ChickP

ChickP, founded in 2016, is a food-tech startup that produces highly functional pure chickpea protein isolate (90% plant-based protein), under the G910, S930 and STARCH product lines . The pure protein can be used as an ingredient for plant-based meat, dairy, and eggs as well as a protein fortification solution. The company uses an IP-protected technology to achieve a neutral flavor without any masking agents and additives. This enables food manufacturers to have shorter ingredient lists and cleaner labels. The chickpea isolate is suitable for both hot and cold applications and also gives the products long shelf lives.

By March 2021, the company had a production capacity of 20 metric tons per day (more than 5,000 metric tons annually). In May 2021, the startup announced that it is expanding into the APAC region with the launch of a new office in Singapore which includes a warehouse to help alleviate logistical bottlenecks. 

In July 2021, the startup introduced a chickpea isolate that can be used as eggs to create mayonnaise and also teamed up with select food companies to formulate egg-free recipes, including a creamy mayonnaise substitute and salad dressings. The isolate has superior foaming capabilities allowing it to have egg-like qualities in terms of solubility and texture. Following the successful pilots, one formulation is now going into large-scale pilot production

November 2022 saw ChikP introduce a chickpea-based dairy-free ice cream. The company claimed this vegan ice cream is closer in taste and texture to dairy ice cream than other dairy-free options. According to the company, the chickpea protein isolate provides much-needed stabilizing properties, allowing for a shorter and cleaner list of ingredients.

In March 2023 , the company announced that it had developed cream cheese and firm cheddar cheese with its chickpea protein isolate. The plant-based cream cheese and firm cheddar cheese are formulated by combining water, coconut oil, starch, and chickpea protein isolate, and fermented with lactic acid bacteria—the traditional dairy-based cheese fermentation method.

Key partnerships

In early 2021, ChickP entered into a joint market development agreement with Socius Ingredients and is currently partnering up with several food companies as part of its launch into the US. As part of the company’s global expansion plan, the company signed a contract with a distributor in South Africa and has set its eyes on Europe next.

Funding and financials

In January 2022, the startup raised USD 8 million in a Series A funding round, bringing the total funding to date to USD 10 million. The round was led by Genisys Capital Private and backed by Growthwell Foods, along with its main investor Temasek Holdings. The funds will be used to expand the commercialization of its chickpea isolates to multiple geographies, including the US, Europe, and Asia.