Joyful VC

Joyful VC is a venture capital firm focused on transforming the food system through the development of sustainable protein alternatives. The company supports innovative solutions that aim to produce, distribute, and promote sustainable proteins that can compete with traditional animal-based products in terms of cost, taste, and convenience. By investing in ventures that prioritize social impact and environmental sustainability, Joyful VC seeks to create a positive change in the food industry, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable future.

Milo Runkle

Founding Partner and General Partner

7 past transactions

Meatly

Seed Round in 2024
Meatly, formerly known as Good Dog Food, specializes in producing cultivated meat specifically designed for pets. The company partners with leading pet food brands to offer a sustainable and ethical alternative to traditional meat sources. By growing meat from animal cells in bioreactors, Meatly aims to replace 20% of the meat and fish currently used in pet food worldwide. This approach ensures that pet owners can provide their pets with healthy, safe, and environmentally friendly food options.

De Novo Foodlabs

Seed Round in 2024
De Novo Foodlabs specializes in developing animal-free dairy products and proteins that offer nutritional profiles identical to cow's milk. The company employs precision fermentation technology to create innovative ingredients that are sustainable, vegan, and free from antibiotics. By integrating bioinformatics and advanced biotechnology, De Novo Foodlabs modifies the functionality of proteins and essential nutrients, ensuring that its offerings are not only healthier for consumers but also easier to produce and less harmful to the environment. This approach allows food companies to take a phased strategy in creating healthier and more sustainable products for their customers.

Adamo Foods

Seed Round in 2024
Adamo Foods is a UK-based food technology company specializing in the development of plant-based whole-cut meats. Utilizing proprietary fermentation technology alongside mycelium, the company produces sustainable steak and other meat alternatives. Adamo Foods aims to provide functional meat proteins through precision fermentation, offering consumers an efficient, sustainable, and ethical food option that does not compromise on taste or experience.

Maia Farms

Pre Seed Round in 2024
Maia Farms specializes in the B2B production of CanPro, a mycoprotein derived from mushrooms, aimed at food manufacturers seeking high-quality ingredients. The company's innovative product serves as a sustainable alternative to red meat, utilizing crop biomass to enhance nutritional profiles. CanPro boasts high protein density, which offers superior digestibility compared to traditional plant-based proteins, and features rapid hydration capabilities. These attributes enable food manufacturers to develop more sustainable and nutritious food products, aligning with the growing demand for healthier and environmentally friendly ingredients in the food industry.

Cultivated Biosciences

Seed Round in 2024
Cultivated Biosciences is a food production company focused on developing specialized fat ingredients derived from oleaginous yeast to enhance plant-based dairy products. The company aims to improve the mouthfeel and creaminess of animal-free cheese and yogurt, providing healthier alternatives to traditional dairy. Its yeast-based ingredients maintain a clean label and support sustainable production processes while mirroring the texture and color of conventional dairy. Additionally, these ingredients feature low lipid oxidation and natural emulsification properties, contributing to a superior sensory experience for consumers seeking plant-based options.

Jellatech

Seed Round in 2023
Jellatech is a biotechnology company based in Raleigh, North Carolina, with research and development operations in Wageningen, Netherlands. The company focuses on producing high-quality, pure, animal-free collagen and gelatin through innovative cellular agriculture techniques. By cultivating cells in bioreactors, Jellatech aims to eliminate the dependency on animals for these essential ingredients, catering to clients across various sectors including food and beverage, medical, pharmaceutical, and personal care industries. Jellatech's commitment to providing safe and sustainable alternatives positions it as a forward-thinking leader in the biotechnology field.

New School Foods

Seed Round in 2023
New School Foods is a producer of plant-based seafood alternatives that aims to provide consumers with products replicating the texture, flavor, nutritional benefits, and cooking experience of traditional seafood. Their flagship offering is a plant-based filet designed to resemble wild salmon, catering to the growing demand for sustainable food options. By focusing on creating whole-muscle seafood substitutes, New School Foods seeks to contribute to a more compassionate and sustainable food system, appealing to a global market of consumers interested in healthier and environmentally friendly dietary choices.
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