v2food

v2food, founded in 2019, is an Australian plant-based meat startup. The startup is a result of a joint venture between Australia's national science agency CSIRO’s (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) venture arm Maine Sequence Ventures and Jack Cowin. CSIRO claims its contribution extends to providing a unique IP for plant-based protein production besides working with the startup to develop new meat analogs. v2food portfolio includes v2burger, v2mince, v2schnitzel, v2sausages, v2tenders, and v2 ready meals, which are available at 3,800+ retail and food service outlets across Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Japan, and the Philippines.

In January 2024 , v2food acquired Soulara, a brand specializing in ready-made plant-based meals, for an undisclosed sum. With this acquisition, the company aimed to venture into direct-to-consumer sales and integrate Soulara with its new entity, Flexitarian Meal Solutions.

Key customers and partnerships

v2food expanded its distribution outside Australia via a partnership with Burger King, launching in Thailand, the Philippines, Japan, and South Korea.

Funding and financials

In August 2021 , v2food raised AUD 72 million (USD 54 million) in Series B funding led by Astanor Ventures with participation from several Asian investors including China’s Huaxing Growth Capital Fund and the Singapore-based ABC World Asia. The startup was to use the funding to accelerate its global expansion efforts.