Big Idea Ventures

Renew Food is investigating the use of novel protein-based flavor ingredients. The taste and nutritional quality of alternative foods are top priorities for consumers seeking new, great-tasting, healthy food products that are good for our planet.

BiomeMega is a biotechnology company dedicated to improving human health through microbiome-derived innovations. It specializes in research and development of omega fatty acids (three, six, seven, and nine) for the nutraceutical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The company's proprietary probiotic formulations, developed in collaboration with leading universities, enable clients to offer non-GMO products with potential health benefits, aiming to transform the probiotic industry and enhance overall well-being.

Nanoingreen is a green synthesis company focused on transforming plant-based products into functional foods through precision fermentation processes. The company develops specific formulations that enhance the nutritional profile and functionality of food products, enabling clients to create next-generation offerings with unique flavors and textures. By incorporating these formulations, Nanoingreen aims to address future health challenges and improve the overall quality of plant-based foods, positioning itself as a leader in the functional food market.

Cultimate Foods is a pioneering cellular agriculture company specializing in the development of cultivated fat for hybrid alt-meat products. The company's unique technological approach involves 3D cultivation, replicating the structure of animal fat tissue and reducing production costs. Cultimate Foods aims to provide consumers with a more efficient, sustainable, and ethical way to enjoy meat-like experiences while minimizing environmental impact.

Alcheme Bio is a company focused on enhancing the taste of cultivated foods through innovative cellular flavoring. By mapping the relationship between media formulations and flavor, Alcheme Bio bioengineers media supplements that enable cells to express their own flavors, mimicking natural processes found in the wild. This approach allows clients in the food industry to produce cultivated products that are not only cost-effective and cleaner but also significantly more flavorful, addressing a key barrier to the widespread adoption of cultivated foods.

Naturannova is a company focused on advancing food technology through the discovery and development of plant-based protein flavors and ingredients. By integrating computational biology with biomanufacturing processes, Naturannova aims to create innovative and sustainable food solutions. Its computational platform is designed to identify proteins from plant sources, enabling food and beverage manufacturers to streamline their development processes. This approach not only reduces time and costs but also supports healthier consumer choices by providing access to next-generation ingredients that promote well-being.

PFx Biotech is a pioneering company that specializes in the development of alternative proteins using precision fermentation. They focus on producing human milk proteins, which are nourishing and contain beneficial bioactivities such as immune-boosting, anti-microbial, and anti-viral properties. By leveraging their fermentation platform, they aim to provide sustainable protein alternatives that can help reduce water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby promoting a more environmentally friendly and animal-free protein landscape.

The Very Food Co is a French start-up focused on transforming the food industry by providing sustainable alternatives to dairy and eggs. The company specializes in ready-to-use, plant-based ingredients that serve as functional replacements for traditional animal products, catering to the increasing demand for vegan options. By leveraging scientific research, Very Food maps plant properties to their molecular profiles to create formulations that maintain the functionality and taste of eggs and dairy. Their innovative solutions are designed for easy integration into existing processes, allowing food manufacturers and foodservice professionals to transition towards a more sustainable and resilient food system without compromising culinary quality.

Cultimate Foods is a pioneering cellular agriculture company specializing in the development of cultivated fat for hybrid alt-meat products. The company's unique technological approach involves 3D cultivation, replicating the structure of animal fat tissue and reducing production costs. Cultimate Foods aims to provide consumers with a more efficient, sustainable, and ethical way to enjoy meat-like experiences while minimizing environmental impact.

Niskus Biotec specializes in producing food ingredients that enhance the sustainability, supply chain security, and functionality of various products. The company focuses on developing functional, protein-rich ingredients suitable for a wide range of food and beverage applications, aimed at improving nutrition, taste, and texture. Niskus Biotec collaborates with agri-food companies to facilitate the development and implementation of scaled-up manufacturing processes, utilizing specially designed solid-state fermenters. This flexible, staged approach allows businesses to effectively integrate these innovative ingredients into their offerings.

Nutropy specializes in producing real milk ingredients that are identical to those produced by cows, focusing on creating premium cheese alternatives. These alternatives offer the same taste experience as traditional cow's cheese but are more sustainable, healthier, and do not involve any animal exploitation. The company achieves this by manufacturing dairy proteins equivalent to cow proteins using microbes and fermentation processes. Nutropy's products are designed for large-scale dairy applications in the global cheese market, enabling businesses to produce mass-market items with a significantly lower carbon footprint and reduced environmental impact.

Esencia Foods is a food processing company that specializes in creating sustainable seafood alternatives using mushroom mycelium. The company focuses on developing fish and seafood products that are rich in protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids, catering to consumers seeking healthy and nutrient-dense options. By employing solid-state fermentation techniques, Esencia Foods produces vegan, non-GMO products that are free from antibiotics, offering innovative food experiences designed to promote a healthy lifestyle.

Novel Farms, Inc. is a Berkeley, California-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in the production of cell-based meat delicacies. It focuses on developing cruelty-free, low-cost, and tunable bioscaffolds through microbial fermentation and proprietary tissue engineering technology. The company's mission is to create gourmet meat alternatives that replicate the taste and texture of conventional meats, appealing to a new generation of conscious consumers. By producing whole-muscle cuts of cultivated meat, Novel Farms aims to make synthetic meat-based delicacies accessible and desirable, transforming the consumption of cell-based meat into a sought-after culinary experience.

Producer of food products intended to provide fish meat alternatives through cell cultivation. The company specializes in producing cultivated cell-based fish fat to greatly enhance the flavor, texture aroma and nutrition of alternative protein products, enabling consumers to get healthy fats such as omega-3 that protect from heart diseases.

Pullulo is a biotechnology company specializing in the production of plant-based microbial proteins. It offers allergen-free, non-GMO, vegan, and Halal protein sources as an alternative to conventional plant-based and meat-based proteins. The company's focus lies in developing microbial proteins that act as catalysts, facilitating sustainable food production, regenerative aesthetics, and therapeutics. Pullulo aims to enable customers to harness the power of proteins and microorganisms for efficient, sustainable, and environmentally responsible solutions across various industries.

The Good Pulse is a producer of functional proteins and ingredients derived from pulses, specializing in plant-based foods and supplements. The company focuses on creating meat alternatives and cheese substitutes using precision fermentation techniques. By maximizing the functionality and nutritional value of pulse seeds, such as peas and soy, The Good Pulse aims to provide consumers with sustainable and ethical food options. Their products are designed to ensure that consumers do not have to compromise on taste or experience while adopting a more efficient diet. Through its innovative approach, The Good Pulse is dedicated to revalorizing all components extracted from pulses, contributing to a more sustainable food system.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich. The company specializes in producing vegan nectar products that serve as a molecularly identical alternative to traditional honey. By employing advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology, MeliBio creates honey without the involvement of bees, aiming to mitigate the negative impact of commercial bee farming on biodiversity. In 2023, MeliBio launched its consumer-facing brand, Mellody, further expanding its market presence. Recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2021, MeliBio is committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions in the food industry.

Lypid is a company that specializes in producing vegan fats designed to replicate the taste and characteristics of animal fats. By utilizing animal-free proteins, Lypid aims to reduce the reliance on carbon-intensive animal products. The company employs a novel formulation combined with a microencapsulation method to closely mimic the texture, mouthfeel, flavor transfer, and cooking behaviors associated with traditional animal fats. This innovative approach allows consumers to enjoy a healthier alternative that contains minimal artificial additives, reduced hydrogenation, and lower trans fat levels.

Meatless Kingdom is an Indonesian food technology startup specializing in the production and distribution of plant-based food products, with a focus on utilizing mushrooms and soy to create meat alternatives. The company caters to both business-to-business (B2B) and business-to-consumer (B2C) markets. In the B2B sector, Meatless Kingdom partners with hotels, restaurants, and catering chains to supply plant-based products that meet diverse culinary needs. For the B2C segment, the company offers a range of flavorful, nutritious, and convenient ready-to-eat meals designed to appeal to Asian tastes, while ensuring that all products are vegan, high in protein, low in gluten, and free from monosodium glutamate (MSG). By prioritizing locally sourced ingredients, Meatless Kingdom aims to provide healthy and sustainable food options that help consumers reduce their meat consumption.

Genesea is a producer of seaweed protein based in Netanya, Israel, specializing in the extraction of algal protein from macroalgae. The company leverages over a decade of research focused on developing a sustainable supply chain for offshore macroalgae-based biorefineries. Genesea's algal protein offers consumers a carbon-negative alternative that does not require arable land, fertilizers, or pesticides, and is gluten-free. This innovative approach positions Genesea at the forefront of sustainable protein production, catering to the growing demand for environmentally friendly food sources.

Umami United is a Japanese-inspired plant-based food brand focused on enriching the alternative protein market with unique and innovative ingredients. The company specializes in creating products that deliver intense umami flavor, appealing to both vegan consumers and those seeking healthier food options. Its flagship product, UMAMI Egg, is formulated primarily from konjac powder, showcasing the brand's commitment to leveraging Japanese culinary traditions and technology to develop its offerings. By providing plant-based alternatives to traditional eggs and meat, Umami United aims to broaden choices for the growing vegan population while promoting a flavorful and nutritious diet.

Optimized Foods is a company focused on developing sustainable food production techniques, specializing in cell-cultured products. The company is pioneering the cultivated meat category by utilizing proprietary mycelium scaffolds and advanced cell biology. Its innovative approach allows for the creation of nutritious, mycelium-based food options, transforming traditional food production methods. By concentrating on the form, function, and structure of cultured meat, Optimized Foods aims to provide healthier and more sustainable food products at scale, addressing the growing demand for sustainable alternatives in the food industry.

Harmony is a biotechnology startup that creates human breast milk protein-based infant nutrition designed to help human babies thrive. It is the world’s first dairy-free, allergen-free and environmentally friendly infant nutrition. Harmony Baby Nutrition was established in 2018 and is based in Boston, MA.

MOA make healthy food for a sustainable world that solves growing global food demands. They are establishing a new industry of sustainable food that solves growing global food demands without the need for arable land. They are focused on designing high-value, natural and nutritious food.

No Evil Foods, LLC is a producer and retailer of plant-based protein foods, established in 2014 and based in Weaverville, North Carolina. The company specializes in creating plant-protein products designed to mimic the taste and texture of meat, utilizing ingredients such as beans, wheat berries, and yeast. No Evil Foods aims to offer nutritionally superior meat substitutes through the use of fermentation and upcycled ingredients, enhancing both health and flavor. Its products are distributed across 12 states, including notable retailers like Whole Foods Market and Earth Fare, and are available in hundreds of restaurants and universities. The company has gained recognition in various publications and has received accolades such as the Martha Stewart American Made Awards and the Made In NC Awards.

Maya Milk, established in 2021 with its headquarters in Izmir, Turkey, specializes in precision fermentation technology to create animal-free dairy proteins and fatty acids. The company aims to serve the food and dairy industry by producing vegan alternatives that mimic the structure and functionality of animal-derived counterparts, enabling customers to enhance their alternative dairy products.

Actual Veggies Inc. is a New York-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in processing plant-based vegetable burgers. The company aims to provide healthy, satisfying, and environmentally friendly meal options for a diverse consumer base, including vegans, flexitarians, and meat-eaters. Unlike typical processed veggie burgers, Actual Veggies focuses on using only natural ingredients, avoiding preservatives and additives. Its initial product line features large, 5-ounce vegetarian burgers crafted from real vegetables such as black beans, kale, sweet potato, beet, oats, and red onions. These burgers are designed to be both nutritious and visually appealing, showcasing vibrant colors and fresh ingredients. Actual Veggies offers its products through online sales, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Yofix is a company that specializes in the development and manufacture of dairy and soy-free fermented plant-based foods, focusing on prebiotic and probiotic products. The company ensures that its offerings are clean label, containing no artificial ingredients or preservatives, and are crafted from high-nutritional-value cereals, lentils, grains, and seeds. Yofix's flagship product is a plant-based yogurt, which is set to expand into a range of products including yogurt drinks, desserts, frozen yogurt, and ice cream bases. By emphasizing excellent taste and texture alongside sustainable production processes, Yofix aims to provide a competitive and health-conscious alternative to traditional dairy products.

De Novo Foodlabs specializes in developing animal-free dairy products and proteins that offer nutritional profiles identical to cow's milk. The company employs precision fermentation technology to create innovative ingredients that are sustainable, vegan, and free from antibiotics. By integrating bioinformatics and advanced biotechnology, De Novo Foodlabs modifies the functionality of proteins and essential nutrients, ensuring that its offerings are not only healthier for consumers but also easier to produce and less harmful to the environment. This approach allows food companies to take a phased strategy in creating healthier and more sustainable products for their customers.

Gourmey is a pioneering cultivated meat company based in Paris, France, founded in 2019. It specializes in the development and production of ethical foie gras derived from duck cells, aiming to revolutionize the traditional foie gras industry. By utilizing a lab-based approach, Gourmey cultivates meat without the need for force-feeding or slaughter, ensuring a more humane and sustainable alternative. The company places duck cells in a controlled environment, providing optimal temperature, essential nutrients, and space for growth, which results in a product that prioritizes consumer health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare.

The Frauxmagerie is a manufacturer specializing in plant-based cheese products that serve as alternatives to traditional dairy cheese. The company offers a range of artisanal cheeses, including both aged and fresh varieties, which are characterized by sophisticated flavors and rich textures. Each cheese, or "frauxmage," is meticulously handcrafted using only five natural ingredients: raw cashews, nutritional yeast, vegan probiotics, salt, and bacterial cultures. By innovating traditional cheese-making techniques, The Frauxmagerie produces authentic, dairy-free products that are not only healthier but also environmentally conscious, catering to consumers seeking ethical and delicious food options.

New Breed Meats specializes in the production of plant-based protein products designed to mimic the taste and texture of traditional animal meats. The company focuses on creating alternatives that are accessible to a broad audience, ensuring that their offerings are free from the top eight allergens, including soy and gluten. By utilizing non-GMO ingredients, New Breed Meats aims to provide delicious, meaty options that cater to consumers seeking non-animal protein sources.

Gathered Foods Corporation, operating under the brand name Good Catch, specializes in the development, production, and sale of plant-based seafood alternatives in the United States. Founded in 2016 and based in Heath, Ohio, the company offers a variety of products, including plant-based tuna, frozen entrées, and appetizers, all crafted from a unique blend of six legumes—peas, chickpeas, lentils, soy, fava beans, and navy beans—alongside seaweed and algae extract to enhance flavor. These products are designed to replicate the taste and experience of traditional seafood while being free from dairy, gluten, and GMOs, providing a cruelty-free option for consumers seeking alternatives to seafood. Gathered Foods sells its products through both retail stores and online channels, catering to a growing market of health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich. The company specializes in producing vegan nectar products that serve as a molecularly identical alternative to traditional honey. By employing advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology, MeliBio creates honey without the involvement of bees, aiming to mitigate the negative impact of commercial bee farming on biodiversity. In 2023, MeliBio launched its consumer-facing brand, Mellody, further expanding its market presence. Recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2021, MeliBio is committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions in the food industry.

Plant Ranch is a producer of plant-based proteins that aims to reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional animal farming. With a diverse background, including 66% Latin American ownership, the company prioritizes authenticity in flavor by utilizing generations-old recipes. Their offerings are designed for health-conscious consumers, providing low-calorie and low-fat protein options that are fully cooked and seasoned, making them easy to incorporate into various dishes. Plant Ranch emphasizes that choosing their products does not require sacrificing flavor or enjoyment in meals, and instead promotes a lifestyle that eliminates unhealthy trans fats and the negative ecological effects of animal protein consumption.

Blue Ridge Bantam is a pioneering cultured meat company based in the South, specializing in turkey, which is recognized as America's original source of protein. The company focuses on advancing avian cell-based technology with the aim of facilitating a shift towards meat products that are not only healthy and flavorful but also sustainable. Blue Ridge Bantam utilizes a biotechnology approach to produce cell-based poultry meat by harvesting tissue and fat cells from animals and cultivating them in a bioreactor. This process yields a product that mirrors the biological composition of traditional meat while integrating cultivated fat cells with plant proteins to create a hybrid offering, catering to the growing demand for sustainable meat alternatives.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich. The company specializes in producing vegan nectar products that serve as a molecularly identical alternative to traditional honey. By employing advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology, MeliBio creates honey without the involvement of bees, aiming to mitigate the negative impact of commercial bee farming on biodiversity. In 2023, MeliBio launched its consumer-facing brand, Mellody, further expanding its market presence. Recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2021, MeliBio is committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions in the food industry.

Yoconut Dairy Free is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in producing plant-based coconut yogurt. Its offerings include a variety of flavors such as Madagascar Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Coconut, Lemon Cream, and Pineapple. The yogurt is crafted from creamy coconut milk and is designed to be healthy and allergy-friendly, containing natural electrolytes and no added sugars. Yoconut aims to provide a delicious and nutritious alternative for those seeking gluten-free and plant-based food options.

Peace of Meat is a Belgium-based company founded in 2019 that specializes in producing and supplying cultured animal fat to enhance the taste, texture, and nutritional value of cultured and plant-based food products. The company focuses on non-GMO cultured chicken and duck fat, which serves as a critical ingredient for meat alternatives like nuggets, burgers, and meatballs. Utilizing proprietary stem-cell-based bioreactor technology, Peace of Meat cultivates these fats without causing harm to animals. The firm has conducted taste tests that demonstrate how its cultured fat can significantly improve the flavor profiles of plant-based protein products, making them more appealing to consumers seeking meat alternatives.

Novel Farms, Inc. is a Berkeley, California-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in the production of cell-based meat delicacies. It focuses on developing cruelty-free, low-cost, and tunable bioscaffolds through microbial fermentation and proprietary tissue engineering technology. The company's mission is to create gourmet meat alternatives that replicate the taste and texture of conventional meats, appealing to a new generation of conscious consumers. By producing whole-muscle cuts of cultivated meat, Novel Farms aims to make synthetic meat-based delicacies accessible and desirable, transforming the consumption of cell-based meat into a sought-after culinary experience.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich. The company specializes in producing vegan nectar products that serve as a molecularly identical alternative to traditional honey. By employing advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology, MeliBio creates honey without the involvement of bees, aiming to mitigate the negative impact of commercial bee farming on biodiversity. In 2023, MeliBio launched its consumer-facing brand, Mellody, further expanding its market presence. Recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2021, MeliBio is committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions in the food industry.

Actual Veggies Inc. is a New York-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in processing plant-based vegetable burgers. The company aims to provide healthy, satisfying, and environmentally friendly meal options for a diverse consumer base, including vegans, flexitarians, and meat-eaters. Unlike typical processed veggie burgers, Actual Veggies focuses on using only natural ingredients, avoiding preservatives and additives. Its initial product line features large, 5-ounce vegetarian burgers crafted from real vegetables such as black beans, kale, sweet potato, beet, oats, and red onions. These burgers are designed to be both nutritious and visually appealing, showcasing vibrant colors and fresh ingredients. Actual Veggies offers its products through online sales, making them accessible to a wider audience.

Evo Foods is a Mumbai-based food processing company founded in 2019 that specializes in producing plant-based liquid egg alternatives. The company’s primary product is a 100% plant-based liquid egg made from lentil protein, moong beans, and peas, designed to replicate the texture and taste of traditional eggs while being free from cholesterol and antibiotics. Utilizing proprietary patent-pending technology, Evo Foods aims to provide a nutritious alternative to animal products, offering high protein content and essential micronutrients such as Vitamin B12. Through innovative science and technology, the company seeks to lead the development of next-generation plant-based alternatives in the food market.

LVL specializes in the development of nutritious, plant-based powders designed to enhance daily well-being. The company offers a range of functional superfood blends that are convenient and easy to use, packaged in portable sachets for on-the-go consumption. These powders aim to promote increased energy, improved focus, and stronger immunity, helping consumers seamlessly integrate healthier choices into their daily routines. LVL's products are vegan-friendly and crafted to support individuals in achieving their optimal health and performance.

Patch Organics Inc is a producer of plant-based pumpkin seed milk, offering a range of flavors including original, ginger turmeric, chocolate, pumpkin spice, and coffee. Established in 2011 and headquartered in Armonk, New York, the company specializes in allergen-friendly dairy alternatives designed for individuals with food sensitivities. Its pumpkin seed milk is not only vegan and gluten-free but also emphasizes a low environmental impact and an organic formulation. By utilizing pumpkin seeds as a base, Patch Organics provides a nutritious option that mirrors the benefits of traditional dairy milk while being animal-friendly and environmentally sustainable.

Gourmey is a pioneering cultivated meat company based in Paris, France, founded in 2019. It specializes in the development and production of ethical foie gras derived from duck cells, aiming to revolutionize the traditional foie gras industry. By utilizing a lab-based approach, Gourmey cultivates meat without the need for force-feeding or slaughter, ensuring a more humane and sustainable alternative. The company places duck cells in a controlled environment, providing optimal temperature, essential nutrients, and space for growth, which results in a product that prioritizes consumer health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare.

Phuture Limited is a Hong Kong-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in producing plant-based minced meat products. Focused on sustainability, Phuture aims to provide alternatives to traditional meat by offering non-genetically modified, halal options that closely mimic the taste and texture of pork. The company's proprietary processing technology incorporates rice into its product blend, enhancing the flavor and mouthfeel to create a satisfying experience for consumers. Through innovation in food technology, Phuture seeks to redefine the culinary landscape and promote healthier lifestyles by making plant-based eating more accessible and enjoyable.

Plant-Powered Wellness & Functional Food Products

Plant Bliss specializes in producing plant-based food products that serve as alternatives to meat, dairy, and eggs. The company focuses on creating drop-in replacements made from whole food plant ingredients, deliberately avoiding artificial preservatives, flavorings, or colors. By offering these innovative products, Plant Bliss aims to meet the growing consumer demand for healthier, plant-based options. Their offerings are particularly suited for busy food service professionals seeking to enhance their menus with nutritious alternatives, promoting a more sustainable and health-conscious approach to dining.