Saint-Aubin FR/Wädenswil ZH – Cultivated Biosciences has received 5 million dollars in early-stage financing. The yeast cream developed by the start-up is intended to replace cream in alternative dairy products in terms of creaminess, function and color. The market launch in the USA and Europe is planned for 2025 and 2026.
According to a press release, Cultivated Biosciences can further research and expand the application possibilities of its yeast cream together with the food industry with 5 million dollars in seed capital. This yeast cream is intended for use in the catering industry and in the production of dairy-free foods wherever the creaminess, function and color of cream is desired. The company from Saint-Aubin, based in Wädenswil, has reportedly already validated applications in products such as coffee creamers, milk and ice cream with its customers.
This financing round was led by the Dutch venture capital firm Navus Ventures. According to a further press release, Founderful (formerly Wingman Ventures), Joyful VC and Zürcher Kantonalbank are among the investors. “Our goal,” says Cultivated Biosciences CEO Tomas Turner, “is to make alternative dairy products attractive to traditional dairy consumers – not only to reduce CO2 emissions from milk production, but also to unlock a multi-billion dollar market opportunity.”
According to the company, the market for these products is expected to grow from an estimated 12 billion dollars in 2023 to 34 billion dollars by 2033. The company’s yeast cream is also intended to appeal to those health- and environmentally-conscious consumers who were previously dissatisfied with the texture of alternative dairy products and the environmental awareness of their manufacturers.
The product is due to be launched on the US market in 2025. Market entry is planned for Europe one year later. ce/mm
