Functional protein platform developer on mission to clean labels, improve plant-based foods
Israel-based startup Meala FoodTech, the developer of a functional protein platform, has announced the close of $1.9 million in pre-seed investment. The round was led by The Kitchen FoodTech Hub, part of The Strauss-Group and DSM Venturing (the corporate venture arm of the Dutch multinational Royal DSM); with participation of Milk & Honey Ventures, specialising in alt-protein investments. DSM Venturing’s contribution marks its third investment in the Israeli FoodTech ecosystem in 2022.
Meala’s multi-functional proteins vastly improve the texture of meat alternatives to more compellingly mimic the organoleptic qualities of real meat and deliver a more full-bodied flavor. Meala’s proprietary platform creates functional proteins designed to be used as binding and gelling agents thanks to their superior water retention capabilities. The platform enables formulators to boost meat analogues with better nutritional value and functional properties using a short list of ingredients as in real meat.
The new funding will initially go toward continuing the development of the company’s platform technology and accelerate from lab to pilot scale. The startup’s core technology enables the development of functional proteins for multiple meat replacements, including burgers, sausages, nuggets with egg and fish alternatives in development.
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