Horizons Ventures focuses on investing in disruptive and technology-focused start-ups. The firm was founded in 1999 and is based in Hong Kong. Some of the latest exits are Skype, Siri, Facebook, Summly, and Waze.

Horizons Ventures

Jaina Capital is a venture capital firm that offers seed- and early-stage investment services to firms in the internet, IT, communications technology, and environmental industries. It was founded in 2010 by Marc Simoncini and is based in Paris.

Jaina Capital

Anaxago is a brand new crowdfunding platform dedicated to innovative companies. Anaxago aims at changing the traditional equity capital investment model.  Their goal is to forget about the capitalistic-only and go for a truly sharing and participative investment model.  Thanks to Anaxago, entrepreneurs can benefit from the financial support of their investors but also learn from the shareholders' experience, expertise and network. Each investor can take an active part to the company life and so be a part of a lively entrepreneurial adventure. They offer a small range of companies each month to their investors community. Startups and small companies are chosen with good care and have to go through a whole process of financial analysis. They also prefer to select companies with a real innovative value added.  With Anaxago, young and small companies can find funding and support to grow and develop. They give them a chance to be the actors of tomorrow's growth and reboost their economy. Since its launch, Anaxago gathered 100 000 members and invested more than 130M€ funding more than 200 businesses.

Anaxago

Bpifrance provides financial solutions for companies that are booting up the listing on the stock exchange and credit equity. It includes OSEO, CDC Entreprises, FSI, and FSI Regions to offer in your area of financial solutions at every stage of the life of your business. Bpifrance was founded in 2012 and is based in Maisons-alfort, Ile-de-France, France.

Bpifrance

European Regional Development Fund encourages innovation, enhances regeneration, and provides support to businesses in the European Union.

European Commission

Petit Poucet is a French incubator that offers accommodation, strategic consulting, and financing solutions to young entrepreneurs.

Petit Poucet

Beyond Impact Advisors is created to facilitate investment in products and services that are either inherently vegan in nature or are cruelty-free and remove mankind’s reliance on the raising of animals for slaughter. Beyond Impact’s core investment thesis centers on sustainability as a pillar of risk management and economic valuation. Due to the heavy environmental impact, the use of animals is inherently unsustainable and alternatives need to be found and funded. Coinciding with this we are seeing an accelerating societal shift in favour of vegan, cruelty-free and plant-based alternatives, based on the environmental imperative, health concerns and compassion for animals. As such, Beyond Impact targets significantly impactful companies which have positioned their products and services to meet this growing demand, favouring those with clear technological advantages and whose products outstrip the qualities of the animal-derived material they replace.

Beyond Impact

Blue Horizon Corporation is an investment firm that invests in companies and businesses in the agriculture and food processing sector. The firm also partners with farmers, food producers, and distribution chains. It was founded in 2016 and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. Plant based, food tech,

Blue Horizon Corporation

VegInvest provides early-stage capital and guidance to companies striving to replace the use of animals.

VegInvest

CPT Capital is an investment firm that invests in visionary founders. Their mission is to drive the food and materials technology revolution by replacing animals in the supply chain.

CPT Capital

Noshaq offers financial services to help businesses develop.

Meusinvest (Noshaq)

Grupo Bimbo SAB de CV is an international baking-products manufacturer.

Grupo Bimbo

Newtree Impact invest in disruptive and encouraging Agri-Food tech and Food Loss companies.

Newtree Impact

Thai Union Ventures is a corporate venture arm of thai union group.

Thai Union Ventures

Algama

Nature’s solution for food’s future. Engineering sustainable food solutions for all. As a food-tech company, Algama harvests the potential of algae to create food that's good for both people and the planet. Algama’s goal is to feed 10 billion people by 2050, while preserving the planet and offering consumers additional and better choices in foods. Our story After consuming microalgae for numerous reasons, Alvyn and Gaëtan conclude that it was a viable solution with the potential to redefine our food system for good. Algama was founded in 2013. World leader in algae food Since its founding, Algama has been the world leader in microalgae food and is proud to have the support of world-class impact investors like Horizons Ventures, Blue Horizon Ventures, CPT Capital, Veginvest, Beyond Impact, Alwyn Capital. All the team is dedicated to innovate and make microalgae a key resources for tomorrow’s daily food. Algama team We are focused on bringing microalgae-based foods to market, we are working hard to make our ingredients and products super tasty, affordable and widely available. We are expecting the team and we are looking for talents, innovateurs and entrepreneurs.

<div>Algama is a French company producing animal protein alternatives from microalgae. The company has developed patent-pending technologies for its extraction processes to make its ingredients edible and flexible.&nbsp;</div>

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

Plant-based Meat

<div>
 
 Algama is a French company producing animal protein alternatives from microalgae. The company has developed patent-pending technologies for its extraction processes to make its ingredients edible and flexible.&nbsp;
 
 
 The company does not sell any retail products and focuses on providing R&amp;D processes for existing CPG companies to use algae in the creation of new product lines and vegan alternatives to existing products. 
 
 
 Funding and financials
 
 
 In 
 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/15668">
 January 2023
 </a>
 , the company raised EUR 13 million (~USD 14 million) in Series A funding with participation from Thai Union&rsquo;s corporate venture fund and other strategic investors. The funding was earmarked for expediting commercialization and development of innovations, as well as setting up a new 10,000 square meters biorefinery in Liege, Belgium.
 
</div>

<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 &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.
 
 
 
</div>

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

<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

<div>
 
 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 &ldquo;Heme&rdquo;, 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 partnerships
 
 
 In 
 <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&rsquo;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.&nbsp;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 financials
 
 
 In 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.
 
</div>

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.

Algama

Plant-based Meat

Key stats

EDGE Insights

Q1 2023 plant-based meat menu: A quarter with a side of uncertainty

Fermentation: The booster plant-based meat needs?

Recent Updates

Algama raises EUR 13 million in Series A funding round

Algama Foods receives a EUR 2 million EU grant

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