Global plant-based food company Livekindly has launched after receiving $200m in financial backing from a range of investors.

Company founders, entrepreneurs and global leaders led the funding round. The company will primarily focus on the plant-based meat alternative sector.

Livekindly chairman and CEO Kees Kruythoff said: “Unlike any other company in this space, the Livekindly Co is creating a movement that will drive impact at scale and at speed.

“We are starting with one of the world’s most consumed meats–chicken-by providing outstanding, tasty, plant-based foods that are more sustainable and environmentally friendly.

“We’re also partnering with incumbent poultry companies, including PHW in Europe and RCL Foods in South Africa, who are committed to embracing plant-based options.”

The company will offer a wide range of brands of non-GMO and plant-based chicken alternatives, including The Fry Family Food Co, LikeMeat and Livekindly Media.

Reportedly, Livekindly is the only company in the plant-based food sector that owns and operates the entire value chain of production.

It also holds a stake in PURIS Holding, a vertically integrated non-GMO, plant-based ingredients company.

Livekindly intends to use the funding to make further acquisitions, as well as increase its existing plant-based food portfolio.

The company said that it will also invest in increasing its plant-based food capacity.

Livekindly founder and board director Roger Lienhard said: “The Livekindly Co’s approach offers a path forward for transforming the global food industry.

“Our team has built a new formula for success by bringing innovation, experience, resources and scale throughout the plant-based chicken value chain.

“It started with bringing together like-minded founders who share a vision for smarter, sustainable living and allows the food industry to better align around the evolving values of consumers who are focused on climate change, animal welfare and human health.”