La Vie

La Vie (formerly 77 Foods) is a French plant-based meat startup specializing in pork alternatives. The company produces nitrate-free plant-based bacon using soy protein, sunflower oil, and tapioca starch through a patented extraction process.

La Vie portfolio includes plant-based bacon (strips and lardons) and a vegan ham , claimed to offer the same juiciness and texture as pork ham and 19 g of protein per 100 g serving, which are available at over 2,700 retail outlets and food service establishments across France, the UK, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, and more.

Key customers and partnerships

In September 2023 , La Vie partnered with British supermarket chain Sainsbury's to offer a new vegan version of the BLT sandwich (VLT). The VLT sandwich, sold under Sainsbury's Plant Pioneers brand, was available as part of a meal deal at over 800 Sainsbury's stores across the UK. Later, in October 2023 , the company collaborated with REBL Eats to launch a plant-based pasta carbonara in Finland.

Funding and financials

In January 2022, La Vie raised EUR 25 million (USD 28.3 million) in a Series A funding round led by VC fund Seventures, with participation from Hollywood actress Natalie Portman, Oatly Chairman Eric Melloul, and others. The funds were earmarked for mass distribution in France, expansion in Europe and the UK, partnerships with large restaurant chains, and accelerating innovation.

Additionally, in September 2023 , La Vie initiated a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube to raise EUR 1 million (~USD 1 million), allowing customers to participate at the same share price as their previous investors.