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.

Nanoingreen is a company focused on transforming plant-based products into functional foods through innovative formulations. Utilizing precision fermentation processes, it develops next-generation nutritious foods designed to provide specific health benefits and prevent potential future health issues. By synthesizing functional ingredients, Nanoingreen enables its clients to enhance their plant-based offerings with diverse flavors and textures, thereby contributing to the advancement of nutritious food solutions in the market.

Cultimate Foods is a cellular agriculture company focused on developing cultivated fat for hybrid alt-meat products. By replicating the structure of animal fat tissue, the company aims to create plant-based fat alternatives that enhance the sensory experience of meat consumption. Utilizing a unique technological approach to 3D cultivation, Cultimate efficiently produces its ingredients while reducing production costs. The company’s innovative methods enable the development of cell-cultured meat alternatives that provide a sustainable and ethical option for consumers seeking to enjoy meat without compromising on taste or texture.

Nexture Bio is a company focused on advancing the cultivated meat industry through innovative biomaterial technologies. It specializes in developing cellular scaffolding solutions that enhance the texture, mouthfeel, and overall sensory experience of alternative meat products. By providing these structural solutions, Nexture Bio enables producers of cultivated whole-cut meats to achieve a closer resemblance to traditional meat, thereby promoting a more diverse and accessible market for cultivated meat globally. This approach not only addresses current limitations in the industry but also aims to facilitate broader consumer access to high-quality alternative protein products.

Alcheme Bio specializes in cellular flavoring, focusing on enhancing the taste of cultivated foods. The company conducts research to understand the relationship between media formulations and flavor, subsequently bioengineering media supplements that encourage cells to produce their own flavors, similar to natural processes. This innovative approach aims to enable clients to create cost-effective, cleaner, and more appealing food products, thereby advancing the cultivated food industry.

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 not only nourishing but also contain beneficial bioactivities such as immune-boosting, anti-microbial, anti-viral, and stress management properties. By leveraging their fermentation platform, PFx Biotech enables clients to reduce their environmental footprint by decreasing water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, as these proteins serve as sustainable, dairy and animal-free protein alternatives.

Naturannova focuses on food technology, specifically in the development of plant-based protein flavors and ingredients. The company utilizes a computational platform to discover proteins from plant sources, integrating computational biology with biomanufacturing processes. This approach allows Naturannova to design and develop innovative, healthy, and sustainable ingredients for the food and beverage industry. By streamlining the development process, the company aims to help manufacturers reduce costs and time, ultimately promoting healthier lifestyles for consumers.

Cultimate Foods is a cellular agriculture company focused on developing cultivated fat for hybrid alt-meat products. By replicating the structure of animal fat tissue, the company aims to create plant-based fat alternatives that enhance the sensory experience of meat consumption. Utilizing a unique technological approach to 3D cultivation, Cultimate efficiently produces its ingredients while reducing production costs. The company’s innovative methods enable the development of cell-cultured meat alternatives that provide a sustainable and ethical option for consumers seeking to enjoy meat without compromising on taste or texture.

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 is a producer of innovative milk ingredients that replicate those found in cow's milk, aimed at creating premium cheese alternatives. By utilizing microbes and fermentation processes, the company manufactures dairy proteins comparable to those derived from cows, allowing for the development of cheese products that maintain a similar taste and texture to traditional cheese. This approach not only offers a sustainable solution by eliminating the need for animal involvement but also addresses health and environmental concerns associated with conventional dairy production. Nutropy's technology enables businesses to scale cheese alternatives for the global market while significantly reducing their carbon footprint.

Esencia Foods is a food processing company focused on creating sustainable seafood alternatives derived from mushroom mycelium. The company employs solid-state fermentation to produce high-protein, fiber-rich, and omega-3-enriched food products that are vegan, non-GMO, and free from antibiotics. By offering innovative mycelium-based fish and seafood substitutes, Esencia Foods aims to promote a healthy and nutrient-rich lifestyle for consumers.

Novel Farms, Inc. is a company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2020, that specializes in the production of cell-based meat products aimed at ethical consumers. Utilizing microbial fermentation and proprietary tissue engineering technology, Novel Farms develops cruelty-free and affordable 3D bioscaffolds, which enable the creation of structured meat products that replicate the taste and texture of traditional gourmet meats. The company focuses on making cell-based meat a desirable culinary option for a new generation of consumers, promoting a more sustainable and ethical approach to meat consumption. Through its innovative methods, Novel Farms seeks to achieve price parity with conventional meat, making its offerings accessible to a broader audience while transforming the future of food.

Pullulo specializes in producing plant-based microbial proteins that serve as a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources, both plant and meat-based. The company's offerings are allergen-free, non-GMO, vegan, and Halal, catering to a broad range of dietary needs. By focusing on the development of these plant-derived proteins, Pullulo aims to harness the potential of proteins and microorganisms to enhance efficiency and sustainability in food production, as well as in regenerative aesthetics and therapeutics. This approach addresses various challenges faced by industries while promoting environmentally responsible solutions.

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.

The Good Pulse Co. specializes in producing functional proteins and ingredients derived from pulses, such as peas and soy, for use in plant-based foods and supplements. The company is dedicated to creating alternatives to traditional meat and cheese products through precision fermentation, aiming to enhance functionality and nutrition while promoting sustainability. By maximizing the value of all components extracted from pulse seeds, The Good Pulse Co. offers consumers a more efficient and ethical way to enjoy nutritious food without compromising on taste or experience.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company that focuses on producing vegan nectar products as a sustainable alternative to traditional honey. Founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich, MeliBio utilizes advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology to create honey without the involvement of bees, thereby addressing concerns related to biodiversity and the environmental impact of commercial beekeeping. The company, headquartered in Oakland, California, aims to provide food producers with molecularly identical nectar alternatives that are healthier and do not rely on bee farming. In 2023, MeliBio expanded its offerings by launching its consumer brand, Mellody, further promoting its innovative approach to honey production. TIME recognized MeliBio's pioneering methodology as one of the Best Inventions of 2021.

Lypid specializes in the production of vegan fats designed to replicate the taste and functionality of animal fats. By utilizing animal-free proteins and a novel formulation combined with microencapsulation techniques, Lypid creates a product that mimics the texture, mouthfeel, flavor transfer, and cooking behavior of traditional fats. This innovative approach provides consumers with a healthier alternative that contains minimal artificial additives, reduced hydrogenation, and lower trans fat content, contributing to a decrease in the carbon-intensive reliance on animal sources.

Genesea is a producer of seaweed protein located in Netanya, Israel. The company utilizes advanced technology developed from a decade of research focused on the offshore macroalgae biorefinery supply chain. Genesea extracts algal protein from seaweeds, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources. Their product is characterized as carbon-negative and free from the use of arable land, fertilizers, pesticides, and gluten, appealing to consumers seeking environmentally friendly and health-conscious dietary options.

Kabocha Milk is a producer of high-quality, nutrient-rich beverages derived from the kabocha plant, primarily targeting markets in Japan and Korea. The company offers a unique range of products, including packaged kabocha milk, smoothies, and milkshakes, all designed to be dairy-free, vegan, preservative-free, and cholesterol-free. Kabocha Milk addresses the challenge of limited availability of kabocha in New Zealand, as it provides a shelf-stable option that can be enjoyed year-round. This innovative approach fills a gap in the market, making kabocha milk accessible to health-conscious consumers seeking nutritious alternatives to traditional dairy products.

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 specializes in producing and retailing plant-based protein products that emulate the taste and texture of meat. Founded in 2014 and headquartered in Weaverville, North Carolina, the company utilizes a blend of beans, wheat berries, and yeast to create its offerings. No Evil Foods is committed to enhancing the food system by providing nutritionally superior meat substitutes optimized for health and digestion, employing fermentation and upcycled ingredients in their production process. The company's products are distributed to hundreds of restaurants, universities, and grocery stores across 12 states, including notable retailers such as Whole Foods Market and Earth Fare. The brand has garnered recognition in various media outlets and awards, reflecting its growing impact in the plant-based food sector.

Actual Veggies, founded in 2020 and based in New York, specializes in the production of plant-based vegetable burgers aimed at providing healthy and environmentally friendly meal options. The company focuses on creating burgers made entirely from real vegetables without the use of preservatives or additives. Its product line features large, 5-ounce vegetarian burgers crafted from ingredients such as black beans, kale, sweet potato, beet, oats, and red onions. By avoiding artificial methods and processed offerings, Actual Veggies seeks to appeal to a diverse range of consumers, including vegans, flexitarians, and meat-eaters. Their burgers are designed to be vibrant and visually appealing, highlighting the freshness of the ingredients while delivering a satisfying taste. Products are available for purchase online, allowing customers to enjoy nutritious and flavorful meals without the need for frozen or less appetizing alternatives.

Yofix specializes in the development and manufacturing of dairy and soy-free fermented plant-based foods, focusing on prebiotic and probiotic products. The company offers a range of clean-label options, ensuring that their foods contain no artificial ingredients or preservatives. Made from a variety of nutritious raw materials such as cereals, lentils, grains, and seeds, Yofix's products are designed to provide excellent taste and texture while maintaining competitive pricing and sustainability in their production processes. The initial product launched is a plant-based yogurt, with plans to expand the product line to include yogurt drinks, desserts, frozen yogurt, and ice cream bases, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking alternatives to traditional dairy products.

De Novo Foodlabs is a producer of animal-free dairy products and proteins, focusing on creating nutritionally identical alternatives to cow's milk. Utilizing precision fermentation technology, the company develops innovative ingredients that are sustainable, vegan, and free from antibiotics. Their protein innovation platform allows food companies to adopt a phased approach to product development, targeting healthier and more environmentally friendly food options. By combining bioinformatics with advanced biotechnology, De Novo modifies the functionality of proteins and essential nutrients, enabling the creation of nutrient-dense dairy alternatives that are easier to produce and have a lower environmental impact.

Gourmey is a cultivated meat company based in Paris, France, founded in 2019. It specializes in producing ethical foie gras derived from duck cells, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional methods that involve force-feeding and slaughter. By cultivating animal cells in a controlled laboratory environment, Gourmey creates meat products that prioritize health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. The company aims to provide delicious meat options for consumers who are conscious of their choices and seek innovative solutions in the food industry.

New Breed Meats specializes in producing plant-based meat alternatives that closely resemble the taste, texture, and cooking properties of traditional animal meats. The company's products are designed for individuals seeking non-animal protein sources and are free from the top eight allergens, making them soy-free, gluten-free, and non-GMO. By offering delicious and meat-like options, New Breed Meats aims to provide accessible and appealing alternatives for consumers who desire non-vegetarian food experiences.

The Frauxmagerie is a manufacturer of plant-based cheese products that offers a variety of dairy-free alternatives to traditional cheeses, including aged and fresh options. Each product is handcrafted using only five natural ingredients: raw cashews, nutritional yeast, vegan probiotics, salt, and bacterial cultures. The company aims to innovate traditional cheese-making methods to create authentic, nutritious alternatives that are healthier and environmentally friendly. By utilizing cashews and a vegan probiotic in the fermentation process, The Frauxmagerie provides customers with ethical and flavorful cheese options that cater to those seeking plant-based diets.

Good Catch Foods focuses on creating vegan and plant-based substitutes for seafood. Founded in 2016, the company offers a variety of products including plant-based shredded tuna, crab cakes, and fish patties, all made from ingredients such as pea proteins, lentils, chickpeas, and fava beans. Originally based in New York, Good Catch has since moved its headquarters to Newtown, Pennsylvania, where it continues to innovate in the field of plant-based seafood alternatives.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company that focuses on producing vegan nectar products as a sustainable alternative to traditional honey. Founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich, MeliBio utilizes advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology to create honey without the involvement of bees, thereby addressing concerns related to biodiversity and the environmental impact of commercial beekeeping. The company, headquartered in Oakland, California, aims to provide food producers with molecularly identical nectar alternatives that are healthier and do not rely on bee farming. In 2023, MeliBio expanded its offerings by launching its consumer brand, Mellody, further promoting its innovative approach to honey production. TIME recognized MeliBio's pioneering methodology as one of the Best Inventions of 2021.

Blue Ridge Bantam is a pioneering cultured meat company based in the South, specializing in the development of cell-based turkey products. The company aims to lead the transition to sustainable meat alternatives by utilizing avian cell-based technology. By collecting tissue and fat cells from animals and cultivating them in bioreactors, Blue Ridge Bantam produces poultry meat that retains the biological characteristics of traditional fat cells. This innovative process allows for the integration of cultivated fat cells with plant proteins, resulting in a hybrid poultry product that is designed to be healthy, flavorful, and environmentally friendly. Blue Ridge Bantam's mission is to provide consumers with a sustainable source of protein while addressing the challenges of traditional meat production.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company that focuses on producing vegan nectar products as a sustainable alternative to traditional honey. Founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich, MeliBio utilizes advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology to create honey without the involvement of bees, thereby addressing concerns related to biodiversity and the environmental impact of commercial beekeeping. The company, headquartered in Oakland, California, aims to provide food producers with molecularly identical nectar alternatives that are healthier and do not rely on bee farming. In 2023, MeliBio expanded its offerings by launching its consumer brand, Mellody, further promoting its innovative approach to honey production. TIME recognized MeliBio's pioneering methodology as one of the Best Inventions of 2021.

Yoconut Dairy Free is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in producing plant-based coconut yogurt. Their products, which include flavors such as Madagascar Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Coconut, Lemon Cream, and Pineapple, are designed to be healthy and allergy-friendly, containing natural electrolytes and no added sugar. By using creamy coconut milk, Yoconut aims to offer a delicious yogurt alternative that is also gluten-free, catering to a growing demand for innovative and nutritious food options.

Peace of Meat is a Belgian company established in 2019 that specializes in producing cultured animal fat to enhance the taste, texture, and nutritional profile of both cultured and plant-based food products. The company supplies non-GMO cultured chicken and duck fat, which are utilized in various meat alternatives, including nuggets, burgers, and meatballs. Through its proprietary stem-cell-based bioreactor technology, Peace of Meat cultivates animal fats without harming animals, making it a pioneer in the field of sustainable meat alternatives. The company has conducted taste tests demonstrating that its cultured fat significantly improves the flavor of plant-based protein offerings, positioning itself as a key supplier for food manufacturers seeking to create appealing meat substitutes.

Novel Farms, Inc. is a company based in Berkeley, California, founded in 2020, that specializes in the production of cell-based meat products aimed at ethical consumers. Utilizing microbial fermentation and proprietary tissue engineering technology, Novel Farms develops cruelty-free and affordable 3D bioscaffolds, which enable the creation of structured meat products that replicate the taste and texture of traditional gourmet meats. The company focuses on making cell-based meat a desirable culinary option for a new generation of consumers, promoting a more sustainable and ethical approach to meat consumption. Through its innovative methods, Novel Farms seeks to achieve price parity with conventional meat, making its offerings accessible to a broader audience while transforming the future of food.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company that focuses on producing vegan nectar products as a sustainable alternative to traditional honey. Founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich, MeliBio utilizes advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology to create honey without the involvement of bees, thereby addressing concerns related to biodiversity and the environmental impact of commercial beekeeping. The company, headquartered in Oakland, California, aims to provide food producers with molecularly identical nectar alternatives that are healthier and do not rely on bee farming. In 2023, MeliBio expanded its offerings by launching its consumer brand, Mellody, further promoting its innovative approach to honey production. TIME recognized MeliBio's pioneering methodology as one of the Best Inventions of 2021.

Actual Veggies, founded in 2020 and based in New York, specializes in the production of plant-based vegetable burgers aimed at providing healthy and environmentally friendly meal options. The company focuses on creating burgers made entirely from real vegetables without the use of preservatives or additives. Its product line features large, 5-ounce vegetarian burgers crafted from ingredients such as black beans, kale, sweet potato, beet, oats, and red onions. By avoiding artificial methods and processed offerings, Actual Veggies seeks to appeal to a diverse range of consumers, including vegans, flexitarians, and meat-eaters. Their burgers are designed to be vibrant and visually appealing, highlighting the freshness of the ingredients while delivering a satisfying taste. Products are available for purchase online, allowing customers to enjoy nutritious and flavorful meals without the need for frozen or less appetizing alternatives.

Evo Foods is a Mumbai-based food processing company that specializes in producing plant-based liquid eggs. Founded in 2019, the company has developed a 100% plant-based egg alternative using lentil protein, moong beans, and peas. This innovative product is designed to mimic the taste and texture of traditional eggs while being free from cholesterol and antibiotics. Evo Foods employs cutting-edge science and proprietary patent-pending technology to create its products, which are rich in protein and essential micronutrients, including Vitamin B12. By offering a plant-based substitute for animal products, Evo Foods aims to cater to the growing demand for healthier and more sustainable food options.

Plant Bliss specializes in producing plant-based food products that serve as replacements for meat, dairy, and eggs. The company focuses on creating whole food ingredients that are free from artificial preservatives, flavorings, and colors, catering to the rising demand for healthier plant-based options. These products are designed to be seamless substitutes for traditional meals, making them particularly appealing to food service professionals and consumers alike. Plant Bliss aims to offer nutritious alternatives that align with the growing interest in plant-based diets while ensuring convenience and quality.

Plant-Powered Wellness & Functional Food Products

Patch Organics Inc, based in Armonk, New York, specializes in producing plant-based pumpkin seed milk. Established in 2011, the company offers a variety of flavors including original, ginger turmeric, chocolate, pumpkin spice, and coffee. Patch Organics is recognized for being the first to utilize pumpkin seeds as the primary ingredient in its dairy alternative beverages, which are designed to be allergen-free, environmentally friendly, and suitable for individuals with food sensitivities. The products provide a similar nutritional profile to dairy milk while being organic, vegan, and gluten-free, thus enabling consumers to enjoy a sustainable and health-conscious alternative to traditional dairy products.

Gourmey is a cultivated meat company based in Paris, France, founded in 2019. It specializes in producing ethical foie gras derived from duck cells, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional methods that involve force-feeding and slaughter. By cultivating animal cells in a controlled laboratory environment, Gourmey creates meat products that prioritize health, environmental sustainability, and animal welfare. The company aims to provide delicious meat options for consumers who are conscious of their choices and seek innovative solutions in the food industry.

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.