Check out what some of the FoodTech 500 Alumni have been up to lately:

 

VANILLA VIDA | Establishes a 10-hectare facility in Uganda, and raises $3.5M in a round led by Windare Ventures. Read more

UMAMI BIOWORKS | Achieves EU registration for two cultivated white fish ingredients for pet food, becoming the third startup cleared to sell cultivated pet food in the European market with a Q2 2026 launch target. Read more

The company has also expanded beyond cultivated seafood by launching Marine Radiance, a new line of cell-cultured marine bioactives starting with animal-free PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide) for personal care and nutraceutical industries. Read more

Lastly, Umami Bioworks partnered with Japan’s IntegriCulture to develop novel cosmetics from cultivated fish cells, combining their cellular agriculture expertise to create beauty products under the former’s Marine Radiance bioactives line. Read more

CROPIN | Launches FIRST Potato project in the UK, combining AI and regenerative agriculture practices in a €700k EU-funded initiative. Read more

TERVIVA | Secures investment from Nomura Holdings as the Japanese financial giant’s inaugural sustainable innovation initiative investment. Read more

BRIGHT BIOTECH | Receives a £1M grant from the UK’s Advanced Research + Invention Agency (ARIA) as part of its £62.4M Synthetic Plants programme. The funding will accelerate the company’s work on chloroplast engineering to develop future crops that are more productive, resilient, and resource-efficient. Read more

AEROFARMS | Secures equity financing and refinanced its debt to strengthen its operations. The equity raise was backed by existing investors and will support ongoing operations and the pre-construction phase of its second farm. Read more

FUL FOODS | Experiences surging demand for its heat- and acid-stable spirulina-based natural blue colors. The startup has filed multiple patent applications for proprietary extraction technology that delivers stable blue colors at low pH and high temperatures, unlocking new applications in beverages and acidic confections where traditional spirulina blues fail. Read more

CELLREV | Ceases operations and entered administration after failing to secure Series A funding. Administrators are now working to sell the company’s assets, including proprietary enzyme products, patents, and laboratory equipment. Read more

80 ACRE FARMS | Merges with Soli Organic to create one of the world’s largest indoor farming networks with projected first-year revenues approaching $200M. The combined company will serve over 17,000 retail locations across the US through seven nationally distributed vertical farms capable of producing 15-20 million pounds of fresh produce annually. Read more

BINSENTRY | Raises $50M in Series C funding to accelerate global expansion of its AI-powered feed monitoring technology. The company’s solar-powered, self-cleaning sensors monitor on-farm feed levels with 99% accuracy, eliminating manual inventory checks and preventing costly feed outages through real-time visibility and automation. Read more

PHYTOLON | Secures investment from Colorcon Ventures to advance the commercialization of its natural food colorants. The Israeli startup leverages bio-production and precision fermentation to create sustainable natural food colors at scale, addressing industry demand for alternatives to synthetic colorants. Read more

BETTER MEAT CO. | Closes an oversubscribed $31M Series A round to scale production of its Rhiza mycoprotein. The Sacramento-based startup will use the funding to increase production capacity tenfold from 9,000 to 90,000 liters at its facility. Read more

ACCELLTA | Bets on cultivated dairy fat to solve the alternative fat puzzle, targeting the $700B dairy industry with a scalable solution to deliver authentic taste, texture, and mouthfeel without the environmental costs of animal agriculture. Now raising $8M, Accellta plans to expand production, deliver commercial-scale samples within two years, and pursue FDA approval in the US as its first market. Read more 

REVO FOODS | Completes a crowdfunding campaign, raising €1.6M from 212 investors. The funding will support production expansion and operational scaling as the company targets profitability by 2026. Read more

Permanently relaunches its 3D-printed vegan octopus, “The Kraken,” after the initial limited-edition batch sold out in 48 hours and sparked overwhelming customer demand. Read more

JUICY MARBLES & REVO FOODS | Launch plant-based salmon filet Kinda Salmon, the second product in Juicy Marbles’ new “Juicy Marbles & Friends” series. The product contains 13 grams of protein per serving and includes omega-3 fatty acids from microalgae oil, delivering 117 mg of DHA and 74 mg of EPA alongside essential vitamins. Read more

V2FOOD | Acquires Daring Foods for an undisclosed sum. The latter will continue operating under its own brand while serving as v2food’s platform to launch products across the US market. 

v2food also announced its partnership with Ajinomoto to develop next-generation protein solutions to target emerging markets in Asia and Africa. Read more

VOW | Accepts Cultured Meat Product of the Year award at the AgTech Breakthrough Awards, recognized for its innovative Forged cultured Japanese quail. The recognition underscores the work of the company’s team and partners, as it continues building momentum in bringing its unique products to market. Read more 

LIVEKINDLY COLLECTIVE | Relaunches its Like brand in the UK, targeting Gen Z flexitarians across major supermarkets. The German-born plant-based brand is set to roll out in Tesco from September 8, followed by Sainsbury’s, Morrisons, Asda, and Iceland. Read more

The company also expects profitability this fall, as it delivers high single-digit year-on-year growth in H1 2025, while most competitors struggle with stagnant sales. Read more

PREFER | Raises an oversubscribed $4.2M Pre-A round and launched soluble coffee and cocoa powders. The company plans to scale production through toll manufacturers in key markets, deepen R&D on cocoa flavor development, and expand global partnerships with a continued focus on Asia. Read more

The company also received recognition on the Forbes Asia 100 to Watch 2025 list, as CEO Jake Berber highlights the team driving the company’s expansion across APAC markets with soluble coffee and cocoa powder extenders. Read more 

NOVAMEAT | Expands its pulled plant-based meat lineup with clean-label pork and lamb alternatives for foodservice, following its $19.2M Series A funding. The company plans European expansion into France, Italy, and Germany while scaling production through its Barcelona facility and manufacturing partnerships. Read more

SEADLING | Launches its second Malaysia facility following a $1M seed round, boosting seaweed ingredient production capacity fivefold. Read more

PLANTIBLE | Announces that its first commercial facility in Texas is now fully operational. The Eldorado facility, known as the Ranchito, produces Rubi Protein™ from lemna (water lentils) and is expected to generate thousands of metric tons of biomass annually, delivering hundreds of metric tons of protein per year. Read more

The company has also won top honors and $10,000 at IFT FIRST’s startup pitch competition, beating five other finalists with their innovative aquatic plant protein technology. Read more

HELAINA | Partners with Levelle Nutrition to launch the first cycle-syncing protein powder designed specifically for menstruating women, featuring the former’s precision-fermented lactoferrin ingredient effera™. Read more 

Successfully scales production of its precision-fermented human lactoferrin to metric ton quantities, enabling 10 million servings per run and supplying multiple commercial partners. Read more

GROUNDWORK BIOAG | Announces leadership transition with co-founder Dr. Yossi Kofman moving to chairman role while Alon Werber joins as CEO to drive global expansion and strengthen regenerative agriculture operations. Read more 

VÄCKA | Unveils a major rebrand and launches its Functional Series of nutrition-packed plant-based dairy products. It also reformulated existing products, with new packaging highlighting nutritional credentials on front labels as part of its health-first philosophy. Read more

BETTER NATURE | Raises £1.1M after recording its best quarter to date. The funding will support accelerated sales and marketing initiatives. Read more

MAGIC VALLEY | Partners with US-based machine learning company Pythag Tech to accelerate cultivated meat production using AI-powered bioprocess optimization, as the company seeks $3M for an Australian manufacturing facility. The collaboration is designed to reduce waste, accelerate R&D timelines, and build robust data infrastructure for regulatory compliance. Read more 

PAIRWISE | Partners with Mars Inc. to develop climate-resilient cocoa crops using CRISPR gene editing technology. This partnership comes as chocolate manufacturers face elevated cocoa costs. Read more 

BOND PET FOODS | Collaborates with University of Illinois researchers to demonstrate that precision-fermented chicken protein provides significant digestive and gut health benefits for dogs in a groundbreaking six-month study. Read more

EAT JUST/ JUST EGG | Launches Just Egg in the UK market through a partnership with Vegan Food Group. The product offers comparable protein content to conventional eggs while providing less saturated fat and zero cholesterol. Read more

WIN-WIN | Raises £3M in Series A funding to scale its cocoa-free chocolate production and expand across European markets, bringing the company’s total funding to £8M since launching in 2021. Read more

Secures a major distribution deal with German bakery supplier Martin Braun to bring its cocoa-free chocolate alternatives to the DACH market. Read more

BIOCONSORTIA | Secures $15M to accelerate the global launch of its nitrogen-fixing seed treatment, Always-N™, to help farmers maintain crop yields. Read more

EDIBLE GARDEN | Launches the first-to-market USDA Certified Organic Hydroponic Basil Plant, cultivated using up to 90% less water than conventional farming methods, and is grown locally year-round. Read more

OPALIA | Secures the world’s first commercial supply agreement for cell-based dairy, landing a deal with Dutch dairy giant Hoogwegt ahead of a $4M fundraise. Read more

BIOME MAKERS | Releases its 2024 Impact Report for its BeCrop technology, which has further empowered farmers with field-level soil intelligence, enabling data-driven decisions that enhance both soil health and profitability. Read more

SWITCH BIOWORKS | Expands its leadership team with the appointment of Steve del Cardayre as Chief Technology Officer, bringing over 25 years of microbial engineering experience, and Brett Boghigian as Chief Business Officer, who brings nearly 20 years of agricultural biotech leadership. The company also relocated to a new headquarters that triples its R&D footprint. Read more

VERTICAL FUTURE | Formally enters administration after the appointment of joint administrators from KBL Advisory on August 5, 2025, with CEO Jamie Burrows and multiple directors ceasing their roles three days later. The sale process is now underway for the agritech company’s assets, though the fate of existing commercial and research commitments remains unclear. Read more 

SOUND AGRICULTURE | CEO Adam Litle announces his transition out of the company after five years of leading the startup’s growth and market expansion. Paul Beck, who served as Chief Revenue Officer since early 2024, will take over as CEO to continue Sound’s growth trajectory. Read more

SQUARE ROOTS | Launches AI-powered farming assistant Sage designed to deliver contextual, task-specific support to farmers in real time. Read more

FREIGHT FARMS | Has its assets acquired by Growcer for $2.6M following bankruptcy proceedings. The strategic acquisition includes Freight Farms’ comprehensive software infrastructure, intellectual property, manufacturing blueprints, completed Greenery container farms, spare parts inventory, and support knowledge base. Read more

MEWERY | Receives €2.9M through the EU’s Horizon Europe programme to advance cultivated pork production and launch pilot projects with European meat producers. Read more

ŸNSECT | Receives an extended receivership observation period until September 2025, as it presents a new business plan aimed at restructuring operations and adapting to evolving financial and market realities. Read more

OISHII | Partners with award-winning sauce brand Monte’s to create a limited edition premium red sauce featuring the former’s specialty Rubi Tomatoes, available exclusively at Happier Grocery in NYC. Read more

NOTPLA | Extends its partnership with Allianz Stadium and Levy with the launch of its home-compostable, seaweed-based beverage carriers during an England XIV versus France XIV rugby match. Read more

HAPPY OCEAN FOODS | Debuts the Clean Protein System™ to focus on innovative plant-based protein bases designed for performance and functionality in foodservice applications. Read more

POLOPO | Pivots its strategy to supply the snack industry with high-protein potatoes, using its molecular farming platform to enhance native protein content for creating protein-enriched potato chips. Read more

OLSARO | Advances its salt-tolerant wheat varieties closer to commercialization, with field trials currently underway in multiple international markets to address food security in saline-affected agricultural lands. Read more

NOVELLA | Enters a $10M, seven-year supply partnership with Metaphor Foods to commercialize its natural, clean-label preservatives produced via plant cell cultivation for the Asia-Pacific market. Read more

MODERN BAKER | Secures £2.5M in Series A funding to expand its mission of creating healthier ultra-processed foods, like its prebiotic Superloaf, through licensing partnerships with major manufacturers. Read more

PACK2EARTH | Closes a €1.6M funding round led by Swanlaab Venture Factory to scale its bio-based materials that can compost at ambient temperature, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional plastics. Read more

MAYANI | Partners with HSBC Philippines and Bayan Family of Foundations to implement a climate resilience project for smallholder farmers, combining regenerative practices with digital tools. Read more

ÄIO | Receives a €1M grant from the Estonian government to accelerate the development of its yeast-based palm oil alternative, derived from wood and agricultural byproducts, for the cosmetics industry. Read more

SUN BEAR BIOFUTURE | Secures a £375,000 grant from Innovate UK to scale production of its sustainable fat and oil alternatives, which are produced using British Sugar’s side streams as feedstock. Read more

PLANETARIANS | Is set to auction its patented technology and assets for manufacturing low-cost meat alternatives from upcycled proteins after failing to secure the capital needed to scale its innovation. Read more

BRIGHTSEED | Partners with the Almond Board of California, using its Forager® AI platform to discover 530 health-promoting compounds in almonds, including six never before identified in the nuts. Read more

PUNA BIO | Closes its Series A funding round with participation from the Gates Foundation to scale its biofertilizers and adapt its climate-resilient agricultural technologies for smallholder farmers in Africa. Read more

SOLAR FOODS | Signs a Letter of Intent with a major international nutrition brand to commercialize 500-1,650 tonnes of its Solein® protein annually from 2026-2030 for use in protein shakes and bars. The company also partnered with US-based Sensapure Flavors to develop ready-to-mix shakes and ready-to-drink protein beverages to showcase Solein’s versatility. Read more and Read more

STEAKHOLDER FOODS | Debuts its first commercial products, 3D-printed plant-based white fish kebabs and salmon patties, in Israeli grocery stores. The company also received a positive international search report for a patent covering its drop-on-demand 3D printing system. Read more and Read more

MULTUS BIOTECHNOLOGY | Partners with Fishway to combine its AI-enabled growth media platform with Fishway’s expertise in fish cell line development, aiming to accelerate cost-parity for cultivated seafood. Read more

SHIRU & SUN BEAR BIOFUTURE | Are among the 12 startups selected for the 2025 pladis Accelerator Programme, which focuses on co-developing sustainable snacking solutions with the global snacking giant. Read more

NEGGST | Launches its first direct-to-consumer plant-based egg product, which is now available for the first time in a retail setting at Die Vegane Fleischerei in Berlin. Read more

GOURMEY | Becomes the first cultivated meat company to have its regulatory application validated by UK food safety authorities, moving its cultivated foie gras into the full risk assessment phase. Read more

UPSTREAM FOODS | Announces it is winding down operations after being unable to secure the necessary capital to bring its cultivated salmon fat to market. Read more

OSHI | Secures a major US foodservice distribution deal with Sysco, making its plant-based salmon available nationwide and marking a significant growth milestone for the company. Read more

THE PLANT BASED SEAFOOD CO & OSHI | Are named among PETA’s top vegan seafood brands of 2025. The former is recognized for its comprehensive range of seafood alternatives, while the latter is highlighted for its 3D-printed whole-cut vegan salmon. Read more

VLY | Joins forces with retailer REWE and other manufacturers to petition the German government to reduce the VAT on plant-based drinks from 19% to 7%, aiming to level the playing field with dairy products. Read more

MÖ | Reports an 88% sales growth in Finland for 2024 and is preparing for European expansion with a €2.4M funding round to scale its oat-based cheese products. Read more

DIMUTO | Becomes the first company to import Indonesian-grown raspberries to Singapore, a move aimed at building regional supply chain resilience amidst global instability. Read more

 

 

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