Founded in 2016, Wave Ventures is the largest student-run VC in Europe, backed by Nordic unicorn founders, investing in Gen Z entrepreneurs at the earliest stage. We operate both from Finland and Sweden with a team of five people from the top universities in the region.

Wave Ventures

+Cap is a small impact investment company focusing on high-impact early-stage startups. This means that their startups have the potential of having a profound positive impact on the world. We invest in not only the world’s best startups but also the best startups for the world.  They aim to multiply the positive impact that we can have by inspiring other capital providers to focus on impact startups.  The company was created in 2018 as the three founders saw an opportunity connected to their mutual interest in sustainability as there is a lack of capital and knowledge in the seed stage for sustainability focused startups.

+Cap

Kale United invests in vegan startups. Måns Ullerstam founded it in 2018, with its headquarters in Stockholm in Sweden.

Kale United

Katapult Ocean is the world's most active ocean impact venture fund

Katapult Ocean

Veg Capital provides early-stage capital to companies striving to replace the use of animals in the food system.

Veg Capital

ProVeg Incubator is the world’s leading Incubator of plant-based and cultured food startups. We are shaping the future of food by supporting the companies globally at the forefront of innovation. We offer our programme twice a year and accept around 10-13 startups per cohort.

ProVeg Incubator

We want to build a world in which all humans can thrive. We believe that capital and business can solve the world’s grand challenges. Our impact goals are to make impact investing mainstream and to steward exponential technologies to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We invest in and support early stage impact tech startups, funds and projects, with a mission to solve the world’s most pressing problems through the use of exponential technologies. We believe that all investing needs to be impact investing. To meet our vision we lead by example and are creating a movement that other investors are following. Through our investment vehicles (Accelerators and Fund), Katapult Future Fest and Katapult Foundation we are building the impact investing field and attracting new capital. We are working on catalyzing HNWI, family offices and foundation capital into impact investing by both giving them opportunities to co-invest and by offering support and education. An important part of our thesis is not only finding businesses that are solving the world’s greatest challenges but also how we can contribute as an impact investor to stewarding technologies as a force for good. Technology can be a catalyst for good but also cause great harm. As the world adopts ever more transformative tech, we believe that maximizing the chance of good outcomes requires responsible stewardship and clear intentionality. We believe that the earlier in the company life-cycle this is made explicit, the greater the chance of positive impact. Active engagement and leveraging all aspects of Katapult supports our investees and cements a multi-stakeholder approach to decision making. We will set the standard for how to operate at the intersection of impact and tech. Through our focus on Ocean, Climate and Africa we take a holistic approach to solving society’s largest challenges. By promoting healthy oceans, a stable climate and sustainable food systems we drive towards building a thriving world for all.

Katapult

Big Idea Ventures is the world’s most active investor in FoodTech investing in the best food technology and agritech companies globally. The company is focused on alternative protein with its New Protein Fund and commercialization of university intellectual property with its Generation Food Rural Partners fund. BIV is backed by a strong network of strategic partners including AAK, Avril, Bühler, Givaudan, Temasek Holdings, and Tyson Ventures, and is partnering with governments around the world working on food security and new food ecosystems. The firm has offices in New York, Paris and Singapore and has invested in more than 100 companies across 22 countries. For more information, visit bigideaventures.com

Big Idea Ventures

Brightly Ventures backs bold founders on a mission to transform industries and change the world for the better. Brightly is an early-stage investor focused on the Nordics. It has a hands-on approach supporting high-potential ideas and bringing them to market. It makes a deep commitment to each investment we make and draw upon its network and company-building experience to help boost the journey.

Brightly Ventures

Oyster Bay is an early stage Food- and AgTech venture capital company founded in 2018, located in Hamburg Germany. We invest sector agnostic across the food value chain from AgTech to waste. We primarily focus on early stage investments, namely Seed and Series A. Additionally we do very selective later stage investments. Previous investments included Oatly and Airup.

Oyster Bay Venture Capital

Hooked Foods

Hooked Foods is working on a plant-based tuna substitute. By serving delicious plant-based seafood for everyone to enjoy, the company is leading the transition to a healthier seafood ecosystem. The company was established in 2019 and is headquartered in Sweden.

Hooked Foods is a Swedish plant-based meat startup that develops sustainable alternatives for seafood. Its portfolio includes tuna chunks (Toonish), salmon chunks (Salmoonish), and Fish-ish sticks, available in frozen sections at retailers as well as restaurants.

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

Plant-based Meat

Hooked Foods' plant-based seafood docks in 400 German stores

Hooked Foods is a Swedish plant-based meat startup that develops sustainable alternatives for seafood. Its portfolio includes tuna chunks (Toonish), salmon chunks (Salmoonish), and Fish-ish sticks, available in frozen sections at retailers as well as restaurants.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24402">November 2023</a>, the company launched its plant-based seafood range at REWE West stores in Germany, marking its first non-Nordic launch. &nbsp;In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32589">August 2024</a>, it expanded its product portfolio with Veggie Bites Original, Veggie Filet Original, Veggie Bites Sea Flavor, and Veggie Bites Smoked.Key customers and partnershipsHooked Foods is supported by EIT Food, an organization co-funded by the European Union and supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT). In June 2023, the company partnered with Ooha Food Company, a sales agency specializing in German and Austrian markets, to aid its German expansion plans.Funding and financialsIn <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/17712">April 2023</a>, the company raised SEK 10 million (~USD 967,000) in a funding round from investors Brightly Ventures, Oyster Bay VC, Veg Capital, and others. The funding was to be used to expand its product range and accelerate production to become a leader in the plant-based seafood market. Further, in <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/19849">July 2023</a>, the company raised over SEK 7 million (~USD 702,314) through a crowdfunding campaign on Crowdcube, bringing its total raised funding to USD 6 million. The funds were earmarked for the development of a new range of products and expansion across the Nordic region and Germany.

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 – 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 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33291">September 2024</a>, Fry's Family Foods launched Shape &amp; Sizzle Mince, a new plant-based product, at Tesco stores across the UK.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’s brand portfolio and extend the company’s international footprint into more than 40 countries including the US, Canada, Asia, Europe, and the UK.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’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’s position in the global plant-based market and enable further growth and innovation within the industry.Key customers and partnershipsIn 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’s sustainability approach will result in a long-term achievement of cost parity with conventional animal meat.

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.&nbsp;

NotCo

<div>
 
 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&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32229">July 2024</a>, the company received the European Food Safety Authority’s (EFSA) provisional approval for the use of heme, followed by a positive safety opinion from a panel on the genetic modifications of the ingredient in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/36222">November 2024</a>.&nbsp;In&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/32555">August 2024</a>, the company opened its first in-person foodservice concept called "Impossible Quality Meats" in Chicago, Illinois. This pop-up store offered a fully plant-based menu featuring items from its portfolio.&nbsp;Following this, in&nbsp;<a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/34557">October 2024</a>, Impossible Foods launched three new retail products: Impossible Disney The Lion King Chicken Nuggets, Impossible Meal Makers, and Impossible Corn Dogs. The company claimed that these were healthier, cholesterol-free alternatives.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.

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 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/30584">June 2024</a>, Planted products were available at over 6,100 restaurants and 8,700 retail outlets across Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, Italy, the UK, Benelux, and UAE with plans to expand into the US 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

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

Producers of plant-based pork alternatives using plant proteins such as pea, soy, wheat, etc. Some startups also use unique ingredients such as mushroom mycelium (whole-cut bacon) and jack fruits (pulled pork) to produce pork alternatives. Products are manufactured mostly in sausage or pulled (pork) form

Producers of plant-based chicken, turkey, and duck alternatives using plant proteins such as peas, soy, wheat, etc. Products are manufactured mostly in nuggets or shredded form

Producers of plant-based seafood alternatives using plant proteins such as peas, soy, chickpeas, etc. Some startups use more unique ingredients such as algae, konjac (a Japanese yam root), tomatoes, and eggplants. Products are manufactured mostly in shredded form or as cuts (for sushi)

Producers of plant-based beef alternatives using plant proteins such as peas, soy, wheat, mung beans, etc. Products are manufactured mostly in a burger patty, sausage, meatball, or minced form

Utilizes 3D printing techniques to develop meat alternatives

Provides sustainable alternatives to animal meat

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 Swedish plant-based food startup, Hooked Foods, has launched new vegan seafood and plant-based chicken products which will be available in Sweden's largest retail chains, ICA Gruppen and Coop Sverige, from October 2024.
 The new offerings include Veggie Bites Original, Veggie Filet Original, Veggie Bites Sea Flavor and Veggie Bites Smoked, all inspired by traditional seafood and chicken flavors. The company has also updated its packaging to emphasize local sourcing and sustainability.
 Hooked Foods' CEO, Tom Johansson, said that the new products are designed to meet the preferences of partner retailers and consumers, delivering similar taste, texture, and nutritional values as their traditional counterparts, thus encouraging the transition to plant-based options. 
</div>

Hooked Foods

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