Leonardo DiCaprio Significantly engages with Los Angeles-based investment firm Struck Capital as part of the actor’s pledge to make LA a powerhouse for technology development.
This is part of what Struck Capital Founder Adam Struck called the vision of making Los Angeles “a major innovation hub to save the world”.
Struck Capital, which is currently investing in a second $ 55 million fund, would not disclose the size of DiCaprio’s stake, but said the investment was significant.
“Los Angeles has a creative and innovative spirit like nowhere else, and I’m excited to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs and business leaders in my hometown,” DiCaprio said in a statement.
DiCaprio has already made a number of investments in start-up companies that have worked very well for the Oscar-winning actor. Two investments, mattress retailer Casper and manufacturer of meat alternatives Beyond Meat, are now both publicly traded companies. In fact, Beyond Meat was one of the top performing public offerings of the past year.
And both investments highlight the themes of consumer innovation and sustainability that are central to the startup commitments DiCaprio has made public, according to Crunchbase. Other investments include laboratory diamond maker Diamond Foundry; the tea company that promotes the sustainable preservation of the rainforest, Runa Tea; developer of Rubicon recycling technology; sustainable meal prep company Love The Wild; and Magnus, an app that bills itself as a Shazam for art. DiCaprio is also an investor in the ethics and sustainability-focused Los Angeles-based financial services company Aspiration.
“He sees this as a way to support LA,” Struck said of DiCaprio’s engagement.
In addition to his commitment to the fund, DiCaprio will be making co-investments alongside the Struck Capital team. In fact, the actor has already invested in Raptor Maps, a company that uses drones to analyze the productivity and operations of solar farms.
“He chose us because he already appreciates our tenure,” Struck said. And while the firm may not be an impact investment fund by design, Struck said the firm’s agreements focus on financial inclusion, sustainability and technological innovation by as first principles.
“I think fundamentally if a company is mission-driven, it’s likely going to acquire higher corporate values and retain more talent,” Struck said.
Struck is now the fourth-largest dedicated seed fund in Los Angeles, and has nearly $ 150 million in assets under management. Companies in its portfolio include: Sendoso, ScratchPay, legendary games and a reflection base and has supported and left a number of later stage companies such as Mojo Vision, Postmates, Nutanix, Latch, Grab and Wunder Mobility.
“Alongside the Struck Capital team, we are creating a community, where the next generation of Los Angeles leaders can grow their businesses, learn from each other, realize their visions and improve our world,” said DiCaprio in a communicated.
