Israeli biotech company Imaginative recently announced that it has received an investment from dairy giant Danone through its corporate venture arm, Danone Manifesto Ventures.
As a strategic investor (amount undisclosed), Danone will join Imagindairy’s journey to produce microbial proteins using precision fermentation. These novel proteins allow manufacturers to create animal-free dairy products with all the nutritional value of traditional milk in a sustainable way.
Earlier this month, Danone led a $3.5 million strategic investment round in Wilke Israel. it is The investment is $2 million, he disclosed Interest in joining Wilke to develop cell-based dairy and infant formula ingredients. Stakeholder Foods, a 3D-printed farmed meat company, also participated in the round.
Making animal-free products a reality
“Imagindairy is thrilled to be working with Danone Manifesto Ventures, bringing strategic and operational support to accelerate our growth and ability to make animal-free dairy products a reality. We believe this partnership paves the way for future collaboration with Danone, as we explore potential business applications together,” Imaginedairy said in a statement on LinkedIn.
Imagindairy aims to have a presence in Israeli retail by 2023. Based on 15 years of research led by co-founder and CSO Tamir Tuller, a PhD professor at Tel Aviv University, the company’s technology feeds microorganisms that are 20 times more efficient than cows at converting feed into protein. In 2021, the food tech raised $13 million in a seed round.
Imagindairy was among the biotech firms that formed the Precision Fermentation Alliance, a new trade organization to promote precision fermentation as a solution for a more resilient and sustainable food system.
Additionally, Imagindairy is a founding member of Food Fermentation Europe along with Better Dairy, Formo, Onego Bio, and The Vegan Cowboys. they are Representing fermented foods And the food ingredient sector, following development and innovative launches Fermentation technology and products in Europe.
Commenting on Danone’s investment, Imagindairy added: “The investment is an incredible vote of confidence in Imagindairy and a great testament to the strength of our technology and the tough road we’re on to deliver new consumer products and experiences.”