Alternative Protein

The Chicago-based start-up plans to launch its products across the US in 2022 and wants to use its established bases in Singapore and India as a springboard into the continent.

The Canadian pension’s venture capital arm made its first agtech investment in June, as it used its direct investment mandate to enter the alternative protein space.

Two California-based cell-cultured meat start-ups look set to receive regulatory approval this year as the niche alternative protein sector edges closer to putting its products on dining tables.

Managing partner Reuben Munger says the Sustainable Asset Fund exceeded its $1bn target and the four and a half month fund raise reflects investor appetite for sustainable real assets.

Every 10th portion of protein consumed on Earth could be alternative by 2035, says Boston Consulting Group. Strategically placed investors may be in sight of very handsome returns.

The San Francisco-based start-up launched an Asia-based JV with Proterra Investment Partners last year and won the global race to have cultured meat product approved for consumption.

The country's demand for protein in all its forms is set to continue growing as the population gets wealthier.

The San Francisco-based start-up is in discussions with Proterra about a cultured meat partnership at a time when more Asian investors want exposure to the space.

Founder Nick Cooney says Asian family offices provided 70% of the $23m already raised towards a $50m target, as Asian governments introduce incentives to support investment into the alternative protein space.

Big Idea Ventures' portfolio companies have also fared well on the fundraising trail, as the firm plots a successor $250m vehicle to its debut $50m fund.