Big Idea Ventures

Hooked Foods is a Swedish company founded in 2019 that specializes in developing plant-based seafood alternatives, primarily focusing on tuna and salmon products. By creating delicious and nutritious vegan-friendly seafood options, Hooked Foods aims to promote a healthier marine ecosystem and provide consumers with protein-rich meals. The company's commitment to innovation in plant-based cuisine is part of a broader mission to lead the transition towards more sustainable seafood consumption.

Shocken Foods is a plant-based deli meat manufacturer that creates deli slices and pizza toppings through an innovative alt-protein formulation. It produces a range of plant-based deli meats designed to mimic traditional options such as prosciutto, salami, pepperoni, pancetta, ham, and bacon, offering high-protein vegan alternatives. Its products aim to deliver the taste and texture of conventional deli meats while aligned with plant-based eating. The focus is on developing products that appeal to consumers seeking sustainable, flavorful options for sandwiches and pizzas, without animal-derived ingredients.

The Good Pulse Company develops functional proteins and ingredients derived from pulses for use in plant-based foods and supplements, including plant-based cheeses and meats. It concentrates on maximizing the functionality and nutritional value of components extracted from pulse seeds such as peas and soy, and pursues the production of functional meat proteins through precision fermentation to offer sustainable, ethical food options without compromising taste or experience.

Mewery specializes in cultivating pork meat using proprietary bioreactors that grow pork cells on microalgae-based media. This process takes around six to seven weeks and significantly reduces land use, water consumption, and carbon emissions compared to traditional farming methods.

HaoFood is a pioneering company in the plant-based meat sector, specifically focused on developing realistic and delicious plant-based chicken products. The company's founders identified a gap in the market, noting consumer dissatisfaction with existing offerings that often had a tofu-like texture. With a significant portion of the Chinese population seeking to reduce meat consumption, HaoFood addresses this demand by utilizing peanut protein as the primary ingredient, which allows for a strong and elastic texture that mimics traditional chicken products. This innovation not only caters to the taste preferences of flexitarians and vegetarians but also aims to provide a satisfying alternative to comfort foods like fried chicken. Led by a team of seasoned professionals with expertise in entrepreneurship and food technology, HaoFood employs proprietary extrusion technology and formulation to produce affordable and sustainable plant-based chicken options, contributing to a growing trend of healthier eating in China.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich. The company specializes in producing vegan nectar products that serve as a molecularly identical alternative to traditional honey. By employing advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology, MeliBio creates honey without the involvement of bees, aiming to mitigate the negative impact of commercial bee farming on biodiversity. In 2023, MeliBio launched its consumer-facing brand, Mellody, further expanding its market presence. Recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2021, MeliBio is committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions in the food industry.

Kabocha Milk is a producer of innovative beverages focused on delivering high-quality, nutrient-rich plant-based milk derived from the Kabocha squash. The company specializes in offering shelf-stable Kabocha milk, addressing the seasonal availability of Kabocha in New Zealand. Its product line includes packaged Kabocha milk, smoothies, and milkshakes, catering to consumers in Japan and Korea. Kabocha Milk emphasizes health and wellness by providing dairy-free, vegan, preservative-free, and cholesterol-free options, appealing to health-conscious individuals seeking nutritious alternatives to traditional dairy products.

Meatless Kingdom is an Indonesian food technology startup focused on producing and distributing plant-based food products, primarily using mushrooms. The company caters to both B2B and B2C markets, supplying hotel, restaurant, and catering chains with meat-like texture products, and offering convenient, tasty, nutritious, and MSG-free options for consumers.

Umami United is a Japanese-inspired plant-based food brand focused on enriching the alternative protein market with unique and innovative ingredients. The company specializes in creating products that deliver intense umami flavor, appealing to both vegan consumers and those seeking healthier food options. Its flagship product, UMAMI Egg, is formulated primarily from konjac powder, showcasing the brand's commitment to leveraging Japanese culinary traditions and technology to develop its offerings. By providing plant-based alternatives to traditional eggs and meat, Umami United aims to broaden choices for the growing vegan population while promoting a flavorful and nutritious diet.

Harmony is a biotechnology startup that creates human breast milk protein-based infant nutrition designed to help human babies thrive. It is the world’s first dairy-free, allergen-free and environmentally friendly infant nutrition. Harmony Baby Nutrition was established in 2018 and is based in Boston, MA.

MOA make healthy food for a sustainable world that solves growing global food demands. They are establishing a new industry of sustainable food that solves growing global food demands without the need for arable land. They are focused on designing high-value, natural and nutritious food.

Grounded Foods Co. is a West Hollywood-based company that specializes in producing plant-based cheeses crafted from cauliflower and hemp seeds. Founded in 2019 by behavioral economist Veronica Fil and international award-winning chef Shaun Quade, the company employs a proprietary fermentation process that utilizes imperfect vegetables to create products that closely resemble the flavor and texture of dairy cheese. Their product lineup includes gruyere style cheese, camembert style cheese, marinated hemp seed feta, and hemp seed cream cheese, all designed to offer high nutritional value while promoting environmental sustainability. Grounded Foods sells its offerings through both retail stores and online channels, aiming to provide consumers with viable dairy-free alternatives.

Yofix develops and manufactures dairy-free, soy-free fermented plant-based foods enriched with probiotics. Their products include yogurt alternatives, drinks, desserts, and frozen yogurts, all made from cereals, lentils, grains, and seeds, offering a clean label with no artificial additives or preservatives.

Hooked Foods is a Swedish company founded in 2019 that specializes in developing plant-based seafood alternatives, primarily focusing on tuna and salmon products. By creating delicious and nutritious vegan-friendly seafood options, Hooked Foods aims to promote a healthier marine ecosystem and provide consumers with protein-rich meals. The company's commitment to innovation in plant-based cuisine is part of a broader mission to lead the transition towards more sustainable seafood consumption.

MAD Foods is an emerging alternative protein company based in Singapore, with a branch office in Kuala Lumpur. Established in 2022, MAD Foods specializes in oat-based dairy-free and plant-based beverages designed for consumers, including those with lactose intolerance. Their product lineup features a variety of ready-to-drink coffee options, such as single-shot and double-shot iced coffees as well as a decaffeinated version, all crafted without added sugars. With a commitment to promoting healthier lifestyles, MAD Foods is already present in 3,000 retail outlets across Singapore and Malaysia and is actively expanding its presence globally. The company is dedicated to innovation and plans to broaden its product offerings, with new launches like MAD M.LK on the horizon.

Wellme is a company focused on promoting gut health through its innovative food products. It specializes in the development of plant-based yogurt under the brand name Berrywell. This yogurt is designed to provide healthy macrobiotics and dietary fiber, which are essential for maintaining a balanced intestinal flora. By combining e-commerce with a commitment to health-conscious consumers, Wellme aims to make nutritious and functional food options accessible to a broader audience. Its emphasis on healthy drinks and dairy alternatives positions the company within the growing market for plant-based dietary solutions.

The Frauxmagerie specializes in crafting plant-based cheese products. Their offerings include aged and fresh cheese alternatives made from just five natural ingredients: cashews, nutritional yeast, vegan probiotics, salt, and bacterial cultures.

New Breed Meats specializes in plant-based meat products designed to mimic the appearance, cooking experience, and taste of animal-derived meats. Their products are free from the top eight allergens, soy, gluten, and GMOs.

Good Catch Foods is a company that specializes in the development and manufacture of vegan, plant-based seafood alternatives. Founded in 2016, it produces a variety of products designed to replicate traditional seafood, including fish-free shredded tuna, crab cakes, salmon filets, and patties. These offerings are crafted using a blend of pea proteins and legumes such as lentils, chickpeas, and fava beans. Initially headquartered in Newtown, Pennsylvania, Good Catch has since expanded its presence to New York, New York. The company aims to provide sustainable and health-conscious food options for consumers seeking plant-based diets.

Gathered Foods Corporation, operating under the brand name Good Catch, specializes in the development, production, and sale of plant-based seafood alternatives in the United States. Founded in 2016 and based in Heath, Ohio, the company offers a variety of products, including plant-based tuna, frozen entrées, and appetizers, all crafted from a unique blend of six legumes—peas, chickpeas, lentils, soy, fava beans, and navy beans—alongside seaweed and algae extract to enhance flavor. These products are designed to replicate the taste and experience of traditional seafood while being free from dairy, gluten, and GMOs, providing a cruelty-free option for consumers seeking alternatives to seafood. Gathered Foods sells its products through both retail stores and online channels, catering to a growing market of health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich. The company specializes in producing vegan nectar products that serve as a molecularly identical alternative to traditional honey. By employing advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology, MeliBio creates honey without the involvement of bees, aiming to mitigate the negative impact of commercial bee farming on biodiversity. In 2023, MeliBio launched its consumer-facing brand, Mellody, further expanding its market presence. Recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2021, MeliBio is committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions in the food industry.

Little Bandits is a dairy-free brand specifically designed for children, founded in response to the increasing prevalence of food allergies among kids. The company produces a range of yogurt products made from coconut milk, which are both dairy-free and soya-free. These yogurts are enriched with essential vitamins and minerals, including vitamins D2, B12, and iodine, making them allergy-friendly and low in sugar. Little Bandits aims to provide healthy, fun-tasting, and vegan-friendly food options for children, filling a gap in the market for a leading brand in the children's free-from and plant-based food categories.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich. The company specializes in producing vegan nectar products that serve as a molecularly identical alternative to traditional honey. By employing advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology, MeliBio creates honey without the involvement of bees, aiming to mitigate the negative impact of commercial bee farming on biodiversity. In 2023, MeliBio launched its consumer-facing brand, Mellody, further expanding its market presence. Recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2021, MeliBio is committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions in the food industry.

The world's first Restorative Food company that revives your health, restores farmer livelihoods and rejuvenates the planet! We use sustainable indigenous ingredients to create nutritionally-rich avatars of familiar foods! Our first product range is inspired by traditional Indian dairy favourites.

Yoconut Dairy Free is a San Francisco-based company that specializes in producing plant-based coconut yogurt. Its offerings include a variety of flavors such as Madagascar Vanilla Bean, Chocolate Coconut, Lemon Cream, and Pineapple. The yogurt is crafted from creamy coconut milk and is designed to be healthy and allergy-friendly, containing natural electrolytes and no added sugars. Yoconut aims to provide a delicious and nutritious alternative for those seeking gluten-free and plant-based food options.

Wild For Company is a producer of gluten-free food products, specializing in items made from teff, a nutritious grain rich in protein, fiber, and essential vitamins. The company's product line includes grain chips in flavors such as sea salt and sweet & smokey BBQ, as well as various baking mixes, pancakes, waffle mixes, cereals, and pasta. Founded in 2013 and based in San Francisco, California, Wild For Company aims to connect farmers and families by providing wholesome and healthy snack options. The company's products are available through partnered retail stores and online sales, catering to health-conscious consumers seeking gluten-free alternatives.

Fënn Foods is a family-owned business based on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, dedicated to providing sustainable plant-based food products since 2015. The company focuses on creating high-quality vegan alternatives that are both delicious and environmentally friendly. Under the guidance of celebrated chef Alejandro Cancino, Fënn Foods develops an expanding range of umami-rich plant-based meats, including vegan meatballs, chicken, and various condiments like mayonnaise, aioli, and chipotle. Committed to ethical sourcing and sustainability, Fënn Foods aims to offer affordable options that cater to consumers seeking appetizing and sustainable dietary choices.

WTH Foods is a company based in Makati City, Philippines, specializing in the production of plant-based meat alternatives. Founded in 2019, the company utilizes local and sustainable ingredients to create vegan versions of popular processed meat products that cater to Southeast Asian tastes. Its product range includes items such as corned beef, ground meat, pinoy pulled pork, jackfruit nuggets, and tote canvas bags. By focusing on local flavors and ingredients like mung beans, tapioca starch, and coconut oil, WTH Foods aims to facilitate an easier transition for consumers toward more sustainable food choices. The company markets its products online, making them accessible to a broader audience.

Peace of Meat is a Belgium-based company founded in 2019 that specializes in producing and supplying cultured animal fat to enhance the taste, texture, and nutritional value of cultured and plant-based food products. The company focuses on non-GMO cultured chicken and duck fat, which serves as a critical ingredient for meat alternatives like nuggets, burgers, and meatballs. Utilizing proprietary stem-cell-based bioreactor technology, Peace of Meat cultivates these fats without causing harm to animals. The firm has conducted taste tests that demonstrate how its cultured fat can significantly improve the flavor profiles of plant-based protein products, making them more appealing to consumers seeking meat alternatives.

ZhenMeat is a food-processing company based in Beijing, China, founded in 2017. It specializes in producing plant-based and fungus-based meat alternatives, focusing on creating healthier and more environmentally friendly food options. The company offers a variety of products, including plant-based mince meat made from pea protein in pork and beef flavors, as well as meat substitutes for mooncakes, dumplings, meat sauce, meat patties, and meatballs. ZhenMeat aims to reduce the negative impacts of commercial farming while enhancing the nutritional value of its produce.

MeliBio, Inc. is a technology-driven company based in Oakland, California, founded in 2020 by Aaron M. Schaller, PhD, and Darko Mandich. The company specializes in producing vegan nectar products that serve as a molecularly identical alternative to traditional honey. By employing advancements in plant biology, precision fermentation, and synthetic biology, MeliBio creates honey without the involvement of bees, aiming to mitigate the negative impact of commercial bee farming on biodiversity. In 2023, MeliBio launched its consumer-facing brand, Mellody, further expanding its market presence. Recognized by TIME as one of the Best Inventions of 2021, MeliBio is committed to providing sustainable and innovative solutions in the food industry.

Founded in 2019 and based in Mumbai, India, Evo Foods specializes in producing plant-based liquid eggs using proprietary technology and indigenous Indian ingredients like moong beans and peas. Their cholesterol-free product offers a high protein content and egg-like texture.

Grounded Foods Co. is a West Hollywood-based company that specializes in producing plant-based cheeses crafted from cauliflower and hemp seeds. Founded in 2019 by behavioral economist Veronica Fil and international award-winning chef Shaun Quade, the company employs a proprietary fermentation process that utilizes imperfect vegetables to create products that closely resemble the flavor and texture of dairy cheese. Their product lineup includes gruyere style cheese, camembert style cheese, marinated hemp seed feta, and hemp seed cream cheese, all designed to offer high nutritional value while promoting environmental sustainability. Grounded Foods sells its offerings through both retail stores and online channels, aiming to provide consumers with viable dairy-free alternatives.

Founded in 2011, PATCH Organics produces and sells plant-based pumpkin seed milk in various flavors. Its products are allergen-free, animal-friendly, environmentally friendly, and offer a similar nutrition profile to dairy milk.

Phuture Limited is a Hong Kong-based company founded in 2018 that specializes in producing plant-based minced meat products. Focused on sustainability, Phuture aims to provide alternatives to traditional meat by offering non-genetically modified, halal options that closely mimic the taste and texture of pork. The company's proprietary processing technology incorporates rice into its product blend, enhancing the flavor and mouthfeel to create a satisfying experience for consumers. Through innovation in food technology, Phuture seeks to redefine the culinary landscape and promote healthier lifestyles by making plant-based eating more accessible and enjoyable.

Revolution Gelato, founded in 2015 and based in Atlanta, Georgia, specializes in producing plant-based gelato that aims to surpass the taste of traditional dairy ice cream. The company focuses on using simple, clean ingredients to create organic, non-GMO, vegan, kosher pareve, gluten-free, soy-free, and egg-free gelato options. By utilizing premium coconuts, cashews, and pure sugarcane, Revolution Gelato achieves a creamy texture while offering a variety of indulgent flavors. This approach allows consumers to enjoy delicious frozen treats without compromising their dietary preferences or health considerations.

Confetti Snacks is a Singapore-based producer of plant-based snacks derived from nutrient-dense vegetables and upcycled ugly produce. Its products feature heritage Singaporean flavors and authentic spices, delivering vegan snacks rich in minerals and fiber. Packaging uses environmentally friendly materials, including 100% home-compostable packets. The company emphasizes sustainability and social impact, channeling a portion of proceeds to alleviate global hunger and malnutrition.