ExSeed is a Bulgarian startup producing a functional sunflower protein isolate that could provide an alternative to soy and pea proteins.
The protein isolate is clean, nutritious, and non-allergenic, with a complete amino acid profile. It also has a neutral taste and can be produced at a competitive price.
Sunflower press cake, a side stream of sunflower oil production, is used as an input for the protein isolate. This makes the process circular and efficient. Historically, extracting protein from press cake has proven challenging, involving the sacrifice of either yield, quality, or functionality; however, ExSeed’s technology provides a solution.
The startup was originally working to extract protein from grape seeds, but some of the processes involved also proved effective for sunflower protein extraction. ExSeed eventually developed a proprietary three-layer solution that efficiently produces functional sunflower protein isolate while addressing issues such as denaturation and polyphenols.
“Revolutionizing the alternative proteins landscape”
ExSeed believes the sunflower protein isolate may help address the growing demand for alternatives to pea and soy protein. The ingredient could be used in plant-based meat and dairy alternatives, drinks, supplements, and fitness foods, among others; trials with companies in these sectors are already underway.
ExSeed currently operates on a very small scale, producing just a few kilograms per month in its lab. However, the startup is currently in the midst of a pre-seed round that will allow it to expand to a small pilot scale, producing around 500kg per month. There is already said to be a significant waiting list for the protein isolate.
Last year, ExSeed took part in the 11th cohort of the ProVeg Incubator. The startup has also participated in the EIT Food Accelerator, and was recently named among the winners of the Ready2Scale programme and grant. ExSeed will be present at the EIT Food Summit (Rome) in October and Slush (Helsinki) in November.
“At ExSeed, we’re revolutionizing the alternative proteins landscape with our sunflower protein isolate,” said the startup on LinkedIn. “We proudly recommend our sunflower protein isolate for a variety of applications within the plant-based foods sector. Be part of the future — a future that prioritizes affordability, nutritional completeness, and sustainability without compromising on quality or taste.”
