Eleven-time NBA All-Star player Chris Paul, aka CP2, is reportedly making a financial investment in Koia, a maker of 100% plant-based nutrition shakes. The investment furthers Paul's mission of promoting better access to healthy foods. Financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.
Paul, who follows a plant-based diet himself, is also an investor in Beyond Meat. Since starting the transition to a plant-based diet in 2019, the Phoenix Suns' point guard said he has noticed substantial improvement in his overall health.
As part of their partnership, Paul and Koia are introducing Koia vending machines to HBCU (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) campuses. The vending machine pilot program will take place this year with a broader rollout planned for 2022.
In addition to the HBCU program, Paul has made a commitment to purchasing 50,000 bottles of Koia Straw-nana Dream Smoothie, the best-selling flavor in Koia's line, for GoPuff customers nationally.
Paul has an investment in and partnership with GoPuff, a food delivery service, and Koia is currently the top-selling better-for-you beverage sold on the platform.
Koia noted that the three-way partnership between Paul, Koia and GoPuff is an example of how celebrities and brands can collaborate to affect meaningful change in the food and beverage industry.
"My hope for investing in Koia and other change-makers in the industry is that we work together toward a bigger systemic culture shift where underserved communities have access and opportunity to live better, healthier lives," Paul said
