Idris Elba’s early bet on Huel pays off in $1.15 billion deal
The ‘Luther’ star backed the British nutrition brand years ago, whilst quietly building serious equity.

Idris Elba’s latest win has nothing to do with Hollywood. It is all about business instinct. The actor and his wife, Sabrina Elba, backed Huel years ago. This British Nutrition company has since exploded into a global powerhouse. Danone, the French food giant, now wants in. The company has agreed to acquire Huel for nearly $1.15 billion.
Founded in 2015, Huel has sold over 270 million meals worldwide. Elba joined a $24 million funding round in 2022, alongside Jonathan Ross and Grace Beverley. The brand expanded rapidly across the US market.
The deal also reflects his interest in sustainable agriculture in Sierra Leone. Ultimately, patience and belief turned a modest stake into a genuinely massive payday.