Leonardo DiCaprio backs London-based organic chickpea puff brand Hippeas

Hippeas, the London-based organic chickpea puff brand, has just secured funding from a bevy of investors that includes Hollywood actor Leonardo DiCaprio, as well as Strand Equity Partners.

Hippeas produces low-calorie, organic, gluten-free, vegan, kosher and non-GMO, chickpea-based snacks. They are available in four flavours: Cheese and Love, Far Out Fajita, In Herbs We Trust and Sweet & Smokin’.

The brand is currently stocked in more than 20,000 stores across the UK and US including Waitrose, Ocado, Whole Foods, Planet Organic, Holland and Barrett, WH Smiths & Boots.

Hippeas has partnered with Farm Africa – a charity on a mission to end hunger and bring wealth to rural Eastern Africa – donating a portion of the sales of each pack sold to help farmers “grow themselves out of poverty”.

Claiming to be on track to triple revenues this year, the finance will help the brand continue its growth trajectory.

Livio Bisterzo, Hippeas CEO and co-founder, said: “I’m truly excited that Strand Equity Partners and DiCaprio have joined the Hippeas family. As the brand continues to grow with such momentum in both the UK and US, it’s incredible to bring on board partners who align with our vision and values as a company. We are very enthusiastic to be sharing in this journey with them.”

Seth Rodsky, co-founder and managing partner of Strand Equity Partners, commented: “Hippeas is a high-growth and differentiated brand that has been created in a short amount of time. The unprecedented traction the brand has achieved is a testament to its unique offering that combines nutrition with a creative flavour profile.

“We look forward to partnering with Livio, and the talented management team at Hippeas, to lead the next evolution of ‘better for you’ snacking.”