result of the pandemic, making healthy food unaffordable, especially with prices currently rising due to global inflation. The Telegraph reported that based on the UK’s current food environment, half of the children born in 2021 will experience a diet-related disease by the time they are 65 years old. With an established link between money and health, eating organic food is a better option, but at what cost?
With serious worry about food intake, 100 NHS doctors wrote to the UK government, offering six proposals on how to do so. Two ideas include promoting a plant-based food system and the introduction of subsidies to assist the UK in adopting a largely whole food and plant-based diet.
Fast food companies are already catching on, with the market expected to grow by 11.9 percent by 2027 and be worth $74.2 billion. McDonald’s chose to introduce the McPlant burger this year, a £3.49, 420-calorie vegan burger that mimics the taste and texture of their iconic beef patties. The demand for healthier food options has risen dramatically, especially in the wake of the pandemic, putting more pressure on businesses to cater to all customers. In 2021, the Veganuary movement drew 582,000 people from all across the world, climbing nearly 200,000 from the previous year.
While the sector is expanding, it is evident that more information and education must be disseminated on a worldwide scale in order to truly advance. Plant Based News (PBN), a UK-based media organisation dedicated to raising awareness about ethical purchasing, conscious living, sustainability, and the vegan lifestyle, is coming to the rescue.
Founders Klaus Mitchell and Robbie Lockie, became vegan in 2013 and decided to incorporate the company in 2017, initially launching as a social media channel, from inside Klaus’ parents’ greenhouse. Today, they are the most popular plant-based internet platform, with a 2.4 million-strong online community that includes celebrities such as Kim Kardashian, Tabitha Brown, and Lewis Hamilton. Their podcast, The Plant Based News, has a loyal audience with listeners saying, “I learn things from every guest that make me more and more passionate about being vegan.”
PBN helps brands spread their message on why turning green is vital, in addition to offering useful information and education to their community of vegan beginners and plant-based fans. In a sponsored Instagram collaboration, PBN assisted Vegan Fried Chicken in gaining 10,000 Instagram followers in the first two weeks.
THIS, a Seedrs alumnus that achieved a 200 percent raise of £4 million, is also on their list of trusted partners. PBN receives 70 million monthly impressions and has a total reach of 11.2 million people across their website, Facebook, and YouTube. Their vibrant and engaged community is a sanctuary for companies looking to get into the plant-based market.
PBN is currently crowdfunding on Seedrs to expand their business and move closer to their aim of eliminating animal agriculture and helping more people live a healthier life. They want to use the capital to extend their existing platform, build an influencer database, increase their creative staff, expand their alliances, and present a series to Netflix for a 2023 release. There’s no denying that the job they’re doing is interesting and inspiring, as evidenced by the success of their current raise so far.
To get a piece of the (vegan) pie before it’s too late, visit their pitch here.
