Nucleus Capital is a new venture capital firm supporting purpose-driven founders. We profoundly believe that entrepreneurial innovation is necessary to tackle global threats to human and planetary health. We partner with entrepreneurs at the nucleus of their journey, investing at the Pre/Seed stage and are focussed on Synthetic & Computational Biology, Food- and Climate Technology.

Nucleus Capital

Today’s immense climate and societal challenges will not be solved without visionary entrepreneurs creating tomorrow’s most innovative companies.   We gather a community of purpose-led founders, investors and scientists to drive systemic change in climate, healthcare, education and finance.    Our role is to provide founders the platform to succeed, supporting them with capital, relevant networks and an aligned mission.   We believe that in today’s world, the companies founded by extraordinary teams around a strong purpose, will be the ones to succeed and thrive.

Revent

Possible Ventures backs ambitious teams building frontier technology to positively impact people and the planet. We invest in the early stages, actively supporting founders via our collective of global entrepreneurs. We're unabashed optimists when it comes to the power of technology to solve problems. And we invest our time and capital to help make innovation possible. We’re excited by technology ecosystems that are changing our future: the combination of AI, robotics and satellites that helps build new climate solutions and food systems; the convergence of blockchain and cryptocurrencies making decentralised finance possible; and new technologies like machine learning, genetic modification and synthetic biology that are enabling human health breakthroughs. We've harnessed the experience and networks of a global collective of entrepreneurs. Together, we discover and support great companies aligned with our mission. This armada of angels gives time and capital to 'pay it forward' to the next generation of founders in pursuit of a better world. We started this mission as Inventures. Our name has changed, but our collective approach and microfund strategy remain the same. We're redefining what's Possible.

Possible Ventures

SFV backs globally early-stage founders building leading Future of Food companies that are: #Cell-based #Plant-based #Recombinant

Sustainable Food Ventures

One of the most active global food-tech VCs. We invest in teams and tech building a better food system.

Tet Ventures

HackCapital emerged from the world’s largest Food and Climate community to open elite climate investing to the mass affluent.  HackCapital aims to become the platform of choice for the next generation of climate investors, backing founders with the scalable solutions we needed yesterday.  Simply put: Top notch angel investors funding the top 1% of climate startups from Stealth to Series A

HackCapital

VOYAGERS organises by-invitation adventures designed to build close connections between exceptional people, with the goal of accelerating positive impact. Relationships deepen through our regular video calls, group chats and in-person dinner salons.

Voyagers

Triple Impact Ventures is an Austrian family office that invests in impact-driven companies that are addressing the climate, biodiversity, and pollution crises. Preferred stage: pre-seed and seed.

Triple Impact Ventures

Vorwerk Ventures is an independent € 150m Venture Capital Fund with € 400m under management. We define ourselves through a strong commitment towards startups that drive positive impact for the people and the planet. We lead seed rounds within our clearly defined focus areas: Consumer, Food, Health, and Climate. Our unique experience in addition to an outstanding track record provides added value for forward-thinking tech entrepreneurs. Headquartered in Berlin Germany, we are constantly on the look-out for promising opportunities starting with Seed/Series A investments of €1m to €5m and ensuring continuous support by reserving up to €15m for upcoming financing rounds. An outstanding founding team, a unique product or service addressing a substantial market framed by a strong business model are key requirements to us when it comes to making an investment decision.

Vorwerk Ventures

World Fund is a European Climate Tech VC fund investing in startups that contribute to solving the climate crisis. It focuses on the key emitting sectors Energy, Food & Agriculture, Manufacturing, Buildings, and Transport. World Fund aims to fill two significant investment gaps for climate tech: when tech goes from lab to market and when it leaves the pilot stage to scale. World Fund will invest from Seed to Series B stage. World Fund was established by Daria Saharova, Danijel Višević, Craig Douglas, Christian Kroll, and Tim Schumacher.

World Fund

Farmless

A farmless fermentation platform has the potential to create an entirely new food repertoire, producing proteins, carbohydrates, beneficial fats, vitamins, and minerals from the ground up,'' explained Oner. ''We are creating a new interface between food and electricity by domesticating microbes chosen for their food properties and ability to grow on renewable energy-based feedstocks.

<div>Farmless, founded in 2022, is a Dutch alternative ingredient startup specializing in fermentation technology.</div>

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

Plant-based Meat

Amsterdam’s Farmless secures €1M to advance carbon-negative protein production

<div>
 
 Farmless, founded in 2022, is a Dutch alternative ingredient startup specializing in fermentation technology.
 
 
 
 
 The company harvests naturally occurring microorganisms for its brewing process, which uses a liquid composed of CO2, hydrogen, nitrogen, and renewable energy as feedstock. Farmless claims this method yields proteins containing complete amino acids, unsaturated fats, complex carbs, fiber, and vitamins such as B12 with up to 5,000x less land usage than beef production.&nbsp;
 
 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 
 In its latest funding round in 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24642">
 December 2023
 </a>
 , the company raised EUR 4.8 million (~USD 5.2 million) in seed funding co-led by World Fund and Vorwerk Ventures, with participation from Revent and a group of angel investors. The funds were earmarked for building a pilot brewery in Amsterdam, making new hires, developing technology, obtaining regulatory approvals, and establishing a test kitchen.
 
</div>

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;
 
 
 
</div>

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

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

<div>
 Farmless, a Dutch fermentation protein producer, has secured EUR 1 million (~USD 1.1 million) in grant funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), following their <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/24642"> EUR 4.8 million </a> fundraising in December 2023. The funding will be used to showcase and optimize its protein production fermentation method in a First-of-a-Kind (FOAK) facility. Additionally, Farmless plans to build a pilot brewery in Amsterdam complete with R&amp;D facilities, a food application kitchen, and office spaces.
 The startup uses an air-based fermentation process where microorganisms, energized by CO2, hydrogen, nitrogen, and renewable energy-produced feedstock, generate protein. Farmless argues that its carbon-neutral production method requires 5,000 times less land than beef production.
</div> Analyst QuickTake: 
 Over the past few months, we have observed several grants from governmental institutions to buoy European R&amp;D initiatives in the alternative protein space. PAN Sweden received <a href="https: 
//sp-edge.com/updates/34154"> SEK 40 million </a> (~USD 3.9 million) in funding from the Swedish Government's research council. In contrast, Infinite Roots and the Hamburg University of Technology received a <a href="https: 
//sp-edge.com/updates/35006"> EUR 2.6 million </a> (~USD 2.6 million) grant from Germany's federal food and agriculture ministry. Similarly, FoodID and FinBioFAB, two Finnish biotech research projects, secured <a href="https: 
//sp-edge.com/updates/35302"> EUR 10 million </a> (~USD 11 million) in R&amp;D funding from Business Finland.

Farmless

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