Main Sequence Ventures invests in ambitious founders creating the next set of global industries leveraging deep tech or frontier technologies. The firm is backed by the Australian National Science Agency, CSIRO, the Australian Federal Government, and private investors.  All Main Sequence investments leverage world-leading research from Australian public research organizations such as CSIRO, any of Australia's 41 universities or its multitude of other industry research agencies.

Main Sequence Ventures

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

HongShan is a VC firm focused on seed-stage, mid-stage, late-stage, and growth investments in the fintech sector. HongShan has offices in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Suzhou, and Shenzhen. Over the past nine years, Sequoia Capital China has an impressive and diverse portfolio comprising about 300 dynamic companies that deliver high returns on investment using differentiated technologies and innovative business models, including Alibaba, VIPshop.com, Sina.com, Didi, JD.com, Ourpalm, Qihoo 360, Jumei, Momo, SINNET, Dianping.com, Meituan, Meilishuo, Toutiao, AutoNavi, Ganji.com, DJI, VanceInfo, Noah Private Wealth Management, Wanda Cinemas, Alibaba Pictures, Plateno Hotels Group, Deppon Logistics, ZTO Express, Beta Pharma, Snibe Diagnostic, BGI, WEGO, and Yuwell Medical.

HongShan

Marinya Capital is the family office of a branch of the Fairfax family. It was originally established by Fairfax media, a large Australian media company. Marinya holds active property investments and a portfolio of investments into fund managers. Marinya Capital also makes direct private equity and venture capital investments into select opportunities.

Marinya Capital

Temasek Holdings is a lender provider. The company offers debt financing and focuses on transforming economies, increasing middle-income populations, developing comparative advantages, and emerging champions. Financial services, transportation, industrial, consumer, real estate, telecommunications, media, technology, and life sciences are among the industries served by the firm.

Temasek Holdings

China Renaissance is a leading independent investment bank in China. Established in Beijing in 2004, we focus on top Chinese entrepreneurs across a broad range of sectors including TMT, consumer products & services, education, healthcare, financial services and CleanTech. We have more than 60 professionals in two offices in Beijing and Shanghai. We offer financial advisory services in private placement and M&A to an extensive network of leading Chinese entrepreneurs. In the past five years we have become the number one advisor to Chinese entrepreneurs and successfully closed over $2 billion worth of transactions. We have received awards The Best Boutique Investment Bank in 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009.

China Renaissance

Altitude will invest between £1m - £4m to support ambitious management teams in profitable businesses with turnovers between £2m and £20m. With an extensive regional network we work with companies from all sectors. Investing as partners our role as boardroom colleagues is to support, not to interfere, and to help with the challenge of growing a business. This is where our experience counts. Altitude has a growing reputation in the South for creating positive and commercial business relationships with ambitious leaders who want more for their business.

Altitude Partners

ABC World Asia is a private equity fund dedicated to impact investing. Impact investing encompasses the intention to generate positive, measurable social or environmental impact, alongside a compelling risk-adjusted return.

ABC World Asia

Novel Investments

Esenagro is a comprehensive service provider for global fresh product circulation. With the full-process service capabilities of fresh food circulation covering global procurement, customs clearance management, cold chain warehousing, and sales, the company is committed to improving the circulation efficiency of fresh products in my country, providing Chinese consumers with global high-quality fresh products such as meat, fruits, and vegetables

Esenagro

Astanor Ventures is a venture capital firm focusing on entrepreneurs regenerating the food, blue ocean economy, and agriculture sector. The firm targeting technology-enabled companies across the agri-food value chain, leveraging disruptive technologies to bring about a future of food that is nourishing, regenerative, trusted, and ultra-fresh. It rings together capital, deep sector knowledge, and a strong network of entrepreneurs, impact investors, technologists, scientists, farmers, chefs, policymakers, and food lovers to give rise to a future of food that is nourishing, regenerative, scalable, trusted, and delicious.

Astanor Ventures

Huaxing Growth Capital is the flagship fund of China Renaissance's Investment Management segment and the principal private equity investment arm of China Renaissance. The fund manages fourUSD-denominated funds and four RMB-denominated funds. As of December 31, 2021, the company's private equity funds had an asset under management(''AUM'') of over RMB 49 billion(~US$7.7 billion).

Huaxing Growth Capital

v2food

V2food is a plant-based meat startup that produces legume-based meat alternatives. The company v2 product is a delicious, nutritious alternative for anyone who loves the taste of meat but doesn’t want to get it from animals. It is a safe space to connect with like-minded people and create positive relationships with food that will help them feed the planet in a sustainable way. V2food was founded by Nick Hazell in 2019 and is based in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.

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.

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

Plant-based Meat

v2food founder Nick Hazell raises $1.1 million for his algal vision to replace fossil fuels

Lgem

To scale production of a red microalgae-derived ingredient for plant-based meat, enabling more visually appealing plant-based products for mainstream consumers.

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

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 <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/25574">January 2024 </a>, 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 partnershipsv2food expanded its distribution outside Australia via a partnership with Burger King, launching in Thailand in March 2021, the Philippines in December 2020, Japan in August 2021, and South Korea in February 2021.In <a href="https://sp-edge.com/updates/33928">September 2024</a>, the company partnered with Dutch biotech company Lgem to collaboratively develop RepliHue, a red microalgae-derived ingredient for plant-based meat.

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)

Utilizes 3D printing techniques to develop meat alternatives

Provides sustainable alternatives to animal meat

ANALYST_QUICK_TAKE

PROMINENT_CATEGORY

<div>
 Australian firm v2food has teamed with Dutch biotech company Lgem to expand the production of RepliHue, an ingredient derived from red microalgae for use in plant-based meat. RepliHue simulates the visual aspect of cooking traditional meat, changing colour as it cooks, without the need for synthetic additives. This partnership aims to make plant-based products more appealing to mainstream consumers. The first use of this ingredient will be debuted by v2food at Sydney's SXSW in October 2023.
 After successful testing, there are plans to build a production facility in Australia. This will allow the industrial-scale production of RepliHue and it's integration into v2food's plant-based meat products.
</div> Analyst QuickTake: 
 Plant-based meat producers are developing methods and technologies to bridge the visual and textural gap between plant-based meats and their traditional counterparts, addressing consumers' pain points of visual appeal in meat alternatives. <a href="https: 
//sp-edge.com/companies/238405"> Impossible Foods </a> has led in this area with the development of its heme ingredient, which gives meat alternatives a "bleeding effect" similar to conventional meat products.

v2food

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