- Menlo Park-based leading alternative protein producer Calysta recently announced it secured $30 million from BP Ventures
Calysta is a Menlo Park-based leading alternative protein producer that recently secured $30 million from BP Ventures to support a worldwide rollout of its FeedKind protein — which helps improve global food security (one of the greatest challenges facing the world now). In conjunction with the funding round, BP Ventures senior principal David Hayes will be taking up a director seat on the board.
This round of funding will enable Calysta to expand production of its sustainable single-cell protein — which is produced through a proprietary commercially-validated gas fermentation process using naturally occurring non-GM microbes with a unique ability to use methane as their energy source. Through extensive customer trials around the world, FeedKind protein has been demonstrated to be an effective, safe, and nutritious feed ingredient.
“Welcoming BP as a partner is a tremendous step forward for FeedKind protein and the best indicator yet that Calysta’s solution to food insecurity in a resource-constrained world can and will achieve global scale,” said Calysta president and CEO Alan Shaw, Ph.D. in a statement. “The problems facing our food production supply chains have never been more clear, with increasing evidence that land and water scarcity are key challenges to meeting future demand for protein. FeedKind makes more from less, producing feed for livestock, fish, and pets while making smarter use of our resources.”
Calysta’s patented state-of-the-art fermentation process uses no arable land and very little water. And it does not compete with the human food chain, meaning more food can be made with fewer resources. And in aquaculture, Calysta’s initial market opportunity FeedKind is seen as a key enabler for growth by reducing reliance on conventional sources of proteins. This investment agreement will also see BP and Calysta establish a strategic partnership around gas and power supply.
“We are really excited to be working with the team at Calysta, bringing them into the BP Ventures family as we seek new commercial opportunities for our gas business. Their technology complements our core business while providing opportunities for sustainable products for tomorrow,” added BP Ventures managing director Meghan Sharp.
As the global population grows from 7 billion in 2010 to a projected 9.8 billion in 2050, and incomes grow across the developing world, overall food demand is on course for increasing by more than 50% and demand for animal-based foods by nearly 70%. FeedKind protein can help achieve a sustainable food future by meeting the growing demands for food while avoiding deforestation and allowing the restoration of abandoned and unproductive land.
FeedKind is already being developed from the company’s Market Introduction Facility (MIF) in Teesside, England for supporting market development activities with leading animal nutrition companies around the world.
Here is a video explanation of how it works:
