Naomi Osaka was just one of the high-profile investors to take part in the Series A funding round, alongside Usher and others
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The world’s first low-carb, high-protein, and 100 per cent plant-based instant ramen brand has raised $10 million in a Series A funding raise.
Immi was launched in January 2021 by Kevin Lee and Kevin Chanthasiriphan, who grew up among their Taiwanese and Thai family food businesses.
After seeing the impact unhealthy diets were having on their family members’ health, they created their ramen which come in three base flavours – Black Garlic “Chicken”, Spicy “Beef”, Tom Yum “Shrimp”.
Tennis player Naomi Osaka was among the investors, alongside Usher, Apolo Ohno, David Grutman, Kygo’s Palm Tree Crew, and Gryffin.
The company, which has launched in retailers including Whole Foods, Wegmans, and The Fresh Market, will use the investment to hire for key leadership roles to support retail sales, operations, finance, product, and growth, so it can keep scaling operations.
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Naomi Osaka and other investors
In a statement, Immi Co-Founders Kevin Lee and Kevin Chanthasiriphan said: “This new raise is a huge milestone for immi as it enables our team to further improve the quality of our products, expand retail distribution, bring down prices, and continue broadening access to nutritious and delicious Asian American food.”
Naomi Osaka, TIME’s 100 Most Influential People, Entrepreneur-Activist, Four-time Grand Slam singles tennis champion and Immi investor, added: “I’m excited to announce my investment in Immi, which has revolutionized the ramen industry with a low-carb, high-protein, plant-based, and delicious alternative to one of my favourite childhood foods.”
And Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and investor, Usher, said: “Food – just like music – has always been at the centre of culture, and I am excited to play a small part in this new wave of global flavours with Immi.
“The Kevins are reinventing ramen – a nostalgic dish for many of us – with more thoughtful ingredients. Instant ramen is a beloved pantry staple from my own childhood and now I get to share a healthier, plant-based version with my family.”
Love this article? Read about the vegan tennis players who follow a plant-based diet.
Featured image courtesy of @immieats via Instagram.
