Organic tea brand Runa has announced its latest round of investors – and among them is Academy Award-winning actor Leonardo DiCaprio.
The star of Titanic and The Revenant has committed to donating his shares to indigenous farming communities in the Amazon, where Runa sources the guayusa leaf used in its teas and energy drinks. The brand claimed that DiCaprio’s example was an “innovative model for environmental philanthropy” that would allow its suppliers to own a stake in Runa’s development.
The actors Marlon Wayans and Adam Rodriguez, as well as tennis players John Isner and Steve Johnson, have also invested in the company this week.
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DiCaprio said: “I am so proud to join with Runa in supporting the indigenous people of the Amazon. The future of these communities, and many like them across the world, are at risk as their native lands are exploited for natural resource and agricultural development. Sustainable farming practices are key to helping ensure a brighter future for so many local people.
“We must all do everything we can to help indigenous and local people who too often suffer the worst environmental degradation, and are most at risk from climate change. Empowering them to stand up and fight back against the outside interests that threaten their survival is a cause that must be championed.”
DiCaprio – as well as his four fellow investors – will find themselves in the company of Magic Mike star Channing Tatum, who was an early investor in the US beverage brand.
Runa co-founder Tyler Gage said: “Our vision for Runa was inspired by the rich spirit of family and collaboration in the Amazonian communities that revere guayusa tea, and we’re very grateful that the quality of our products and integrity of our vision has attracted such a great group of supporters.”
The native Kichwa communities drink guayusa tea before sunrise as their fuel for the day, the brand continued, as it contains the same level of caffeine as coffee and a rich profile of polyphenols, flavonoids and L-theanine.
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