NEW TECH FOODS

Dutch ingredients start-up Vivici has raised €32.5 million in Series A funding to expand its precision fermentation dairy protein business.

The funding round was led by APG on behalf of pension fund ABP and Invest-NL, with additional backing from InnovationQuarter and existing shareholders DSM-Firmenich and Fonterra.

Vivici plans to use the investment to enter new international markets, launch its second dairy protein ingredient and build long-term manufacturing capabilities. The company has already secured its first customer offtake agreements for its dairy proteins, produced using precision fermentation – a biotechnology-driven process that replicates traditional fermentation without relying on animals.

The company’s first commercial product, Vivitein BLG, is an isolated whey protein (beta-lactoglobulin) designed to supplement dairy industry protein production, supporting the growing global demand for high-quality protein. The ingredient claims to offer significant environmental benefits compared to conventional dairy protein production, including 86% lower water usage and a 68% reduction in carbon footprint.

Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici, said: "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. With our Vivitein protein platform, we're bringing a new standard of protein to the market – one that will become a mainstay of consumer protein products."

Lodewijk Meens, senior portfolio manager at APG Netherlands Energy Transition & Biodiversity fund, added: "The Vivitein protein platform offers a compelling package of sustainability, consumer and commercial benefits. This makes it a strong proposition for food companies looking to unlock new potential, now and in the long term."

The company intends to expand its product portfolio, with the launch of lactoferrin (Vivitein LF) expected later this year.