PLNT Burger
About this raise
PLNT Burger, with a valuation of $23.2 million, is raising funds on StartEngine. The company makes 100% plant-based burgers, free of any animal products and harmful ingredients. PLNT Burger products contain zero cholesterol and 30% less fat, are certified Kosher and halal, and are also available in gluten-free and soy-free options. The business has grown to 13 locations in six states, including Whole Foods Market kiosks, and all locations have been profitable year-to-date in 2024 through September. Seth Goldman, Evangelos Spiros Mendelsohn, and Jonah Goldman founded PLNT Burger in June 2019. The current crowdfunding campaign has a minimum target of $123,977.60 and a maximum target of $1.23 million. The campaign proceeds will be used for working capital.
Investment Overview
Invested $449,580 :
Deal Terms
Company & Team
Company
- Year Founded
- 2019
- Industry
- Food, Beverage, & Restaurants
- Tech Sector
- Distribution Model
- B2C
- Margin
- High
- Capital Intensity
- Low
Financials
- Revenue +32% YoY
-
$10,683,223
as of FY2023
- Monthly Burn
-
$40,581
as of Oct '24
-
Runway
-
10.5 months
as of Oct '24
- Gross Margin
-
73%
as of FY2023
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Synopsis
PLNT Burger is a food and beverage company that specializes in creating 100% plant-based burgers. The company operates a chain of 13 locations across six states, including kiosks within Whole Foods Market stores. These locations have achieved profitability year-to-date in 2024 through September. PLNT Burger's offerings are designed to cater to health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to traditional meat products. The company's primary customers include individuals interested in plant-based diets, those with dietary restrictions, and consumers concerned about environmental sustainability.
The problem PLNT Burger addresses is the growing demand for healthier and more sustainable food options. Traditional fast food often contains high levels of cholesterol and unhealthy fats, contributing to health issues and environmental concerns. Many consumers are also seeking alternatives to animal-based products due to ethical considerations and dietary preferences.
PLNT Burger's solution is a menu of plant-based burgers that contain zero cholesterol and 30% less fat than typical meat burgers. These products are certified Kosher and halal, with options available for gluten-free and soy-free diets. By offering these alternatives, PLNT Burger aims to meet the needs of those seeking nutritious and ethical food choices.
In everyday terms, PLNT Burger provides an option for individuals who want to enjoy the experience of eating a burger without the associated health and environmental drawbacks. Picture a family visiting a fast-food restaurant; one member is a vegetarian, another is watching their cholesterol, and another is concerned about the environmental impact of their food choices. PLNT Burger offers a solution that can cater to all these needs, allowing everyone to enjoy a meal together without compromising their individual preferences or values.
Price
PLNT Burger is offering Common Equity in its current fundraising round. The company's pre-money valuation is set at approximately $23.2 million, with shares priced at $27.20 each. Common equity provides investors with ownership in the company, including voting rights. However, in the event of liquidation, common equity holders are typically paid after debt holders and preferred equity holders, which can be a disadvantage compared to preferred equity investments.
For investors seeking a 10X return on their investment, PLNT Burger would need to achieve a valuation of about $232 million. Given the company's annual revenue of approximately $10.7 million and a revenue multiple of 2.17x, significant growth in both revenue and market share would be necessary to meet this target. Such growth would likely involve expanding the customer base, increasing market penetration, and possibly entering new markets. Additionally, maintaining the company's current growth rate and improving profitability margins would be essential.
High revenue multiples, like the 2.17x seen here, can suggest that a deal may be overvalued, depending on the industry and growth rate. This could indicate that the terms offered might not be as favorable to investors, potentially limiting the attractiveness of the investment. However, the potential for high returns remains if the company can achieve substantial growth and market expansion.
Market
PLNT Burger operates within the U.S. plant-based meat market, valued at approximately $3.8 billion and expected to grow at an annual rate of 18.1%. This market is driven by several key factors, including rising health and wellness concerns, increased environmental awareness, and a growing interest in cruelty-free and sustainable food options. These drivers are encouraging consumers to seek out alternatives to traditional meat products.
Market trends such as improved taste and quality of plant-based products and their increased availability in restaurants and grocery stores are positively impacting the growth of the plant-based segment. Furthermore, government initiatives promoting plant-based diets to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance public health are also contributing to the market's expansion.
However, challenges remain, including achieving a taste and texture that closely mimics meat, higher prices compared to traditional beef burgers, and competition from established meat-based options. These factors could potentially limit market penetration if not addressed effectively.
PLNT Burger's products primarily appeal to a niche market within the broader plant-based category, targeting health-conscious individuals, those with dietary restrictions, and environmentally aware consumers. While these products cater to specific consumer needs, the focus on plant-based offerings may limit appeal to the entire fast-food market, which includes a broader meat-eating audience.
The company's ability to leverage favorable market trends and address existing challenges will be crucial in capitalizing on the high growth potential of the plant-based meat market.
Team
PLNT Burger's team is comprised of experienced professionals with diverse backgrounds that support the company's objectives in the plant-based food industry. Seth Goldman serves as the Board Chair and brings over 27 years of relevant industry experience. He is well-known for co-founding Honest Tea and serving as the Chair of the Board of Beyond Meat, providing strategic leadership and insight into scaling sustainable food businesses.
Spike Mendelsohn, a Board Member and Chef, contributes 17 years of culinary expertise. Known for his appearances on Top Chef and his advocacy for food equity, Spike plays a crucial role in developing PLNT Burger's menu and ensuring product quality aligns with consumer expectations. His experience in high-end restaurants and food policy advocacy enhances the company's commitment to sustainability and ethical food practices.
Julie Farkas, another Board Member, co-founded Honest Tea and brings her expertise in scaling ethical businesses to PLNT Burger. Her background in creating healthier food options and community-focused ventures supports the company's mission to revolutionize fast food while prioritizing sustainability and social responsibility.
Christopher Treloar, the CEO and Principal Accounting Officer, has extensive experience in restaurant operations. His background in multi-unit operations management and systems innovation is vital for driving the company's growth and operational efficiency. His data-driven approach and focus on team development align with PLNT Burger's goals of expanding its market presence and enhancing customer experience.
While the team is well-equipped with leadership and culinary expertise, additional skills in marketing and international expansion could be beneficial as the company scales and seeks to broaden its market reach. Addressing these gaps may be critical for achieving future milestones and sustaining growth.
Differentiation
PLNT Burger differentiates itself in the competitive plant-based fast food market by offering a menu that is entirely plant-based, free of cholesterol, and available in gluten-free and soy-free options. Key competitors in this space include Next Level Burger, Neat Burger, and Plant Power Fast Food. These companies similarly focus on plant-based offerings but vary in their approach to product quality, pricing, and market positioning.
Next Level Burger is known for its extensive menu of plant-based burgers and sides, often positioned as a larger player with a broader range of offerings compared to PLNT Burger. Their pricing tends to be competitive, aiming to capture a wide audience interested in plant-based diets without compromising on taste. Neat Burger, backed by celebrity endorsements, focuses on providing a premium plant-based burger experience, often at a higher price point, which may limit its appeal to more price-sensitive consumers.
Plant Power Fast Food offers a similar menu to PLNT Burger but emphasizes a drive-thru model, aiming to replicate the convenience of traditional fast food. Their pricing is generally aligned with industry averages, making them accessible to a broader demographic.
PLNT Burger targets a specific demographic that includes health-conscious individuals, environmentally aware consumers, and those with dietary restrictions such as vegan, kosher, or halal diets. This demographic typically includes younger consumers, urban dwellers, and families who prioritize health and sustainability in their food choices. The company's strategic partnership with Whole Foods also aligns with this demographic, as it tends to attract customers interested in organic and natural food products.
Overall, PLNT Burger's differentiation lies in its commitment to providing a fully plant-based menu that caters to specific dietary needs, setting it apart from competitors who may offer a mix of plant-based and traditional options.
Performance
PLNT Burger has shown notable growth, with its revenue increasing from approximately $8.1 million in the previous fiscal year to around $10.7 million in the most recent fiscal year. This represents a year-over-year growth rate of 31.9%, indicating strong demand for its plant-based offerings and effective market penetration.
Financially, the company faces challenges related to cash flow management. As of the most recent figures, PLNT Burger reported cash on hand of $427k. The company's most recent monthly burn rate stands at approximately $40.6k. This burn rate, relative to its cash reserves, suggests a need for prudent financial planning to ensure sustainability and support ongoing operations.
While PLNT Burger remains in a pre-profit stage, with a net income loss of about $2.9 million in the most recent fiscal year, its ability to achieve profitability remains a critical objective. The company's performance reflects its growth trajectory, but achieving financial stability will be essential for long-term success.
Overall, PLNT Burger's recent performance demonstrates its capacity to grow its revenue base, yet it also highlights the importance of addressing financial sustainability and operational efficiency to support future growth initiatives.
Risk
PLNT Burger presents several specific risks that investors should consider. One notable concern is the company's current financial position, characterized by a high level of debt. As of the most recent fiscal year, PLNT Burger reported short-term debt of approximately $3 million and long-term debt of about $7.8 million. This level of indebtedness, alongside cash reserves of $427k, suggests potential liquidity constraints that could affect the company's ability to sustain operations and finance growth initiatives.
The company's pre-profit status further underscores financial risks. Despite generating around $10.7 million in revenue, the company reported a net income loss of approximately $2.9 million. This ongoing loss could necessitate additional fundraising rounds, leading to potential dilution for existing shareholders while putting pressure on the company to achieve profitability.
Additionally, PLNT Burger operates in a highly competitive market, facing direct competition from other plant-based food companies like Next Level Burger and Veggie Grill. The competitive landscape poses a challenge for PLNT Burger's efforts to expand its market share and maintain customer loyalty.
Another risk to note is the participation of part-time founders, which may impact the company's ability to execute its strategic vision and adapt to changing market dynamics effectively. Furthermore, the company's reliance on partnerships, such as with Whole Foods, may limit its ability to diversify distribution channels independently.
Overall, these risks highlight the need for careful consideration of PLNT Burger's financial health, competitive positioning, and management structure when evaluating the investment opportunity.
Bullish Outlook
The bullish outlook for PLNT Burger is driven by several positive factors. The U.S. plant-based meat market is valued at $3.8 billion and growing at an annual rate of 18.1%, offering substantial opportunities for expansion. PLNT Burger's unique strength lies in its fully plant-based menu, catering to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers, setting it apart from competitors with mixed offerings.
The team, led by industry veterans like Seth Goldman and Spike Mendelsohn, brings valuable experience in sustainable food ventures and culinary expertise, aligning well with the company's goals. Their leadership could enhance the company's ability to navigate the competitive landscape and drive strategic growth.
PLNT Burger's strategic partnership with Whole Foods provides a platform for reaching a targeted demographic interested in organic and natural products. This partnership, along with the company's operational success across 13 locations, underscores its potential to scale effectively.
Growth drivers include emerging consumer trends favoring plant-based diets, which align with PLNT Burger's offerings. Additionally, the company could explore expansion into new markets and further develop its product line to enhance differentiation from competitors.
Financially, PLNT Burger has demonstrated strong revenue growth, with an increase from $8.1 million to $10.7 million, reflecting a 31.9% year-over-year growth rate. This growth trajectory, combined with operational profitability at its locations, indicates a positive financial outlook. While the company faces debt challenges, the potential for sustained revenue growth and market expansion supports a bullish perspective.
Overall, PLNT Burger's alignment with favorable market trends, robust leadership, and strategic partnerships position it well for future growth, presenting a compelling case for investment consideration.
Bearish Outlook
Several factors contribute to a bearish outlook for PLNT Burger. Market challenges include intense competition from established players like Next Level Burger and Plant Power Fast Food, which may impact PLNT Burger's ability to expand its market share and maintain customer loyalty. The company's niche focus on plant-based offerings could limit broader market adoption, thus restricting growth potential.
Concerns about the team arise from the presence of part-time founders, which may affect the execution of strategic initiatives and the ability to respond to market dynamics effectively. This could hinder the company's capacity to scale efficiently and address potential operational challenges.
Partnership dependencies, such as the reliance on Whole Foods kiosks for distribution, could limit PLNT Burger's flexibility in exploring additional distribution channels or expanding independently. This reliance may constrain the company's ability to diversify its customer base and market reach.
Financial concerns are significant, with PLNT Burger facing a substantial debt burden. The company reported short-term debt of approximately $3 million and long-term debt of about $7.8 million, alongside cash reserves of $427k. This financial position raises questions about liquidity and the ability to sustain operations without additional funding. Furthermore, the company's valuation and revenue multiple may be considered high relative to industry benchmarks, which could deter potential investors seeking more favorable investment terms.
Overall, these factors collectively suggest that PLNT Burger faces considerable challenges that could inhibit growth and profitability, necessitating strategic adjustments to overcome these obstacles and achieve long-term success.
Executive Summary
PLNT Burger is a company focused on offering 100% plant-based burgers, targeting health-conscious consumers, individuals with dietary restrictions, and those concerned about environmental sustainability. Their core customers include those seeking nutritious alternatives to traditional fast food. The company operates 13 locations across six states, including kiosks within Whole Foods Market stores.
From a financial perspective, PLNT Burger is offering Common Equity with a pre-money valuation of $23.2 million and a price per share of $27.20. The company has demonstrated a year-over-year revenue growth rate of 31.9%, increasing from $8.1 million to $10.7 million. Despite this growth, the company remains pre-profit with a net income loss of $2.9 million. The recent monthly burn rate of $40.6k and cash reserves of $427k indicate a need for careful financial management.
The U.S. plant-based meat market, valued at $3.8 billion, is growing at 18.1% annually, driven by health and environmental trends. PLNT Burger differentiates itself with a fully plant-based menu, appealing to a niche market. Competitors like Next Level Burger and Neat Burger offer similar products, but PLNT Burger's strategic partnership with Whole Foods and focus on dietary inclusivity set it apart.
The team is led by experienced professionals, including Seth Goldman and Spike Mendelsohn, whose backgrounds in sustainable food and culinary expertise align with the company's goals. However, part-time founders and the need for additional marketing and expansion expertise could pose challenges. The company's financial health, competitive market, and management structure present risks that require strategic navigation.
On the bullish side, PLNT Burger benefits from strong market trends favoring plant-based foods and a capable leadership team. The company's growth trajectory and market positioning offer potential for expansion. Conversely, the bearish outlook highlights financial challenges, including significant debt and a need for profitability, alongside competitive pressures from established players.
In conclusion, PLNT Burger presents a balanced investment opportunity. The company's niche focus and alignment with positive consumer trends provide a solid foundation for growth. However, financial and competitive challenges necessitate careful consideration. Investors should weigh the potential for growth against the inherent risks to determine the attractiveness of this investment.
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Company Funding & Growth
Funding history
- Total Prior Capital Raised
- $10,506,686
- VC Backed?
- No
Close Date | Platform | Valuation | Total Raised | Security Type | Status | Reg Type |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
04/30/2025 | StartEngine | $23,203,803 | $449,580 | Equity - Common | Funded | RegCF |