Investments & Acquisitions

Project Eaden ham

© Project Eaden

Project Eaden’s Textile-Inspired Tech Raises €15M to Scale Next-Gen Whole Cuts

Berlin-based climate tech startup Project Eaden has closed a €15 million oversubscribed Series A funding round to accelerate the European retail launch of its plant-based meat alternatives. Using proprietary fiber spinning technology inspired by the textile industry, the company aims to produce ultra-realistic plant-based whole cuts, starting with ham, for mainstream consumers. The Series A round was led by Planet A and REWE Group, with additional support from DeepTech & Climate Fonds (DTCF), Happiness Capital, and AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance. Existing investors FoodLabs and Creandum also participated in the funding round, which brings the company’s total capital raised to €27 million since its founding in 2022. Commenting on the investment, Christoph Gras, general partner at Planet A, stated: “Research suggests that plant-based products could replace 11–22% …

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Misha's acquires dairy-free cheese brand Vertage

Image: Vertage on Facebook

Misha’s Announces Strategic Acquisition of Non-Dairy Cheese Producer Vertage

US plant-based foods company Misha’s has announced the acquisition of non-dairy cheese producer Vertage. The strategic acquisition will see Misha’s expand its product line to shredded and sliced plant-based cheeses through Vertage’s current offerings. Misha’s will also benefit from Vertage’s partnership with vertically integrated fresh produce provider Fresh Del Monte, gaining access to the latter’s comprehensive logistics network. This includes production facilities, advanced technology, and logistics capabilities managed by Fresh Del Monte’s inland logistics arm, Tricont Trucking and Logistics. Misha’s will use Fresh Del Monte’s production capabilities to launch new product lines, while the logistics network will help to streamline Misha’s supply chain and enable expansion into new regions. Shared mission Fresh Del Monte and Vertage first announced their partnership in 2023, saying that their …

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Narayan Group

© Narayan Group

Narayan Group Set to Be Acquired by Edible Garden Following Signing of Non-Binding Letter of Intent

Narayan Group, a Slovenia-based producer of organic coconut and superfood products, has announced a planned acquisition by Edible Garden AG Incorporated. The two companies have signed a non-binding letter of intent to enter into a share purchase agreement that would see Edible Garden — a leader in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) and locally grown, organic, and sustainable produce — acquire the outstanding share capital of Narayan Group and its subsidies. The shareholders of Narayan Group will then become the controlling shareholders of Edible Garden. Narayan Group achieved over $22 million in revenue in the first nine months of 2024 and expects fourth-quarter revenue in excess of $9.5 million. With the help of the company’s vertically integrated supply chain and leadership in the European market, along …

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ICL X plantible

© ICL

ICL Increases Investment in Plantible Foods, Strengthening Partnership on Innovative Protein Ingredients

ICL, a global leader in specialty minerals, has announced an additional investment in Plantible Foods as part of the company’s ongoing Series B funding round. This investment builds on ICL’s initial involvement in Plantible’s Series A, further strengthening their strategic collaboration. The follow-up investment is part of ICL’s broader strategy to support the growth of Plantible Foods, a company specializing in plant-based protein technology leveraging Lemna, also known as duckweed. The partnership between the two companies has gained momentum following the launch of Rovitaris Binding Solution in October 2023, an innovative ingredient powered by Rubi Protein, a plant-based protein derived from lemna, which was developed by Plantible. Rovitaris was recently recognized for its innovation at the SupplySide West (SSW) conference in November 2024, where it …

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© Yeastup

Yeastup Raises €9.47M to Turn Dairy Site Into Facility Upcycling Spent Brewers’ Yeast

Switzerland’s Yeastup, a company that extracts functional ingredients from spent brewers’ yeast using a patented process, has raised CHF 8.9 million (€9.47 million) in Series A funding. The funding will enable Yeastup to repurpose a former Swiss dairy facility into a large-scale production site with the capacity to upcycle over 20,000 tons of spent brewers’ yeast per year. The facility will require limited capital expenditure while benefiting from top-quality equipment. The new site will help to meet the significant demand for Yeastup’s products while serving as a reference site for global scaling efforts. To ensure cost competitiveness, Yeastup has established several strategic partnerships in supply and engineering. Investors that have provided funding to Yeastup include Beyond Impact, Gentian Investments, Newtree Impact, and Angel House. Various …

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Tacos filled with mycoprotein meat

© Maia Farms x The Better Butchers

CULT Food Science Targets Mycelium and Hybrid Alternatives with Acquisition of The Better Butchers

CULT Food Science Corp. (CSE: CULT, OTC: CULTF, FRA: LN00), a Canadian company focused on advancing cellular agriculture and lab-grown meat technologies, has executed a binding Letter of Intent (LOI) to acquire The Better Butchers Inc. (TBB). The transaction involves CULT acquiring 100% of TBB’s shares, subject to due diligence, regulatory approvals, and other conditions. The Better Butchers was founded in 2022 with the mission to be the first to bring cultivated meat to market in Canada, along with opening a cultivated meat butcher shop in Vancouver. Recently, however, the company has been focusing on mycelium-based meat alternatives. Using fungi-derived mycelium proteins through biomass fermentation, The Better Butchers has introduced a range of plant-based products designed to offer both nutritional value and familiar textures. These …

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KoRo

KoRo CEO Florian Schwenkert. © KoRo

Healthy Snack Brand KoRo Secures €35M in Oversubscribed Funding Round

German healthy snack brand KoRo has raised €35 million in an oversubscribed Series C round led by Coefficient Capital. Existing investors such as Five Seasons Ventures, HV Capital, Partech, Haub Legacy, and SevenVentures also participated. KoRo will use the funding to continue its current growth strategy, expanding its product range and strong presence in the European market. In particular, the brand will focus on France, Italy, and the Benelux region, as current sales trends indicate significant growth potential. KoRo has already seen some success in these markets in 2024, gaining a listing at the Netherlands’ largest retailer Albert Heijn, and recruiting Olympic gold medalist Teddy Riner as a brand ambassador in France. “Pioneering role” Following a period of significant growth, KoRo now has two million …

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California-based Shiru, a company driving AI-powered protein discovery and partnerships, announces the launch of ProteinDiscovery.ai, the world's first protein marketplace and discovery platform. 

© Shiru

Shiru Expands AI-Powered Ingredient Discovery with $16M Boost to Revolutionize Products, Categories, and Industries

AI-enabled protein discovery company Shiru has raised $16 million in a Series B funding round led by S2G Ventures, with participation from CPT Capital, Lux Capital, Nourish Ventures, and Meach Cove Capital. The round brings Shiru’s total funding to $36 million. The funding will support the Californian startup’s expansion into areas such as flavor innovation, skincare ingredients, advanced materials, and agriculture as “more partners realize the benefits of AI-driven ingredient innovation.” Additionally, it will advance Shiru’s recently launched platform, ProteinDiscovery.ai. Founder and CEO Dr. Jasmin Hume shared, “AI-powered discovery isn’t only the future of ingredient innovation — it’s here today, and we’re eager to expand our capabilities across flavor, skincare, and agriculture.” Revolutionizing products and industries The startup’s ProteinDiscovery.ai platform allows users to search, identify, …

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Happy Plant Protein team

© Timo Kauppila/Happy Plant Protein

Happy Plant Protein Raises €1.8M for Technology Empowering Local Food Manufacturers to Produce Plant Protein

Happy Plant Protein, a spinout from VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, has raised €1.8 million in a pre-seed funding round led by Nordic Foodtech VC. The round also saw participation from Butterfly Ventures and Business Finland via a grant. The funding will be used to further develop and license Happy Plant Protein’s patented technology, which allows for the production of high-quality plant proteins with existing extrusion machinery. The technology could empower local food manufacturers and brands to produce their own plant proteins, removing the need for imports. This would make plant proteins available with only minor investments and no regulatory hurdles, accelerating new product development and market entry. The process is also significantly more affordable than conventional methods of manufacturing plant protein isolates, since …

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Doisy and Dam acquired by Food Thoughts

© Doisy & Dam

Doisy & Dam Acquired by Organic Cocoa Producer Food Thoughts

UK-based vegan chocolate brand Doisy & Dam has been acquired for an undisclosed sum by Food Thoughts, a producer of organic cocoa and cacao products. Doisy & Dam was founded in 2012 and offers a range of ethical and sustainable plant-based confectionery, including plant-based alternatives to products such as M&Ms and Maltesers. The chocolates are available at major national retailers such as Asda, Sainsbury’s, and Holland & Barrett, along with various independent stores. Food Thoughts focuses mainly on fairly traded cocoa powder, along with chocolate chips and cacao nibs. The company is increasingly offering plant-based products such as chocolate chips made with oat milk, making the acquisition of Doisy & Dam a logical step. Food Thoughts purchased Doisy & Dam from plant-based beverage and snack …

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Nukoko's founders

© Nukoko

Döhler Invests in Nukoko to Scale “World’s First” Cocoa-Free Chocolate From Fava Beans

Döhler, one of the world’s leading ingredients companies, recently announced an investment and strategic partnership with the UK-based startup Nukoko to scale the production of the “world’s first” cocoa-free chocolate from fava beans. The partnership aims to address challenges in the cocoa industry, from rising prices (89% in 2023) driven by climate change and declining yields to environmental impact and socio-economic issues, by offering a “delicious” and sustainable alternative to chocolate. With Döhler’s support, Nukoko will transition from pilot-scale to industrial-scale production by 2025, utilising 10,000-litre fermentation batches to increase output efficiently. In addition, Döhler’s expertise in regulatory processes and food safety will aid Nukoko as it prepares to launch its product. Rodrigo Hortega de Velasco, representing Döhler Ventures, shared: “Nukoko’s technology presents a groundbreaking …

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oddlygood rude health

© Oddlygood

Oddlygood Announces Acquisition of UK Plant-Based Drinks Brand Rude Health

Oddlygood, a Finnish plant-based food and drink company, has announced the acquisition of British brand Rude Health as it seeks to expand its presence in the competitive UK and European plant-based markets. The acquisition, for an undisclosed amount, supports Oddlygood’s mission to become a leading player in the plant-based sector across the UK and Europe, and follows the company’s purchase of Nordic plant-based brand Planti in 2023, which expanded its footprint in Sweden’s spoonable snacks and Finland’s cooking product sectors. Rude Health, founded in 2005 by Camilla and Nick Barnard, started as a home-based venture and has since evolved into a recognized UK brand in plant-based drinks, cereals, and snacks. Known for its focus on high-quality ingredients, the company has expanded its distribution to major …

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Maya Jama invests in Sproud

© Charlie Sarsfield/Sproud

TV Presenter Maya Jama Becomes Investor & Co-Owner of Plant Milk Brand Sproud

Award-winning British television presenter and entrepreneur Maya Jama has become an investor and co-owner of Swedish pea milk brand Sproud. Jama is a two-time British Vogue cover star and the face of global campaigns for Rimmel, Dolce & Gabbana, and Self-Portrait. She is known as the host of last year’s Fashion Awards, this year’s BRIT Awards, and the popular ITV series Love Island. Additionally, Jama was recognised on this year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 List. Following the investment, she will act as a strategic advisor and brand ambassador to Sproud, becoming the face of the company. “I’m really excited to become a co-owner of Sproud,” said Jama. “There’s a lot to love — the products taste amazing, and the packaging is eye-catching, too, but ultimately …

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dog food

© Chalabala - stock.adobe.com

Modern Plant-Based Foods Enters Pet Food Market With Acquisition of AnimalKind

Modern Plant-Based Foods Inc. (CSE: MEAT), a Vancouver-based company specializing in plant-based food products, has announced the completion of its acquisition of AnimalKind, a plant-based pet food company headquartered in Richmond, British Columbia. Through this acquisition, Modern Plant-Based Foods is expanding into the plant-based pet food sector, diversifying its portfolio beyond human food products. The acquisition of AnimalKind was finalized through the purchase of all outstanding securities of 1471394 B.C. Ltd., the company operating under the AnimalKind brand. AnimalKind’s product line includes sustainably sourced, plant-based treats for pets, such as blueberry, apple, and pumpkin treats for dogs.  According to the Share Exchange Agreement terms, Modern Plant-Based Foods issued a total of 4 million common shares to AnimalKind’s shareholders. Each share was valued at $0.20, for …

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Mike Tyson and Mr. Charlie's

Separate images copyright Mike Tyson Insta /Mr. Charlie's, image created by vegconomist

Mike Tyson’s Investment to Drive Mr. Charlie’s Franchise Expansion Across US and Beyond

Mike Tyson, former heavyweight boxing champion and entrepreneur, has invested in the plant-based fast food chain Mr. Charlie’s Told Me So (TMS). Made through Tyson’s holding company, Carma HoldCo, this investment is expected to significantly boost Mr. Charlie’s expansion plans, paving the way for a broader US and international presence. Known for his advocacy of veganism and plant-based eating, Tyson is helping drive the next phase of growth for the restaurant, which has already gained attention for its unique take on fast food and its social impact initiatives. Tyson’s involvement signals a new chapter for Mr. Charlie’s, which has carved out a niche in the quick-service restaurant (QSR) sector with its entirely plant-based menu. Mr. Charlie’s not only offers vegan alternatives to classic fast food …

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© vEEF

Smart Foods Acquires The Aussie Plant-Based Co From Liquidation

Last week, it was announced that The Aussie Plant-Based Co had entered liquidation due to cash flow difficulties. Today it is revealed that the company has now been acquired by Gold Coast-based food manufacturer Smart Foods. Food & Drink Business reported that Smart Foods has agreed to purchase the company’s plant and equipment, stock, intellectual property, and the vEEF and Love Buds brands. Some assets will be sold, allowing for the retention of around half the company’s workforce. Fënn Foods, previously the parent company of vEEF, will cease to operate as an entity after the acquisition. Following the agreement, operations have already restarted at The Aussie Plant-Based Co’s facility on the Sunshine Coast. Smart Foods reportedly hopes to expand distribution across Australia, securing listings at …

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La Vie

© La Vie

La Vie Raises €25M, Reports €19M in Revenue and Significant UK Retail Growth

French plant-based pork and deli brand La Vie has secured €25 million in a new funding round, taking the total amount it has raised over the past three years to €50 million. The round saw participation from historical shareholders and new specialised investors such as Zintinus and Sparkfood. A crowdequity campaign with over 3,000 investors, claimed to be France’s largest, also contributed to the €25 million total. La Vie will use the funding to improve its existing plant-based deli products and develop new ones. The funding round was successful despite the current economic situation, which has seen food tech investments fall significantly. While many plant-based companies have struggled in this environment, La Vie continues to thrive; the startup has reported revenues of €19 million so …

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Simulate Nuggs

© Simulate

Simulate Announces Acquisition by Ahimsa Companies

Simulate, the company best known for producing plant-based nugget brand NUGGS, has announced an acquisition by plant-based investor Ahimsa Companies. As reported by Axios, Simulate required significant capital and opted to find a buyer rather than attempting to raise the funding. The deal was a combination of cash and equity, though the valuation of the company has not been disclosed. “Ahimsa is very values-aligned, and they’ve been committed to this space and mission for a long time,” Sam Terris, co-founder and CEO at Simulate, tells vegconomist. “We were looking for a partner that balances pragmatism and optimism — a group that could help get alt protein economics to work on a large scale, while also willing to invest in higher upside technology. Ahimsa fit the …

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Plant-Ex Ingredients

© Plant-Ex Ingredients

Plant-Ex Ingredients Secures £9M Investment to Drive International Expansion

Plant-Ex Ingredients, a UK producer of natural plant-derived flavours, colours, and extracts, has secured £9 million in funding from major investor BGF. The minority investment will help Plant-Ex to expand internationally, with a focus on the US market. The company established a division in Chicago earlier this year, and also has sites in Poland and Turkey. Within the last month, Plant-Ex has opened a new facility in Bristol with twice the capacity of its previous site; this should allow for further growth within the UK and internationally. The company’s products are already available in over 50 countries worldwide. Plant-Ex has also announced the appointment of Susan Barratt as non-executive chair. Barrett is highly experienced in the food and consumer goods industry, having previously held roles …

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Sperri plant-based meal replacement beverage

© Sperri

Plant-Based Meal Replacement Brand Sperri to Expand Into the US Following New Investment

Sperri, a Canadian brand of organic and allergen-free plant-based meal replacement beverages, has announced a new investment. Led by Nàdarra Ventures and supported by Invest Nova Scotia, the funding will allow Sperri to expand into the US and develop new products. Sperri was co-founded by Gregg Curwin, President and CEO of nutrition company Novagevity, and Dr. Mary Lynch, a physician and pain management specialist. Lynch was inspired to develop the beverages after noticing that many of her patients struggled to tolerate existing meal replacements due to ingredients such as dairy, gluten, refined sugars, and soy protein. To come up with a solution, Lynch partnered with Curwin, a seasoned entrepreneur. Their collaboration resulted in the development of Sperri, which is said to be Canada’s first organic …

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