Plantible
Series B in 2024
Plantible Foods, Inc. is a company that focuses on developing and producing sustainable plant-based protein. Founded in 2016 and headquartered in Bay Harbor Islands, Florida, the company extracts flavors from lemna and utilizes aquatic plants to create its products. Plantible operates a proprietary agricultural manufacturing platform designed to help food companies innovate while minimizing costs. Its plant-based protein is all-natural, organic, and free of major allergens, exhibiting functional characteristics similar to those of egg whites, whey protein, or casein. This allows clients to enhance the quality of their products while benefiting from a more sustainable and cost-effective protein source, ultimately contributing to the optimization of the food industry.
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.
Immi is a food product manufacturer intended to provide instant ramen with low net carb and high protein. The company's products include high fiber, low sodium, plant-based, and keto-friendly instant ramen, providing healthy quick meal to consumers.
Paleo is a food ingredient company focused on developing innovative ingredients for plant-based foods, specifically targeting alternatives to meat and fish. The company utilizes precision fermentation to produce animal-free heme proteins that are GMO-free and replicate the sensory and nutritional properties of their animal-derived counterparts. By leveraging bioscience, Paleo aims to create ingredients that enhance the taste, texture, and appearance of plant-based products, making them more appealing to consumers. This commitment to sustainability allows businesses to offer alternatives that do not harm animals while meeting the growing demand for healthier and environmentally friendly food options.
MeliBio
Funding Round in 2022
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.
Magic Spoon
Series B in 2022
Magic Spoon Inc. is a food company based in Brooklyn, New York, that specializes in producing and selling cereals designed for adult consumers seeking healthier breakfast options. Established in 2019, the company offers a variety of cereal flavors, including fruity, cinnamon, cocoa, and frosted. Its products are low in carbohydrates and cater to keto diets, being non-GMO and free from gluten, grains, wheat, soy, and artificial sweeteners. Magic Spoon uses natural sweeteners such as allulose, stevia, and monk fruit to enhance flavor without adding glycemic impact. The cereals are marketed as nutritious options that help consumers maintain a healthy lifestyle with ease. All products are sold online, reflecting the company's commitment to providing accessible healthy food choices.
Mid-Day Squares
Series C in 2022
Mid-Day Squares is a manufacturer of chocolate nutrition bars, recognized as the creator of the first functional chocolate bar. The company specializes in producing healthy snacking alternatives, offering a range of protein bars crafted from real chocolate. These bars are designed to provide nutritional benefits, as they are rich in protein, fiber, and made with organic sugar and raw, vegan, gluten-free, and organic ingredients. Mid-Day Squares aims to help consumers maintain a healthy lifestyle while effectively satisfying mid-meal hunger.
MycoTechnology
Series E in 2022
MycoTechnology is a food technology company based in Aurora, Colorado, that specializes in utilizing fungi-based food-processing platforms to enhance the flavor and nutritional value of agricultural products. Incorporated in 2013, the company addresses challenges in the food, beverage, and flavor industries through innovative solutions. One of its key products, ClearTaste, is an all-natural, GMO-free, organic bitter blocker that is both Kosher and Halal certified, designed to improve the flavor profile of various agricultural offerings. Additionally, MycoTechnology engages in the fermentation of agricultural products using gourmet fungi, producing items such as myceliated chocolate and enhanced coffee beans. The company also develops and licenses technology aimed at naturally improving the flavor characteristics of robusta and arabica coffee, thereby enabling food producers to incorporate healthier ingredients and strengthen brand association.
MeliBio
Seed Round in 2022
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.
New Age Meats
Series A in 2021
New Age Meats is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. The company specializes in producing cultivated meat through an innovative automated, data-driven platform that utilizes stem cell technology. By growing meat from animal cells instead of relying on traditional animal slaughter, New Age Meats aims to create healthier and more sustainable food options.
Immi is a food product manufacturer intended to provide instant ramen with low net carb and high protein. The company's products include high fiber, low sodium, plant-based, and keto-friendly instant ramen, providing healthy quick meal to consumers.
Elite Sweets
Pre Seed Round in 2021
Elite Sweets is a manufacturer of protein-packed donuts that are supposed to be a healthier alternative to sweets. The company's donuts are baked, gluten-free, protein-packed, and produced with low-sugar and keto-friendly ingredients, allowing customers to enjoy treats regardless of their diet or health situation.
Thistle, established in 2013 and headquartered in San Francisco, specializes in delivering ready-to-eat, plant-based meals, snacks, and cold-pressed juices directly to customers. Its offerings are nutritious, gourmet, and sourced locally and organically, making healthy eating convenient and accessible.
Good Fish
Series A in 2020
Good Fish is a company based in the USA that focuses on producing and selling fish skin snacks, specifically made from sockeye salmon skin. The company creates crispy chips using wild-caught salmon skins, which are rich in healthy fats, clean protein, and marine collagen, while containing no carbohydrates. By utilizing upcycled seafood, Good Fish offers a sustainable snacking option that caters to health-conscious consumers, promoting both wellness and environmental sustainability.
New Age Meats
Seed Round in 2020
New Age Meats is a biotechnology company based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2017. The company specializes in producing cultivated meat through an innovative automated, data-driven platform that utilizes stem cell technology. By growing meat from animal cells instead of relying on traditional animal slaughter, New Age Meats aims to create healthier and more sustainable food options.