Happy Viking, a plant-based nutrition company started by Venus Williams, has raised $2 million in an investment round.

Co-founded by Williams and Dyla Brands founder and CEO, Neel Premkumar, Happy Viking offers superfood powders and protein shakes.

The company was started after Williams was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease in 2011 and subsequently discovered the benefits of “plant-based superfood nutrition”.

The investment round included Williams herself and sister Serena, Kevin Durant and Rich Kleiman’s 35V, Peloton vice president of fitness programming Robin Arzón, as well as golfer Michelle Wie West and other professional athletes.

Additional investors included Mates, Talent Resources Ventures, Parallel and Oliver Trevena.

“Venus is an incredible entrepreneur, and in getting to know her and the team she’s put together behind Happy Viking, it was clear to Kevin Durant and I that the company has set itself up for success,” said 35V co-founder Kleiman. “No one understands the health and nutrition space like a professional athlete, and Happy Viking is proof in product form.”

Williams added: “I’ve seen first-hand what the benefits of adopting a plant-based diet have done for my body and performance”.

“With Happy Viking, I want to give everyone the opportunity to be healthy, feel good and live their dreams. I’m so excited to have these other world-class athletes on board to support our mission.”

The new funds will help Happy Viking to increase brand awareness, communicate the benefits of plant-based superfoods and introduce new products.

#HappyViking #US