Danone

15 billion. Idris Elba’s latest business win is less about Hollywood and more about getting in early. 15 billion acquisition offer from French food giant Danone, reports AfroTech . Founded in 2015, Huel has reportedly sold more than 270 million meals and expanded beyond its original meal-replacement powders into ready-to-drink beverages, snacks, and hot meals. S. growth. Elba, Sabrina Elba, British television host Jonathan Ross, and entrepreneur Grace Beverley participated in the round. For Elba, the investment was rooted in more than celebrity star power.

In a video shared by Forbes Family Group, he explained that he liked Huel’s products and its CEO, James McMaster, whom he called a “smart guy” with a vision. “It was an opportunity to work with Huel in their very early stages, and they just wanted someone to help them put some eyeballs on Huel. I like the product. I like the CEO … So 4 years ago, I get this call. ’ And it was a very light lift for me from an investment perspective,” said the Luther star. “For me, it was sweat equity. ” The 54-year-old British actor also said the investment reflected his interest in supporting healthier, lower-carbon diets and agricultural development in Sierra Leone, which is his father’s native country.

That early bet on the company is now reaping major benefits. 15 billion, while bringing the independent nutrition brand under one of the world’s largest food companies. Elba acknowledged that his stake was relatively small but still significant enough to benefit from the sale. “I didn’t get massively rich, but it’s a very big, very big sale, and I got a small portion of that,” he said. The Huel deal underscores a growing lane for celebrities with capital, influence, and access, who become early-stage investors rather than simply endorsing products.