Big Idea Ventures

Founded in 2019, Big Idea Ventures is a venture capital firm specializing in early-stage investments in alternative protein companies. It focuses on plant-based food products and ingredients, as well as cell-based meats. The firm invests primarily in Asia and North America.

Bill Arnold

Director - GFRP Fund

Christian Cadeo

Managing Partner

Henrietta Hearth

Vice President Global Acceleration

Andrew D Ive

General Partner

Frank Klemens Ph.D

Managing Director

Past deals in Sustainability

MarineXcell

Venture Round in 2023
The present global demand for shrimps and crustaceans has reached unprecedented levels, and this demand is expected to double in the coming decade. However, traditional sources of seafood production, such as fishing and aquaculture, cannot keep pace with this exponential growth. These methods pose significant environmental and sustainability challenges. The world needs a new solution, one that is both innovative and eco-conscious, to meet the surging demand for these unique seafood delicacies. This is where Marinexcell comes in, offering a timely and revolutionary approach to address the challenges of supplying genuine shrimp, lobster, and crab meat to a hungry world. Marinexcell exists to revolutionize the seafood industry, offering a groundbreaking, sustainable, and environmentally responsible alternative to traditional shrimp, lobster, and crab meat production. We aim to meet the increasing global demand for these delicacies while preserving our planet's fragile ecosystems. We are committed to providing consumers with genuine, high-quality seafood that is not only delicious but also ethical and sustainable. Our mission is to make a positive impact on the environment, animal welfare, and food security by providing a solution that aligns with the values of conscious consumers. At Marinexcell, we offer a solution beyond meeting the growing demand for shrimp, lobster, and crab meat. We empower consumers, businesses, and the industry as a whole to enjoy these delicacies without compromising on ethics or sustainability. With our proprietary and novel process, we will deliver: • High-quality, genuine shrimp, lobster, and crab meat that can be used in various culinary creations. • An environmentally friendly and sustainable source of seafood, eliminating the negative impacts of overfishing and traditional aquaculture. • Products that are 100% contaminant-free, ensuring safety and health for consumers. • Flexibility in nutritional components,

SoundEats

Funding Round in 2023
SoundEats is a pioneering company developing cultivated seafood using advanced CRISPR-enabled technology. They create engineered cells that thrive in bioreactors, reducing production costs and time to market for lean fish. Their species-agnostic platform aims to transform the global seafood industry sustainably.

TerraSafe Materials

Venture Round in 2023
TerraSafe Materials, established in 2023 and headquartered in New York, NY, is a material science company dedicated to creating sustainable packaging solutions. It specializes in developing biopolymer compounds to replace traditional petroleum-based packaging materials. TerraSafe's products, including biodegradable coatings and polymer alternatives, cater to various industries such as food packaging, construction, agriculture, and transportation, facilitating a shift towards sustainability.

Hooked

Equity Crowdfunding in 2023
Hooked Foods is a Swedish company founded in 2019 that specializes in developing plant-based seafood alternatives, primarily focusing on tuna and salmon products. By creating delicious and nutritious vegan-friendly seafood options, Hooked Foods aims to promote a healthier marine ecosystem and provide consumers with protein-rich meals. The company's commitment to innovation in plant-based cuisine is part of a broader mission to lead the transition towards more sustainable seafood consumption.

Future Cow

Pre Seed Round in 2023
Future Cow is a Brazilian startup specializing in cellular agriculture, focusing on the development of innovative technology to produce dairy milk without the use of cows. By employing precision fermentation techniques, Future Cow replicates the molecular proteins found in traditional dairy, using only a digitized version of cow genes and no animal cells. This process results in animal-free milk that is molecularly identical to conventional dairy while significantly reducing environmental impacts. The company aims to address concerns related to animal welfare and greenhouse gas emissions associated with traditional dairy farming. Future Cow's approach represents a significant advancement in food technology, offering consumers a more sustainable and ethical alternative to conventional dairy products.

AQUA Cultured Foods

Seed Round in 2023
AQUA Cultured Foods develops fermentation-enabled, fungi-based seafood alternatives that replicate the look, taste, and texture of traditional seafood while being 100% fish-free. By tightly controlling the growth environment through fermentation, the company aims to produce tuna, scallop, squid, and shellfish analogs at scale, offering environmentally conscious consumers a sustainable option that reduces ocean pollution and overfishing.

Seprify

Seed Round in 2023
Seprify develops and sells cellulose-based white pigments and opacifiers, aiming to replace titanium dioxide in various industries. Their plant-derived solutions are renewable, biocompatible, and scalable, promoting sustainability and safety in product manufacturing.

NouBio

Pre Seed Round in 2022
NouBio is a biotechnology company focused on bio‑intelligent manufacturing and animal‑free serum replacements to reduce the cost and scale of cell‑based biomanufacturing for applications in human longevity and related industries. Its flagship NouSerum is a fetal bovine serum replacement designed to match FBS performance while lowering production costs, and it features a powder form, antimicrobial properties, room-temperature storage, GMO‑free status, broad serum protein content, FDA GRAS designation, and GMP compliance. The company also develops AI‑driven bioprocessing technologies, including a robotic cellular biocomputer to replace traditional bioreactors and scalable production solutions, as well as AI‑driven formulas and ingredients for enhanced cell‑based products and XenoFree options. In addition, NouBio pursues sustainable, animal‑free platforms for cultured meat, cell therapies, vaccines, tissue creation, cell‑based blood, regenerative medicine, drug discovery, and related fields, emphasizing scalable, cost‑effective production through biodegradable microcarriers and other immersive materials.

Genuine Taste

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Genuine Taste specializes in producing real animal fat through cell-based technology, aiming to enhance the taste and mouthfeel of alternative meat products. The company's mission is to facilitate a transition towards ethical, sustainable, and delicious plant-based alternatives.

Nutropy

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Nutropy produces real milk ingredients identical to those produced by cows, using microbes and fermentation. They develop premium cheese alternatives that offer the same taste as cow's cheese but are more sustainable, healthier, and better for animals.

Esencia Foods

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Esencia Foods develops a unique mycelium-based fermentation platform to produce plant-based meat alternatives. Their products offer distinctive textures, clean labels, and competitive pricing.

Sono Biosciences

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Sono Biosciences is a life science company developing advanced fish cell culture media and fish cell lines for cultured fish. Its serum-free culture media aims to eliminate animal-sourced components, ensuring compatibility with large-scale food-grade applications.

The Good Pulse Company

Pre Seed Round in 2022
The Good Pulse Company develops functional proteins and ingredients derived from pulses for use in plant-based foods and supplements, including plant-based cheeses and meats. It concentrates on maximizing the functionality and nutritional value of components extracted from pulse seeds such as peas and soy, and pursues the production of functional meat proteins through precision fermentation to offer sustainable, ethical food options without compromising taste or experience.

KARANA

Seed Round in 2022
Karana is a Singapore-based company that specializes in producing plant-based meat alternatives using jackfruit. Founded in 2018, the company transforms this underutilized supercrop into versatile products such as dumplings and baos, designed for both chefs and home cooks. Karana's mission is to promote sustainable food systems by utilizing regenerative agriculture practices that support smallholder farmers and reduce waste. By deploying proprietary technology throughout its value chain, the company aims to increase the widespread use of jackfruit in various food applications, fostering a shift from industrial monoculture farming to a more equitable and decentralized model. This approach not only helps create nutritious culinary experiences but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

More Foods Innotech

Pre Seed Round in 2022
More Foods Innotech is specialized in creating plant-based proteins. By identifying local plants and fungi, sourcing them from local producer groups, and producing through an innovative low-process method to create a sustainable impact for our people and our planet.

Cellcraft

Seed Round in 2022
Cellcraft is a Cambridge-based B2B cultivated meat company building a scalable manufacturing platform for cultured meat. It combines AI-driven software, advanced technologies, and targeted raw materials to help food producers locally manufacture cultivated meats more sustainably. The company applies tissue engineering and biomimetic systems to harvest animal cells in controlled environments, enabling commercial-scale production of cultured meats tailored to local tastes and specifications. By enabling local production, Cellcraft addresses global food security and sustainability challenges and aims to democratize access to sustainable protein.

Optimized Foods

Pre Seed Round in 2022
Optimized Foods specializes in developing sustainable food ingredients. They focus on cell-cultured caviar production using proprietary mycelium scaffolds and cell biology techniques.

AQUA Cultured Foods

Pre Seed Round in 2021
AQUA Cultured Foods develops fermentation-enabled, fungi-based seafood alternatives that replicate the look, taste, and texture of traditional seafood while being 100% fish-free. By tightly controlling the growth environment through fermentation, the company aims to produce tuna, scallop, squid, and shellfish analogs at scale, offering environmentally conscious consumers a sustainable option that reduces ocean pollution and overfishing.

MOA

Seed Round in 2021
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.

Wild Earth

Series A in 2021
Wild Earth is a technology-driven pet food company that develops plant-based, clean-protein diets for pets. It aims to provide healthier nutrition that is more humane and environmentally sustainable than conventional pet foods. Founded in 2017 and headquartered in Berkeley, California, Wild Earth emphasizes science-based formulations to meet pets' nutritional needs while reducing environmental impact.

Yofix

Series A in 2021
Yofix develops and manufactures dairy-free, soy-free fermented plant-based foods enriched with probiotics. Their products include yogurt alternatives, drinks, desserts, and frozen yogurts, all made from cereals, lentils, grains, and seeds, offering a clean label with no artificial additives or preservatives.

Hooked

Seed Round in 2021
Hooked Foods is a Swedish company founded in 2019 that specializes in developing plant-based seafood alternatives, primarily focusing on tuna and salmon products. By creating delicious and nutritious vegan-friendly seafood options, Hooked Foods aims to promote a healthier marine ecosystem and provide consumers with protein-rich meals. The company's commitment to innovation in plant-based cuisine is part of a broader mission to lead the transition towards more sustainable seafood consumption.

Cellcraft

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Cellcraft is a Cambridge-based B2B cultivated meat company building a scalable manufacturing platform for cultured meat. It combines AI-driven software, advanced technologies, and targeted raw materials to help food producers locally manufacture cultivated meats more sustainably. The company applies tissue engineering and biomimetic systems to harvest animal cells in controlled environments, enabling commercial-scale production of cultured meats tailored to local tastes and specifications. By enabling local production, Cellcraft addresses global food security and sustainability challenges and aims to democratize access to sustainable protein.

Farmsow

Pre Seed Round in 2021
Farmsow is a B2B ingredients company that develops alternative healthy ingredients. Its platform uses net-zero technology to upcycle agricultural sidestreams and applies industrial fermentation to create substitutes for tropical oils and animal fats for a range of applications. The company aims to close the sustainable nutrition gap by enabling cleaner and healthier lifestyles through its processes, including synthetic biology-enabled methods.

AQUA Cultured Foods

Pre Seed Round in 2021
AQUA Cultured Foods develops fermentation-enabled, fungi-based seafood alternatives that replicate the look, taste, and texture of traditional seafood while being 100% fish-free. By tightly controlling the growth environment through fermentation, the company aims to produce tuna, scallop, squid, and shellfish analogs at scale, offering environmentally conscious consumers a sustainable option that reduces ocean pollution and overfishing.

incrEDIBLE

Pre Seed Round in 2021
incrEDIBLE reinvents the way we eat or pack our food by replacing single use plastics with edible cutlery. Our edible spoons are vegan, natural and made with non-gmo grains. They can stay firm for up to 30 minutes in hot foods and come in 2 shapes and 5 flavors! Did you EAT your SPOON today? PS: More incrEDIBLE shapes like edible straws, edible sporks are on the way!

GreenGourmet Foods

Pre Seed Round in 2020
The world's first Restorative Food company that revives your health, restores farmer livelihoods and rejuvenates the planet! We use sustainable indigenous ingredients to create nutritionally-rich avatars of familiar foods! Our first product range is inspired by traditional Indian dairy favourites.

Orbillion Bio

Seed Round in 2020
Orbillion Bio, Inc. is a food-tech company based in Fremont, California, focused on developing cultured meat products derived from heritage cattle breeds. Founded in 2019, the company utilizes small tissue samples from high-quality heritage animals to produce premium cell-based meat products. Orbillion Bio aims to harness the potential of cell-cultured meat to provide delicious and nutritious food that is sustainable and accessible. By sourcing heritage cell lines directly from farmers, the company emphasizes a commitment to quality and sustainability in its production processes.

Fenn Foods

Seed Round in 2020
Fënn Foods is a family-owned business based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, dedicated to providing sustainable plant-based food products since 2015. The company focuses on creating high-quality vegan alternatives that are both delicious and environmentally friendly. Under the guidance of celebrated chef Alejandro Cancino, Fënn Foods develops an expanding range of umami-rich plant-based meats, including vegan meatballs, chicken, and various condiments like mayonnaise, aioli, and chipotle. Committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability, Fënn Foods aims to offer affordable options that cater to consumers seeking appetizing and sustainable dietary choices.

Gaia Foods

Pre Seed Round in 2020
Gaia Foods is a pioneering Singapore-based company specializing in the production of cell-based red meat using proprietary stem cell biotechnology. As the first of its kind in Southeast Asia, Gaia Foods focuses on creating clean meat alternatives that replicate the taste and texture of traditional meat without the need for animal slaughter. Their innovative approach ensures that the meat is free from hormones, antibiotics, and toxic chemicals, offering consumers a cruelty-free and sustainable option. By leveraging advanced technology, Gaia Foods aims to address the growing demand for ethical and environmentally friendly meat products.

KARANA

Seed Round in 2020
Karana is a Singapore-based company that specializes in producing plant-based meat alternatives using jackfruit. Founded in 2018, the company transforms this underutilized supercrop into versatile products such as dumplings and baos, designed for both chefs and home cooks. Karana's mission is to promote sustainable food systems by utilizing regenerative agriculture practices that support smallholder farmers and reduce waste. By deploying proprietary technology throughout its value chain, the company aims to increase the widespread use of jackfruit in various food applications, fostering a shift from industrial monoculture farming to a more equitable and decentralized model. This approach not only helps create nutritious culinary experiences but also contributes to environmental sustainability.

Black Sheep Foods

Seed Round in 2019
Black Sheep Foods is a plant-based meat company that develops a lamb substitute. Incorporated in 2017 and based in San Francisco, it employs analytical chemistry to formulate products from soy protein, coconut oil, and natural flavors. The ground lamb alternative is designed to mimic the taste of lamb while offering environmental benefits and lower cost relative to animal-based meat. The company positions its products as a sustainable option for reducing carbon footprint through plant-based protein.

Confetti Snacks

Pre Seed Round in 2019
Confetti Snacks is a Singapore-based producer of plant-based snacks derived from nutrient-dense vegetables and upcycled ugly produce. Its products feature heritage Singaporean flavors and authentic spices, delivering vegan snacks rich in minerals and fiber. Packaging uses environmentally friendly materials, including 100% home-compostable packets. The company emphasizes sustainability and social impact, channeling a portion of proceeds to alleviate global hunger and malnutrition.

PATCH Organics

Seed Round in 2019
Founded in 2011, PATCH Organics produces and sells plant-based pumpkin seed milk in various flavors. Its products are allergen-free, animal-friendly, environmentally friendly, and offer a similar nutrition profile to dairy milk.

Uproot

Seed Round in 2019
Uproot is a New York-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in providing healthy and sustainable plant-based milk solutions for food services, including college dining and coffee shops. The company addresses the increasing demand for diverse plant milk options by offering a range of alternatives such as oat milk, soymilk, and chocolate pea milk. Uproot's innovative dispensers help streamline operations for food service providers, reduce packaging waste, and minimize greenhouse gas emissions and water usage compared to traditional dairy and existing plant milk products. By promoting a more sustainable approach to beverage offerings, Uproot caters to health-conscious consumers looking for eco-friendly alternatives.

Phuture

Seed Round in 2019
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.

Vevolution

Vevolution is a platform facilitating investment and collaboration in the bioeconomy sector. It connects investors with innovative startups focused on AgriFoodTech, Climate Tech, Biotech, Next-Gen Materials, and Sustainable AI, providing tools for deal sourcing, engagement, and data management to accelerate sustainable technology development.
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