Barcelona and Berlin-based biotech startup Esencia Foods, which is revolutionizing whole-cut vegan alternatives through mycelium fermentation, has received a €2 million grant from the EIC Accelerator to bring its product to market.
- Founded in 2022 by Bruno Scocozza and Hendrik Kaye, Esencia Foods creates vegan meat and seafood alternatives using mycelium fermentation, making it the first company in Europe to do so.
- Their process mimics the texture and taste of real meat with minimal processing. The company aims to offer affordable, scalable alternatives to traditional animal-based food. Esencia Foods partners with chefs, restaurants, and food businesses to bring high-quality plant-based options to the market.
Details of the deal
- The grant came from the EIC Accelerator, which offers startups and SME grants up to €2.5 million and equity investments from €0.5 million to €15 million (up to €10 million in 2025). It also provides access to Business Acceleration Services, connecting projects with experts, investors, and corporate partners.
- The startup will receive additional equity investment from the EIC Fund as required. The grant will help scale production and facilitate the launch of their products to the market.
"This was the EIC's most competitive funding round to date! Winning the EIC Accelerator marks a huge milestone in our journey to scale up mycelium solid state fermentation for alternative proteins," explains Hendrik Kaye, co-founder of Esencia Foods.
