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 family offices from Switzerland and abroad have also provided support.
“Incredibly rewarding”
Yeastup’s products include the yeast-based protein Yeastin®, which is said to have good solubility, neutral taste, and a similar biological value to egg protein. A study conducted in 2023 found that a burger patty made with Yeastin has an even lower environmental footprint than one made from pea protein, since the production of the ingredient does not require land, cultivation, or pesticides.
Yeastup also offers fibers under the name Upfiber®, consisting of beta-glucans and mannoproteins. These ingredients are said to have advanced functionalities such as optimum gelling and water-binding properties, and can be used in dietary supplements and functional foods.
Last year, Yeastup won accolades at the SEIF Award and the TechTour, an agritech, food, and bioeconomy event. The company has also secured a total of CHF 2.45 million in grants from Innosuisse and the canton of Bern.
“As a former food technologist in brewing and startup entrepreneur in the functional food space, it’s incredibly rewarding to see how our groundbreaking innovation has convinced consumers, partners, and investors,” said Daniel Gnos, CEO of Yeastup. “There are so many compelling reasons why this makes sense for all stakeholders. This support motivates me and the entire team to go the extra mile for Yeastup.”
