Big Idea Ventures

Renew Food is investigating the use of novel protein-based flavor ingredients. The taste and nutritional quality of alternative foods are top priorities for consumers seeking new, great-tasting, healthy food products that are good for our planet.

BiomeMega is a biotechnology company dedicated to improving human health through microbiome-derived innovations. It specializes in research and development of omega fatty acids (three, six, seven, and nine) for the nutraceutical, food, and pharmaceutical industries. The company's proprietary probiotic formulations, developed in collaboration with leading universities, enable clients to offer non-GMO products with potential health benefits, aiming to transform the probiotic industry and enhance overall well-being.

Nanoingreen specializes in transforming plant-based products into functional foods. Utilizing precision fermentation processes, they offer formulations that enhance the nutritional value of these products, preventing future health issues.

Cultimate Foods is a cellular agriculture company focused on cultivated fat for hybrid alternative-meat products. It develops cell-cultured fat that mimics the structure of animal fat tissue, using a three-dimensional cultivation approach to create structured fat ingredients and lower production costs. The company also pursues cell-engineered adipose tissue to enable meat alternatives that combine cultivated fat biomass with other ingredients, delivering the flavor and texture of meat while supporting sustainability.

Alcheme Bio is a biotechnology company specializing in enhancing the flavor and sensory experience of alternative proteins. It uses data-driven formulation tools and proprietary molecular insights to bioengineer media supplements that enable cells to express their own natural flavors, making cultivated foods more appealing to consumers.

Naturannova is a company focused on advancing food technology through the discovery and development of plant-based protein flavors and ingredients. By integrating computational biology with biomanufacturing processes, Naturannova aims to create innovative and sustainable food solutions. Its computational platform is designed to identify proteins from plant sources, enabling food and beverage manufacturers to streamline their development processes. This approach not only reduces time and costs but also supports healthier consumer choices by providing access to next-generation ingredients that promote well-being.

PFx Biotech is a pioneering company that specializes in the development of alternative proteins using precision fermentation. They focus on producing human milk proteins, which are nourishing and contain beneficial bioactivities such as immune-boosting, anti-microbial, and anti-viral properties. By leveraging their fermentation platform, they aim to provide sustainable protein alternatives that can help reduce water consumption and greenhouse gas emissions, thereby promoting a more environmentally friendly and animal-free protein landscape.

The VERY Food Co is a French startup dedicated to transforming the way we eat and cook for a more sustainable future. It offers natural, affordable, ready-to-use plant-based ingredients that replace dairy and eggs, enabling food industry professionals to adopt sustainable practices without compromising functionality or taste.

Cultimate Foods is a cellular agriculture company focused on cultivated fat for hybrid alternative-meat products. It develops cell-cultured fat that mimics the structure of animal fat tissue, using a three-dimensional cultivation approach to create structured fat ingredients and lower production costs. The company also pursues cell-engineered adipose tissue to enable meat alternatives that combine cultivated fat biomass with other ingredients, delivering the flavor and texture of meat while supporting sustainability.

Niskus Biotec specializes in producing food ingredients that enhance the sustainability, supply chain security, and functionality of various products. The company focuses on developing functional, protein-rich ingredients suitable for a wide range of food and beverage applications, aimed at improving nutrition, taste, and texture. Niskus Biotec collaborates with agri-food companies to facilitate the development and implementation of scaled-up manufacturing processes, utilizing specially designed solid-state fermenters. This flexible, staged approach allows businesses to effectively integrate these innovative ingredients into their offerings.

Nutropy produces real milk ingredients identical to those produced by cows, using microbes and fermentation. They develop premium cheese alternatives that offer the same taste as cow's cheese but are more sustainable, healthier, and better for animals.

Esencia Foods develops a unique mycelium-based fermentation platform to produce plant-based meat alternatives. Their products offer distinctive textures, clean labels, and competitive pricing.

Novel Farms, Inc. is a Berkeley, California-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in the production of cell-based meat delicacies. It focuses on developing cruelty-free, low-cost, and tunable bioscaffolds through microbial fermentation and proprietary tissue engineering technology. The company's mission is to create gourmet meat alternatives that replicate the taste and texture of conventional meats, appealing to a new generation of conscious consumers. By producing whole-muscle cuts of cultivated meat, Novel Farms aims to make synthetic meat-based delicacies accessible and desirable, transforming the consumption of cell-based meat into a sought-after culinary experience.

ImpacFat is a food production company that develops fish meat alternatives through cell cultivation. It specializes in producing cultivated cell-based fish fat to enhance the flavor, texture, aroma, and nutrition of alternative protein products, enabling consumers to obtain healthy fats such as omega-3 fatty acids that support heart health.

Pullulo develops biotechnology for producing plant-based microbial proteins, offering a high-protein alternative to conventional plant-based and meat-based sources.

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.

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.

Lypid develops vegan fats designed to taste and behave like animal fats. The company uses a novel formulation and microencapsulation to mimic texture, mouthfeel, flavor transfer, and cooking behavior of animal fats, enabling an animal-free alternative with minimal artificial additives, reduced hydrogenation, and fewer trans fats. Its products aim to reduce dependence on animal fats and lower the environmental footprint of food production.

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.

Genesea operates a biotechnology company focused on deriving ingredients from offshore marine macroalgae for the food industry. Its unique approach offers a zero-waste, zero-emission biochemical supply chain, enabling food companies to produce sustainable ingredients at low cost while reducing deforestation and freshwater consumption.

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.

Optimized Foods specializes in developing sustainable food ingredients. They focus on cell-cultured caviar production using proprietary mycelium scaffolds and cell biology techniques.

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.

Founded in 2014, No Evil Foods produces plant-based protein foods. Its products mimic the taste and texture of meat using ingredients like beans, wheat berries, and yeast. The company supplies hundreds of restaurants, universities, and grocery stores across multiple states.

Maya Milk, established in 2021 with its headquarters in Izmir, Turkey, specializes in precision fermentation technology to create animal-free dairy proteins and fatty acids. The company aims to serve the food and dairy industry by producing vegan alternatives that mimic the structure and functionality of animal-derived counterparts, enabling customers to enhance their alternative dairy products.

Founded in 2020, Actual Veggies specializes in producing plant-based vegetable burgers made from real vegetables and natural ingredients. Their products are free from preservatives and additives, offering consumers a fresh, healthy, and flavorful alternative to traditional veggie burgers.

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.

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.

Founded in Paris, France in 2019, GOURMEY specializes in developing and producing ethical foie gras using duck cell cultivation. This innovative process aims to create sustainable, high-quality meat products without force-feeding or animal slaughter.

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.

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.

Plant Ranch is a producer of plant-based proteins that aims to reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional animal farming. With a diverse background, including 66% Latin American ownership, the company prioritizes authenticity in flavor by utilizing generations-old recipes. Their offerings are designed for health-conscious consumers, providing low-calorie and low-fat protein options that are fully cooked and seasoned, making them easy to incorporate into various dishes. Plant Ranch emphasizes that choosing their products does not require sacrificing flavor or enjoyment in meals, and instead promotes a lifestyle that eliminates unhealthy trans fats and the negative ecological effects of animal protein consumption.

Blue Ridge Bantam is a pioneering cultured meat company based in the South, specializing in turkey, which is recognized as America's original source of protein. The company focuses on advancing avian cell-based technology with the aim of facilitating a shift towards meat products that are not only healthy and flavorful but also sustainable. Blue Ridge Bantam utilizes a biotechnology approach to produce cell-based poultry meat by harvesting tissue and fat cells from animals and cultivating them in a bioreactor. This process yields a product that mirrors the biological composition of traditional meat while integrating cultivated fat cells with plant proteins to create a hybrid offering, catering to the growing demand for sustainable meat alternatives.

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.

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.

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.

Novel Farms, Inc. is a Berkeley, California-based company founded in 2020 that specializes in the production of cell-based meat delicacies. It focuses on developing cruelty-free, low-cost, and tunable bioscaffolds through microbial fermentation and proprietary tissue engineering technology. The company's mission is to create gourmet meat alternatives that replicate the taste and texture of conventional meats, appealing to a new generation of conscious consumers. By producing whole-muscle cuts of cultivated meat, Novel Farms aims to make synthetic meat-based delicacies accessible and desirable, transforming the consumption of cell-based meat into a sought-after culinary experience.

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 2020, Actual Veggies specializes in producing plant-based vegetable burgers made from real vegetables and natural ingredients. Their products are free from preservatives and additives, offering consumers a fresh, healthy, and flavorful alternative to traditional veggie burgers.

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.

LVL specializes in the development of nutritious, plant-based powders designed to enhance daily well-being. The company offers a range of functional superfood blends that are convenient and easy to use, packaged in portable sachets for on-the-go consumption. These powders aim to promote increased energy, improved focus, and stronger immunity, helping consumers seamlessly integrate healthier choices into their daily routines. LVL's products are vegan-friendly and crafted to support individuals in achieving their optimal health and performance.

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.

Founded in Paris, France in 2019, GOURMEY specializes in developing and producing ethical foie gras using duck cell cultivation. This innovative process aims to create sustainable, high-quality meat products without force-feeding or animal slaughter.

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.

Plant-Powered Wellness & Functional Food Products

Plant Bliss produces plant-based meat, dairy, and egg alternatives designed as direct replacements for traditional products. Their offerings cater to busy food service professionals aiming to meet the growing demand for plant-based options.