Shiru, Inc. is a food technology company based in Oakland, California, established in 2019. It specializes in the development and production of proteins aimed at replacing dairy products and eggs within the food industry. Utilizing artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and precision biology, Shiru focuses on the discovery and creation of novel, sustainable protein ingredients. By leveraging computational design, the company aims to provide enhanced protein solutions that support environmentally friendly practices while meeting consumer demands. Shiru's innovative approach positions it at the forefront of efforts to create sustainable and healthier food options.
Change Bio
Pre Seed Round in 2023
Change Bio is a biotechnology company focused on upcycling carbon by converting waste methane into proteins. By employing fermentation processes, Change Bio aims to make protein production more affordable while significantly reducing its carbon footprint. The company's innovative approach not only addresses waste management but also contributes to sustainable food production, positioning it at the intersection of environmental sustainability and biotechnology. Through its efforts, Change Bio seeks to create a positive impact on both the economy and the environment.
ENOUGH is a technology spin-out from the University of Strathclyde focused on developing and commercializing innovative patented technology for the production of mycoprotein, a meat alternative. The company integrates mycoprotein production within existing bio-refinery operations that also produce bio-ethanol and animal feed, promoting a sustainable circular economy. ENOUGH's mycoprotein-based products are designed to be environmentally friendly, utilizing less water and generating lower carbon dioxide emissions while employing a zero-waste fermentation process. This approach allows for the creation of food ingredients that contain all essential amino acids and are high in dietary fiber, providing consumers with a low-cost, sustainable protein option that serves as a meat substitute.
PoLoPo
Pre Seed Round in 2023
PoLoPo is a biotechnology company focused on the large-scale production of plant-based proteins tailored to meet the increasing demand for non-animal-derived protein sources. The company specializes in developing a "superAA" plant through directed metabolic engineering techniques, maximizing the ability of plants to function as factories for various metabolites and green proteins. By enhancing the production of free amino acids, PoLoPo effectively increases the overall output of proteins in plant organs. This innovative approach not only supports the creation of nutritious food options from plants but also promotes sustainable and climate-friendly protein production, aligning with contemporary consumer preferences.
Mozza
Venture Round in 2022
Mozza is a Los Angeles-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in the development of plant-based cheese products. The company aims to create cheese derived from plants that closely replicates the taste and texture of traditional dairy cheese. By utilizing bovine milk proteins, Mozza produces cheese that exhibits the same characteristics as its animal-derived counterparts, including melt, stretch, and flavor. This innovation provides consumers with a viable alternative to dairy cheese, catering to the growing demand for plant-based food options.
Shiru, Inc. is a food technology company based in Oakland, California, established in 2019. It specializes in the development and production of proteins aimed at replacing dairy products and eggs within the food industry. Utilizing artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and precision biology, Shiru focuses on the discovery and creation of novel, sustainable protein ingredients. By leveraging computational design, the company aims to provide enhanced protein solutions that support environmentally friendly practices while meeting consumer demands. Shiru's innovative approach positions it at the forefront of efforts to create sustainable and healthier food options.
THIS is a plant-based meat brand that specializes in producing alternative meat products designed to cater to meat lovers. The company focuses on creating products from plant-based ingredients that are fortified with essential nutrients such as vitamin B12 and iron. By doing so, THIS aims to provide a satisfying culinary experience that mimics the taste and texture of traditional meat, allowing consumers to enjoy their favorite dishes without the ethical implications of animal consumption. The brand positions itself as a viable option for those seeking healthier and more sustainable dietary choices while maintaining the flavors and satisfaction typically associated with meat-based meals.
ENOUGH is a technology spin-out from the University of Strathclyde focused on developing and commercializing innovative patented technology for the production of mycoprotein, a meat alternative. The company integrates mycoprotein production within existing bio-refinery operations that also produce bio-ethanol and animal feed, promoting a sustainable circular economy. ENOUGH's mycoprotein-based products are designed to be environmentally friendly, utilizing less water and generating lower carbon dioxide emissions while employing a zero-waste fermentation process. This approach allows for the creation of food ingredients that contain all essential amino acids and are high in dietary fiber, providing consumers with a low-cost, sustainable protein option that serves as a meat substitute.
Geltor, Inc. is a biodesign company focused on producing bioactive, animal-free collagens and proteins for a range of applications including beauty and nutrition. The company offers innovative products such as Collume, a bio-designed collagen technology that supports skincare cellular regeneration, and HumaColl21, which enhances the skin's appearance by boosting collagen, elastin, laminin, and fibronectin levels. Geltor also provides vegan collagen peptides and other novel proteins for use in functional foods and nutraceuticals. Established in 2015 and based in San Leandro, California, Geltor is committed to sustainable practices and aims to support a plant-based future through its clinically validated, biocompatible materials.
InnovoPro
Series B in 2020
InnovoPro is a producer of innovative plant-based protein ingredients, focusing primarily on chickpea protein for the global food market. Founded in 2013 by Dr. Ascher Shmulewitz, the company specializes in extracting protein concentrate from non-GMO chickpeas, offering a sustainable, healthy, and affordable alternative to meat. InnovoPro's chickpea protein boasts an excellent nutritional profile and versatility, making it a suitable choice for a variety of food products. The company aims to provide nutritious, tasty, and safe food options while contributing to the growing demand for plant-based proteins and reducing reliance on traditional sources such as soy. Recognized for its disruptive technology in the food industry, InnovoPro is committed to advancing the use of chickpeas in modern diets.
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.
UPSIDE Foods
Series B in 2020
UPSIDE Foods, formerly known as Memphis Meats, is a cultivated meat company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Berkeley, California. The company specializes in producing real meat, poultry, and seafood directly from animal cells, eliminating the need to raise and slaughter animals. This innovative approach significantly reduces the resource consumption associated with traditional meat production, requiring less water, land, and energy. UPSIDE Foods aims to offer consumers clean, humane, and sustainable meat products, such as beef meatballs, chicken, and duck, all grown in controlled environments. The company is led by Dr. Uma Valeti, who is committed to transforming the food industry with healthier and environmentally friendly alternatives to conventional meat.
Gathered Foods
Series B in 2020
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.
Shiru, Inc. is a food technology company based in Oakland, California, established in 2019. It specializes in the development and production of proteins aimed at replacing dairy products and eggs within the food industry. Utilizing artificial intelligence, bioinformatics, and precision biology, Shiru focuses on the discovery and creation of novel, sustainable protein ingredients. By leveraging computational design, the company aims to provide enhanced protein solutions that support environmentally friendly practices while meeting consumer demands. Shiru's innovative approach positions it at the forefront of efforts to create sustainable and healthier food options.
Algama is a pioneering food-tech company established in 2013, focused on harnessing the potential of algae to create sustainable food solutions. With a mission to feed 10 billion people by 2050 while promoting environmental sustainability, Algama specializes in developing microalgae-based products that serve as substitutes for traditional animal products, such as eggs and meat. The company also produces emulsifiers derived from algae, which are essential for formulating plant-based alternatives that mimic the taste and texture of conventional foods. Committed to innovation, Algama aims to make its ingredients and products not only delicious and affordable but also widely accessible. As a leader in the microalgae food sector, Algama actively seeks talented individuals and entrepreneurs to join its mission of transforming the food system for the better.