Zurich-based Cultivated Biosciences, a biotech food startup, announced on Wednesday that it has secured $5M (approximately €4.6M) in a seed funding round led by Navus Ventures, with participation from a strategic group of investors.
The Swiss company will use the funds to accelerate the development of its yeast cream in collaboration with the food industry and preparation for the US market launch in 2025.
EO Tomas Turner, CEO of Cultivated Biosciences, says, “This funding validates our innovative approach and enables us to introduce our revolutionary yeast cream to the market. We aim to make alternative dairy products appealing to traditional dairy consumers, not just to reduce CO2 emissions from dairy production but also to tap into a multi-billion dollar market opportunity.”
Dairy causes 4 per cent of global greenhouse gas emissions. Plant-based alternatives, although gaining traction, don’t appeal to many consumers, as they lack a creaminess for which the fat component is key.
Here is where the Swiss company addresses the problem.
Cultivated Biosciences: Mimicking the creaminess
Founded in 2021 by Dimitri Zogg, Tomas Turner, and Lucie Rein, Cultivated Biosciences develops an emulsion from yeast, which offers the creaminess needed for plant-based dairy.
The Swiss company says it is patented and improves the texture and stability of dairy-free products, replaces additives, and doesn’t affect taste.
The production process of the emulsion involves yeast biomass fermentation, a method distinct from precision fermentation as it is non-GMO, cheaper, and more easily scalable.
According to the company, the yeast cream contains fats, proteins, and fibres, all from the yeast, featuring a microstructure of yeast lipid droplets that resemble milk fat droplets. This ingredient will be supplied to the gastronomy and food industry for integration into final consumer products.
The company has successfully tested its application in various products, including coffee creamers, milk, and ice cream, with its clients and is currently exploring further uses.
The company plans to introduce its cream to the US market in 2025 and to the European market in 2026, pending regulatory approval for consumption.
Cultivated Biosciences is transitioning from the research and development stage to the market entry phase.
Read the orginal article: https://siliconcanals.com/news/startups/swiss-cultivated-biosciences-bags-4-6m/
