Imagindairy, an Israel startup using precision fermentation technology to develop animal-free milk, has secured USD 13 million in seed funding led by MoreVC, with participation from Strauss Group; Entrée Capital; S2G Ventures; Collaborative Fund; New Climate Ventures; Green Circle Foodtech Ventures; Emerald Technology Ventures; and Pierre Besnainou. The funding is expected to be used to expand its research, team, and product offerings.

Imaginary uses the natural process of precision fermentation to produce milk proteins, using genetically engineered strains of microorganisms. Co-founders Prof. Tamir Tuller and Dr. Eyal Afergan have leveraged their experience to produce whey and casein, which are claimed to be identical to the protein made in the cow’s mammary cells. Animal-free proteins have several applications, such as producing dairy-free alternatives to milk, curd, and cheese. The company hopes to launch the product through B2B by collaborating with dairy brands to produce dairy-free products, with plans to make its product available in the market by 2023.