Dutch plant-based ingredients company GNT has officially launched GNT Ventures, an independent investment firm, to promote innovation and sustainability in plant-based colors.
GNT Ventures will invest in startups developing new and improved plant-based coloring solutions in four key areas: raw materials and fermentation, processing, food ingredients, and upcycling. The VC aims to partner with startups worldwide by providing financial support as a sole investor or co-lead in pre-seed to series A funding. The maximum investment size will be €1 million.
“We’re looking to build mutually beneficial relationships with startups that dare to dream big and have the drive to shape tomorrow’s planet”
The news follows a recent collaboration with Plume Biotechnology, a UK-based startup specializing in fermentation science and bioprocessing for natural colors, to expand its EXBERRY brand portfolio.
Finn Rieken, managing director of GNT Ventures, shared, “We’re looking to build mutually beneficial relationships with startups that dare to dream big and have the drive to shape tomorrow’s planet. We can provide financial, technical, commercial, and regulatory support, using our expertise to not only help bring bold new visions to life but successfully market them worldwide.”
Supporting the commercialization journey
In addition to financial support, the VC firm will support the startups’ commercialization journey to help them market their innovations globally.
GNT Ventures explains it has a state-of-the-art food-grade pilot plant where companies can test and optimize processes, supported by R&D and processing expertise to develop their ideas more quickly and effectively. In addition, innovators will receive guidance on reaching customers, navigating regulatory compliance, and intellectual property matters.
“We aim to establish synergistic partnerships with innovative startups that aspire to achieve significant breakthroughs”
GNT was founded in 1978 as a family-owned business specializing in natural colors from fruits, vegetables, and plants. EXBERRY offers vibrant solutions for food and beverage applications, including the Compound Red, which creates realistic color changes in the cooking process of plant-based meat. The brand recently earned its first EcoVadis gold medal for environmental and ethical activities, ranking it among the top 3% in the food manufacturing industry.
Dr. Kai Reineke, Technical Lead at GNT Ventures, said: “We aim to establish synergistic partnerships with innovative startups that aspire to achieve significant breakthroughs. Leveraging our extensive technical expertise, we provide comprehensive support to facilitate the realization of ambitious projects and ensure their success.”
