Dutch ingredients startup Vivici has secured €32.5m ($38.4m) in Series A funding to support commercial expansion and manufacturing development.
Vivici said the capital will fund its entry into additional international markets and support the introduction of a second precision-fermented dairy protein ingredient.
The funds will also be used to build out long-term production capabilities as the company moves towards full commercialisation.
The round was co-led by APG, on behalf of pension fund ABP, as well as Invest-NL.
They were joined by InnovationQuarter and existing shareholders dsm-firmenich and New Zealand dairy co-operative Fonterra.
The company has already signed initial offtake agreements for dairy proteins made through precision fermentation, a biotechnology method that produces proteins without using animals.
Vivici CEO Stephan van Sint Fiet 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 are bringing a new standard of protein to the market – one that will become a mainstay of consumer protein products.”
Established in 2023 to commercialise precision fermentation, Vivici sells its proteins under the Vivitein platform.
Its first product, Vivitein BLG (beta-lactoglobulin), is an isolated whey protein aimed at active nutrition uses such as clear protein beverages and vegan-friendly bars.
Vivici intends to launch lactoferrin under the Vivitein LF brand later this year.
The senior leadership team, headed by former International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF) executive Stephan van Sint Fiet, has experience in ingredient applications and commercialisation.
Vivici said the Vivitein platform is designed to complement conventional dairy protein production and address rising global demand for dietary protein.
