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French plant-based start-up La Vie has raised €25 million in a Series A round, which was backed by investors including Natalie Portman. The round also received participation from Seventure, Partech and the CEOs of Vinted, Blablacar and Back Market. The company produces vegetable lardons and bacon using patented vegetable fat that is rich in protein. La Vie plans to use the funding to "revolutionise plant-based food" and expand its distribution across France, the UK and the rest of Europe, targeting both the retail and foodservice channels. "It is essential to switch to plant-based food and I am convinced that technological innovation has a key role to play in encouraging consumers – even the most reluctant – to make the switch," said Thomas Lodewijk Plantenga, CEO of Vinted. "The La Vie team has created a delicious recipe and a unique brand that will make plant-based meat so appealing that it will become the norm in our societies."