Key Takeaways
- Vivici raises €32.5 million ($33.7 million USD) in Series A funding to expand its precision fermentation dairy protein business.
- Funding led by APG on behalf of ABP and Invest-NL, with participation from InnovationQuarter, dsm-firmenich, and Fonterra.
- Vivitein™ BLG, an isolated whey protein, is the first ingredient launched under Vivici’s Vivitein™ protein platform, offering 86% lower water usage and a 68% smaller carbon footprint compared to conventional dairy protein.
- Funds will support market expansion, a second dairy protein launch, and scaling of manufacturing capabilities.
- Vivici plans to introduce Vivitein™ LF (lactoferrin) later this year.
Vivici Raises €32.5M to Advance Dairy Proteins from Precision Fermentation
Vivici, a Dutch food biotechnology company, has secured €32.5 million ($33.7 million USD) in Series A funding to accelerate its development and commercialization of precision fermentation dairy proteins. The funding round was led by APG on behalf of ABP, one of the world’s largest pension funds, and Invest-NL, with additional participation from InnovationQuarter, dsm-firmenich, and Fonterra.
The company has already secured first customer agreements for its dairy proteins and will use the funds to expand into international markets, launch a second dairy protein ingredient, and establish long-term manufacturing capabilities.
“With this investment, we will continue on our path to turning the promise of precision fermentation into a commercial reality. This fundraise demonstrates the confidence investors have in both our mission and our capabilities,” said Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici.
Precision Fermentation for Sustainable Protein Production
Vivici uses precision fermentation, a process that combines traditional fermentation with biotechnology to produce dairy proteins without the use of animals. This technology enables the production of high-quality protein with significantly lower environmental impact while maintaining taste, texture, and nutritional value.
The company’s Vivitein™ protein platform aims to complement conventional dairy protein production to help meet the growing global demand for sustainable, high-quality protein.
“The Vivitein™ protein platform offers a compelling package of sustainability, consumer, and commercial benefits,” said Lodewijk Meens, senior portfolio manager at APG Netherlands Energy Transition & Biodiversity Fund.
Vivitein™ BLG: Lower Environmental Impact & New Market Opportunities
Vivici’s first ingredient, Vivitein™ BLG, is an isolated whey protein (beta-lactoglobulin) targeted at active nutrition consumers. The active nutrition market was valued at $28.4 billion USD in 2023, growing at 8.5% annually, with continued growth expected.
Vivitein™ BLG offers a significant reduction in environmental impact compared to conventional dairy proteins:
- 86% less water usage
- 68% lower carbon footprint
The ingredient unlocks new product possibilities, including:
- Clear, water-based protein drinks
- Vegan-friendly protein bars with improved texture
Vivici plans to expand its product pipeline, with Vivitein™ LF (lactoferrin) set to launch later this year.
