Cultivated Biosciences

Cultivated Biosciences, founded in 2021, is a Swiss startup developing yeast-based ingredients for use in the production of plant-based dairy. According to the company, it uses non-GMO yeast in a fermentation process combined with sugar, with the end result being creamy yeast-based fat. The company claims this product has natural emulsification properties, low lipid oxidation, and a similar texture and color to that of dairy cream, along with better mouthfeel compared to other ingredients used in the market. This was expected to attract a larger flexitarian consumer base.

In December 2023 , the company unveiled a dairy-free coffee creamer prototype that uses yeast-based fermented fat. The product uses an oleaginous yeast strain that generates fat during growth, which is combined with plant protein, sugar, and natural flavorings to produce a creamy, white, and stable coffee additive.

Key customers and partnerships

Cultivated Biosciences is slated to begin product testing with selected clients for high-value savory applications in 2023 and stated they were open to further partnerships mainly from the Swiss gastronomy and European and US food tech sectors. The company is backed by several notable leading investors in the field and has won awards and grants in Switzerland and Europe.

Funding and financials

In March 2024, the company raised USD 5 million in seed funding led by Navus Ventures, a Dutch venture capital firm. The funds were earmarked for accelerating the development of yeast cream and preparing for its US market launch, slated for 2025.