In September 2019, Lewis Hamilton launched a vegan restaurant named Neat Burgers. Spearheaded by the 7x world champion’s vegan lifestyle and efforts to promote sustainable living, today the startup is valued at $100 Million.
Almost a month ago, the London-based vegan fast-food chain Neat Burgers opened its first store in the US. Thanks to Hamilton, the chain has roped in Hollywood star Leonardo Di Caprio and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois.
The success of his venture has paid dividends to the Mercedes driver edging closer to his retirement age. And with Hamilton onboard, their startup could see the backing of more stars.
Lewis Hamilton Takes Neat Burgers to $100 Million Valuation
Lewis Hamilton reinvested his millions in Neat Burger’s recent Series B funding led by B-Flexion, the family office of Swiss billionaire Ernesto Bertarelli. The round also saw a host of new investors pledge their millions, taking the startup’s valuation to $100 Million according to Financial Times.
In the last 2 years, Neat Burgers has recorded a 40% increase in revenue. In 2023’s first quarter alone the chain posted a 20% increase in sales, powered by their first permanent location in New York City.
The Private institutional investment firms Chimera Capital, LionTree, and New Theory Ventures led the funding. Belgium and Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois, and model and actress Sara Sampaio.
Hamilton co-founded the chain in 2019 and Neat Burgers has 8 locations in the UK. The chain plans on opening more stores in the US and expanding into Italy and the Middle East in the coming years. They will be opening their first location in Dubai this year in October.
The Briton might have entered the twilight years of his racing career. However, Hamilton’s entrepreneurial mind shows the driver has thought about his life after racing carefully.
What other startups has Hamilton invested in?
Lewis Hamilton has also invested in the UK-based rapid grocery delivery service Zapp. The Briton pledged his fortunes in 2022, in a Series B fundraising which saw the app raise $200 Million.
However, all is not merry for Hamilton as Zapp is not as profitable as Neat Burgers. The 7x champion also incested in NotCo, a plant-based food-tech startup. The driver has also founded his own production company Dawn Apollo Films and has a stake in the NFL franchise, Denver Broncos.
The driver follows certain principles while investing which align with his activism. The driver has promoted services that embrace veganism and environmental sustainability.
Hamilton is also vocal about Black ownership. The driver has also focused on ventures which promote diversity and social justice. His business ideology sits firmly with the values he embraces.
