Novo Holdings is a holding company specializing in life science investors with a focus on creating long-term value.

Novo Holdings

Unovis Asset Management is the global leader in the alternative protein sector.  Their investment firm partners with entrepreneurs developing innovative plant-based and cultivated replacements to animal products, including meat, seafood, dairy, and eggs. Through our inaugural and world-renowned fund, New Crop Capital Trust, and now The Alternative ProteinFund, their goal is to transform the global food system by investing in solutions that facilitate sustained behavioral change and eliminate the consumption of animal protein products.

Unovis Asset Management

Roquette Ventures invests in food, nutrition, and health entrepreneurs.

Roquette Ventures

The Protein Brewery

The Protein Brewery is a high-tech company that specializes in developing and making animal-free- based protein in a sustainable way. It's a spin-out from BioscienZ and is commercializing innovative protein production using fermentation. It was founded by Wim de Laat in 2019 and is based in Breda, Noord-Brabant, The Netherlands.

The Protein Brewery is a spinoff of BioscienZ, a Dutch industrial biotechnology company, specializing in the development of plant-based protein substitutes via proprietary fermentation technologies.

A new wave of meat, fish, and poultry alternatives are driving this hyper-growth industry into the mainstream.

Plant-based Meat

The Protein Brewery is a spinoff of BioscienZ, a Dutch industrial biotechnology company, specializing in the development of plant-based protein substitutes via proprietary fermentation technologies.Their flagship product, Fermotein, is created using a proprietary blend of fungi; non-GMO carbohydrate sources like potatoes, sugar beet, cassava, or corn; and an innovative brewing process. It can be used in a wide array of food products including meat substitutes and processed meats and claims to contain a high protein and fiber content, along with essential fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals. Fermotein is certified Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in the US and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27912">approved</a> by the Singapore Food Agency (SFA).Key customers and partnershipsIn May 2021, Protein Brewery partnered with Vegan Gastronomy Culinary Academy to develop new high-grade allergen-free plant-based protein food by leveraging Fermotein.Funding and financialsIn November 2020, the company raised EUR 22 million (~USD 25.9 million) in Series A funding led by Novo Holdings, with participation from Roquette Ventures and Unovis Asset Management. This investment was used for the construction of a pilot plant in the Netherlands to handle the complete process of producing Fermotein, R&amp;D activities, and scaling up production.

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 LIVEKINDLY Collective (formerly known as Food United) produces plant-based meat alternatives through its brands LikeMeat, Fry Family, and Oumph!. The group offers a wide range of plant-based alternatives to burgers, sausages, nuggets, pulled BBQ chicken, and kebabs, made primarily of soy protein and other plant-based ingredients. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/3657">
 June 2021
 </a>
 , the company launched two flagship plant-based brands in China &ndash; Giggling Pig (Ge Ji Zhu) and Happy Chicken (Ha Pi Ji); the first brands to be created in-house by LIVEKINDLY Collective, which encompasses seven plant-based products including dumplings, mushroom-based dishes and a seasoned minced dish. In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19881">
 July 2023
 </a>
 , the company launched the Oumph! Smash Burger. The product was targeted at food service and launched at over 80 Brodernas (a Swedish restaurant group) locations, with additional locations and retail expansion to follow.
 
 
 In June 2021, LIVEKINDLY Collective entered into an agreement to acquire The Dutch Weed Burger, a plant-based meat company based in the Netherlands. This acquisition was expected to expand LIVEKINDLY&rsquo;s brand portfolio and extend the company&rsquo;s international footprint into more than 40 countries including the US, Canada, Asia, Europe, and the UK.&nbsp;
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/20574">
 August 2023
 </a>
 , the company acquired Alpha Foods, a California-based plant-based frozen food producer. The acquisition supported Livekindly Collective&rsquo;s plans to expand its presence in the US market and venture into the ready-to-eat breakfast and burrito snacking category. Moreover, it was expected to strengthen Livekindly&rsquo;s position in the global plant-based market and enable further growth and innovation within the industry.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 In February 2021, the group formed a partnership with the Dutch plant-based food company Rival Foods to develop whole-cut plant-based chicken products. Also in February, LIVEKINDLY Collective formed two joint ventures with US plant-based food company Puris Foods (undisclosed terms) to invest in regenerative agriculture and cost-effective plant-based food production. The companies claim this joint venture&rsquo;s sustainability approach will result in a long-term achievement of cost parity with conventional animal meat.&nbsp;
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 In its latest funding round in March 2021, the startup raised USD 200 million led by Rise Fund with participation from existing investors Rabo Corporate Investments and S2G Ventures. The funds were earmarked for international expansions, new acquisitions and partnerships, and new product investments.
 
 
 
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LIVEKINDLY

NotCo is a Chilean startup that develops plant-based meat and dairy alternatives. Leveraging a patented AI algorithm named Giuseppe, NotCo develops plant-based products that match the taste, texture, and mouthfeel of animal products by studying infinite combinations of plants and using internal feedback from trained chefs.NotCo’s product portfolio includes NotChicken (patties, nuggets, and tenders) and NotBurger, which are available for retail and foodservice in the US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Chile, Mexico, Peru, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/10672">Australia</a>, and Colombia.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28580">April 2024</a>, NotCo developed a plant-based turtle soup called "NotTurtle Soup" in partnership with Chef Diego Oka. NotTurtle Soup claims to mimic the flavor and texture of authentic turtle soup to reduce the consumption of endangered green sea turtles.Key customers and partnershipsIn February 2022, NotCo<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/8673"> teamed up </a>with Kraft-Heinz to form a joint venture (JV) to leverage the strengths of both companies and develop a line of plant-based food. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27345">March 2024</a>, the JV announced plans to launch NotHotDog and NotSausages in partnership with Oscar Mayer, a subsidiary of Kraft Heinz.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23368">November 2023</a>, the company partnered with Yellowbird Sauce, a hot sauce producer, to launch NotChicken Spicy Patties at select Whole Foods Market locations across the US.Funding and financialsIn its most recent funding round in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15270">December 2022</a>, the company raised USD 70 million in a Series D1 funding at a valuation of USD 1.5 billion led by Princeville Capital, with participation from existing and new investors. The funding was earmarked for developing a B2B platform that will allow other producers to access the company’s patented AI platform Giuseppe. Further, it is expected to help with expansion and preparation before the company’s planned IPO in 2025.

NotCo

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 Improved Nature produces plant-based chicken alternatives from soy protein, replicating the flavor and texture of real chicken. The company sells its plant-based meat products under Nature's PRIME and Nature&rsquo;s Meat brands, which cover a large line of refrigerated and frozen products like slices, nuggets, filets, tenders, and more.
 
 
 Improved Nature's reliance on soy protein makes it more similar to the original wave of plant-based meat producers which relied almost exclusively on soy to produce products for vegetarians, with less interest in mimicking the texture, taste, and mouthfeel of real meat products.
 
 
 Key customers and partnerships
 
 
 I
 n 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23085">
 October 2023
 </a>
 , the company partnered with RMS Foods, a US food manufacturer, to provide soy protein-based clean-label alternatives to private-label brands at a value price. In addition, the company launched a new line of heat-and-serve meals, including options such as plant-based sausage patties, nuggets, and beefless Korean bulgogi.&nbsp;
 
 
 
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Improved Nature

Impossible Foods produces plant-based meat products using plant protein and high-moisture extrusion cooking techniques to transform soy protein into a texture similar to that of meat. Its portfolio includes plant-based beef, sausage, chicken, pork, meatballs, and ready meals.The company has added several products to its portfolio since launching, including <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12539">Impossible Chicken Patty</a>, a new range of <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/12760">frozen meals</a>, new <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/16551">plant-based chicken products</a> (Impossible Spicy Chicken Nuggets, Impossible Spicy Chicken Patties, and Impossible Chicken Tenders), the <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19591">Impossible Indulgent Burger</a>, and the <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24643">Impossible Beef Hot Dog</a>.In July 2019, Impossible Foods gained FDA approval to use “Heme”, allowing the company to sell uncooked plant-based burgers at retail outlets as opposed to only selling cooked burgers at foodservice outlets. Further, in<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23732"> November 2023</a>, the company<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/23732"> received</a> the heart-check certification from the American Heart Association (AHA) for its Impossible Beef Lite.Key customers and partnershipsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/8934">March 2022</a>, Kroger announced a co-branding partnership with Impossible Foods to develop meat alternatives for Kroger’s private label business, thereby expanding its customer base to include more price sensitive customers. Impossible Foods <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/13931">partnered</a> with Dominos Pizza Australia in October 2022 to launch a new range of plant-based pizzas featuring Impossible Beef. In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22210">September 2023</a>, the company partnered with the American restaurant chain International House of Pancakes (IHOP) to introduce plant-based sausage patties and burgers to IHOP's menus nationwide. Further, in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/26436">February 2024</a>, Impossible Foods inked a partnership with the US Army Central to serve plant-based meats at their dining facilities overseas.Funding and financialsIn its latest funding round in November 2021, the startup raised USD 500 million in a venture funding round led by Mirae Asset Global Investments, with participation from returning investors. The latest funding is expected to fuel continued retail expansion, growth across its supply chain, product portfolio, technology platforms, and international expansion.

Impossible Foods

Planted Foods is a plant-based spinoff of ETH Zurich- a public research university in Switzerland. Its portfolio includes Planted brand chicken, pulled, kebab, bratwurst, schnitzel, <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/22375">duck</a>, and <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25317">ham</a>.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/27493">March 2024</a>, the company launched a new fermented steak alternative developed using its proprietary whole-muscle platform. This platform uses a proprietary fermentation process to develop clean-label alternatives with improved taste and texture. Planted Foods intends to use this platform to expand its product range with more product concepts later. Further, in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/28147">April 2024</a>, Planted launched vegan Chicken Tikka Skewers in the UK.As of December 2023, Planted products were available at 6,100 restaurants and 8,700 retail outlets across Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, the UK, and Benelux, with plans to expand into the US and UAE later.Key customers and partnershipsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19434">June 2023</a>, the company partnered with French agrifood company Fleury Michon to launch the Eminces Vegetaux range into retail in France. The partnership leveraged Planted's expertise in plant-based foods and Fleury Michon's artisanal marinades, reach, and reputation to offer plant-based alternatives for Fleury Michon’s established consumer base.Funding and financialsIn its latest funding round in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates">September 2022</a>, the company raised ~USD 72 million (CHF 70 million) in Series B funding led by L Catterton, with participation from Vorwerk Ventures, Movendo, and Yann Summer. The funds were earmarked for launching a new whole-cut product range, further expansion into Europe, and increasing production capacity.

Planted Foods

Provides sustainable alternatives to animal meat

Suppliers of plant ingredients such as legume, mycelia and other proteins for the production of plant-based meat, fish, poultry and pork products; and suppliers of technology related to production of plant-based meat.

The Protein Brewery

Plant-based Meat

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EDGE Insights

Fermentation: The booster plant-based meat needs?

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The Protein Brewery receives regulatory approval for Fermotein from SFA

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