22 June 2023
The plant-based brand Karma Kebab has raised 2 million euros in new capital to further expand its chain of "festival food bars." After the first location opened last year in Utrecht and a pop-up in Amsterdam, they are now expanding to multiple locations in the Netherlands. They are receiving assistance from investors Brave New Food, Phase2.earth, and Capital Blue Partners.
Karma Kebab is the brainchild of entrepreneurs Pascal Labrie, Marcel van der Heijden, Hidde Stolwijk, and Ivo van der Pauw. Their philosophy is to offer tasty and affordable plant-based food, combined with a generous dose of fun, karma, and the true festival vibe. In 2018, Labrie created the ultimate sustainable late-night snack for Lowlands festival: Karma Kebab. It's a 100% plant-based kebab made from Dutch celeriac and grains. The distinctive food trucks quickly became an integral part of Dutch festivals and now also operate across borders.
Expansion
In 2022, the entrepreneurs developed the concept into a formula with "festival food bars." The first establishment in Utrecht opened in June 2022 and was an instant hit among the young audience aged between 20 and 45. In early 2023, a pop-up location opened in Amsterdam. For further expansion, they are considering locations in major Dutch cities. A new location will open in Amsterdam after the summer, and a branch in Rotterdam is planned for early next year. Ultimately, the entrepreneurs aim to open at least 25 locations by the end of 2028.
Co-founder Hidde Stolwijk: “By making conscious choices to bring fun and deliciousness to a larger audience, we aim to make a positive impact on the planet. Our ambition extends beyond the borders of the Netherlands; ultimately, we want to become the largest kebab brand in the world.”
Investors
The investment amount of 2 million was raised by Brave New Food, Phase2.earth, and Capital Blue Partners. Brave New Food and Phase2.earth had already invested in the company in 2020 and 2021, and now they are increasing their stake, while Capital Blue Partners joins as a new shareholder.
Vincent van Gorkom, co-founder at Brave New Food is enthusiastic about Karma’s future: “We know that the team is very capable of converting ambition into action. We are looking forward to seeing the fun festival experience of the brand popping up in more and more restaurants all across the country.”
Karma Kebab's co-founder Marcel van der Heijden: "I am very happy and proud that Brave New Food, who took the risk to invest in us in the midst of the first year of the pandemic, is still on board and remains a valuable partner for us."