CORNELIUS – Investors must like they are tasting from plant-based meat startup Barvecue. Six of them have contribute more than $1 million in a new round of funding for the company.

The company hopes to raise $2 million for its ongoing “Series Seed” round which so far is all equity, a security filing notes.

Barvecue “will use the funds for continued growth of its retail and foodservice business, along with sustained operations of its Carolina Smokehouse production facility<‘ the startup says.

“There is a huge opportunity to define the future of plant-based foods and the team at Barvecue is not only producing delicious food, but is also building an amazing emerging brand and business that is unique in our industry,” said founder and CEO Lee Cooper in a statement. “Completion of this equity funding round allows Barvecue to forge ahead with thoughtful resolve as we navigate the current macroeconomic challenges before us.”

Investors show a taste for NC plant-based meat startup Barvecue

Investors include Cooper, VegInvest, Max Bazerman, Vegan Capital, Stray Dog Capital, Siddhi Capital, Clear Current Capital, Planthesis, and Alwyn Capital, among others.

In previous fundings Barvecue has raised some $1.78 million in debt.

The startup launched in 2017.

Here’s how the company describes its technology reach and products:

“Barvecue makes delicious hand-crafted plant-based comfort foods that are good for you and good for the planet. Authentically wood-smoked Pulled BVQ and Carnitas are available in over 1,000 grocery stores including Whole Foods Market, Harris Teeter, Giant, The Fresh Market, Lowes Foods, Earth Fare, Harmon’s, Central Market, Gelson’s Market, and Food City. The company recently expanded its foodservice business in a partnership with WebstaurantStore, the largest online restaurant supply store.”