Nas is one of the investors in Exo, a company that is trying to change the way people see protein by using crickets in their energy bars.
The Brooklyn-based company is envisioning a future in which humanity gets the majority of its protein from insects, specifically crickets. And why not? Crickets are a known source of protein, are much easier to cultivate and have thus far proven to have a much smaller impact on the environment when compared to other protein rich animals, such as cows.
In an interview with Bloomberg, Exo co-founder Greg Sewitz, talked about his plan to become directly competitive with other protein selling companies. “In the long term, we envision cricket powder being competitive with soy, and whey, and any other protein source,” expressed the 24-year-old. “That starts with introducing cricket protein to a consumer base with no direct experience with it and a lot of preconceived ideas that are negative.”
The idea of eating insects definitely has negative connotations in the West, and it will be a pretty tricky stigma to overcome for Exo, who are presently using cricket-powder as their main source of protein in the multi-flavoured energy bars.
Nas is just one of several investors, including big names like AccelFoods and the Collaborative Fund, who have put a combined $4 million towards the venture. With people becoming more aware about the mistreatment of animals in the farming industry, and the impact that it has on the environment it seems that looking into any alternative is a solid investment, one which may well payoff in the long run.
Image: Observer