- Ingredients startup backed by dsm-firmenich and Fonterra advances on its path to full commercialisation.
- New investors include Pensioenfonds ABP, Invest-NL, and InnovationQuarter.
- Startup to launch its second dairy protein from precision fermentation in H2 2025.
LEIDEN, The Netherlands, Feb. 25, 2025 — Vivici, the Dutch ingredients startup backed by nutrition, health and beauty multinational dsm-firmenich and dairy multinational Fonterra, announces that it has secured €32.5 million (approx. US $33.7 million) in Series A funding.
The funding round was led by APG on behalf of ABP, one of the largest pension funds in the world, and Invest-NL. Additional participation came from InnovationQuarter, as well as continued support from existing shareholders dsm-firmenich and Fonterra.
Vivici has already secured the first customer offtake agreements for its dairy protein from precision fermentation. It will use the funding to expand its access into new international markets, launch its second dairy protein ingredient, and establish long-term manufacturing capabilities.
Precision fermentation – the method used by Vivici to create dairy protein – combines the process of traditional fermentation with the latest advances in biotechnology, producing proteins without the need for animals. The technology promises to sustainably meet the protein needs of the world’s growing population, without compromising on price, taste, or nutritional quality.
With Vivitein™, its proprietary protein platform, Vivici aims to significantly complement the protein production of the dairy industry. As such, the Vivitein™ platform will help to feed a global population that demands an ever-increasing quantity and quality of protein in its diet.
“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. “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.”
Vivitein™ BLG, an isolated whey protein (beta-lactoglobulin), is the first ingredient to be launched under the company’s Vivitein™ protein platform. Compared to conventional methods of producing dairy protein, Vivitein™ BLG will offer significant environmental benefits, including 86% less water usage and a carbon footprint that is 68% lower.1
“The Vivitein™ protein platform offers a compelling package of sustainability, consumer, and commercial benefits.” says Lodewijk Meens, senior portfolio manager at APG Netherlands Energy Transition & Biodiversity fund. “This makes it a strong proposition for food companies looking to unlock new potential, now and in the long term.”
Vivici was founded in 2023 with the mission of realising the commercial potential of precision fermentation. Its senior team, led by former IFF executive van Sint Fiet, features decades of combined experience in ingredient application, giving the company a level of both commercial and technical acumen that is unrivalled amongst food biotechnology companies.
The company’s first ingredient, Vivitein™ BLG, is targeted specifically at consumers in the active nutrition category. The category was valued globally at US $28.4 billion a year in 20232 and grew by 8.5% in that year3, with similar growth expected for coming years. By unlocking a range of consumer product innovations, including clear water-based protein drinks and vegan-friendly bars with textures similar to those made with animal-derived ingredients, Vivitein™ BLG will open up vast new commercial potential in the active nutrition category.
Continuing its momentum, the company promises a strong pipeline of future ingredient products, with lactoferrin – Vivitein™ LF – to be launched later this year.
References
1 Life Cycle Assessment (ISO 14040-44 guidelines (NEN, 2006)) authored by CE Delft, February 2025
2 Global Data, Sports and Active Nutrition Market Growth Analysis by Region, Country, Brands, Distribution Channel, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2028, 21 November 2024
https://www.globaldata.com/store/report/sports-and-active-nutrition-market-growth-analysis/
3 LEK Consulting, Fueling the Future: Why Active Nutrition is the Next Big Bet, 29 October 2024. https://www.lek.com/insights/con/us/ei/fueling-future-why-active-nutrition-next-big-bet
About Vivici
Vivici was founded in 2023 with the mission of making the promise of dairy protein from precision fermentation a commercial reality. Based in the Netherlands, and backed by leading nutrition, health and beauty multinational dsm-firmenich and dairy multinational Fonterra, Vivici combines breakthrough innovation and unrivalled ingredients industry experience to help food companies unlock new commercial potential, sustainably.
Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2627155/vivici_Logo.jpg
SOURCE Vivici B.V.
