Supporter
Spotlight

A – Recently I’ve been pondering one of the most crucial challenges humanity faces: feeding 10 billion people—whose protein demands are expected to increase by 70%—by 2050. Critically, how can we achieve this in a humane and sustainable manner? Supporters of Mercy For Animals know that intensifying factory farming globally isn’t a viable solution. From a sustainability standpoint, such an approach would demand an overwhelming amount of land and water resources that our planet simply doesn’t have—not to mention produce severe levels of greenhouse gas emissions.

This is where I believe innovation becomes vital—integral to the very survival of humanity.

Historically, we’ve relied on animals to provide valuable products and services, from transportation and communication to energy, labor, clothing, medicine, and food. However, it has become evident that animals are not the most efficient providers of these end products and services. Consider how cars replaced horses, petroleum replaced whales, telecommunications replaced carrier pigeons, and fermentation now substitutes for cows and pigs in insulin production. Humans have consistently developed technologies that surpass their animal-based counterparts. The next frontier is food.

With this understanding, I co-founded Joyful Ventures, a new venture capital fund that makes global investments in pre-seed and seed-stage startups aiming to remove animals from our food system. This includes initiatives in plant-based, precision-fermented, cultivated, and molecular farming.

Our goal is to innovate products that outshine traditional animal products in cost, taste, and nutrition—the three main factors driving people’s food choices. We aim to make the humane and sustainable choice the easy, delicious, and affordable option.

We have already invested in two companies: one that creates revolutionary plant-based salmon filets and another that produces cell-cultivated Wagyu beef with no slaughtered cows.

Flexitarian consumers, who eat plant-based some of the time, make up over 80% of the alternative protein market. However, current products often fail to satisfy their taste and texture preferences. We believe that the next generation of startups in this space, including those focused on enabling technology and improved ingredients, will propel the industry, capture more market share, and ultimately spare more animals.

A – It means supporting those on the frontlines of ending factory farming. In turn, it means accelerating the transformation of our food system into one that is just and sustainable—fueling Mercy For Animals’ efforts to build our movement’s power and make plant-based eating accessible and appealing to all. Being in the Compassion Collective means sharing in so many of the organization’s successes.

A – Undercover investigations have always held a special place in my heart. These operations illuminate the hidden corners of animal agriculture, catalyzing necessary change. The brave individuals who risk everything to infiltrate slaughterhouses and factory farms are true heroes.

I’m also deeply committed to holding corporations accountable. Large corporations often wield more power than many states or even some countries. One policy change by a major grocer, food processor, or restaurant chain can improve the lives of millions, if not hundreds of millions, of animals.

Global initiatives are also of utmost importance. Over half of all farmed animals are in China. The expanding global middle class, predominantly based in Asia, coupled with the Asian population’s increasing consumption of meat, necessitates that we direct our efforts towards this region. An animal’s birthplace should not dictate whether they suffer or not.

A – Everyone can contribute in their own unique way. Of course, donating generously to organizations dedicated to animal protection, like Mercy For Animals, is key. This critical work requires financial resources to succeed. Encourage others to do the same, and consider including such organizations in your will to ensure your compassionate legacy endures.

Always seek ways to be joyful exemplars, showing that compassion is rejuvenating to the spirit and others. Focus on the world we want to create, not on the problems that weigh us down.

A – I’m reflecting on how far we’ve come and how much further we need to go.

In the past 25 years, much has changed. Positively, more states have banned extreme confinement of animals on factory farms, and many of the largest corporations have pledged to do the same in their supply chains. Such progress was unimaginable when I founded Mercy For Animals.

The innovation and advancement in animal-free foods is also remarkable and inspiring. Brands like Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods have made meatless mainstream. Hundreds of startups are creating solutions for every use of animals in food. This year, two U.S. companies were the first in the country to receive approval to sell cell-cultivated meat—produced without slaughtering animals.

There is also a deeper cultural understanding of the adverse impacts of animal agriculture, largely due to Mercy For Animals’ relentless efforts. Discussions about transitioning to a more humane, sustainable food system are now serious.

Conversely, conditions for animals have never been worse. Globally, meat consumption is on the rise with no sign of slowing. Factory farming has proliferated to every corner of the globe, leading to suffering for over 60 billion land animals each year. The work of Mercy For Animals is more relevant and important than ever.

I’m also reflecting on the countless people—volunteers, donors, employees, and supporters—who have generously contributed to the organization. They’ve donated their time, wisdom, hearts, love, compassion, and service—all unified by a shared vision of a world where animals are free. They form the very soul and fabric of this organization and always will. For this, I am profoundly grateful.