The alternative protein sector has been gaining momentum in recent years, with companies like Upside Foods and Good Meat leading the charge. As more consumers turn to plant-based diets and sustainable food options, investment in this space is on the rise. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the latest developments in the industry and speak with the founders of Joyful Ventures, a new venture capital firm focused on investing in alternative protein startups.
Upside Foods and Good Meat: Pioneers in the Industry
Upside Foods and Good Meat are two companies that have made significant strides in developing plant-based meat alternatives. With their products now being sold in Singapore and the United States, respectively, these companies are pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the alternative protein space.
"We’ve got the products being sold in Singapore for the last two years," says an executive from Good Meat. "Now we’ve got the United States, which is arguably the biggest, depending on which metric to use, meat market in the world, ready to serve to consumers potentially by the end of 2023."
Joyful Ventures: Investing in the Future of Alternative Protein
Founded by Blaine Vess, Jennifer Stojkovic, and Milo Runkle, Joyful Ventures is a new venture capital firm focused on investing in alternative protein startups. With their combined experience and expertise in the industry, they’re well-positioned to identify and support innovative companies that are shaping the future of food.
"We’re investing in founders that are in it for the long haul," says Vess. "We look for people that understand what it takes to disrupt a 100-year-old system, and for companies that are not only making food ingredients that can eliminate animals but also serve high-end cosmetic companies."
What Joyful Ventures Looks for in an Investment
When evaluating potential investments, Joyful Ventures looks for companies with multiple revenue streams, geographically agnostic approaches, and a deep understanding of the market. They’re also committed to avoiding hype and thoroughly vetting each opportunity.
"We have looked at hundreds of deals since we closed the round," says Stojkovic. "We are extremely thorough with our process and what types of opportunities we’re looking at."
Why Founders Should Choose Joyful Ventures
With their combined experience as entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts, Joyful Ventures is uniquely positioned to support founders in the alternative protein space.
"We are geographically agnostic and looking at companies all over the world," says Runkle. "We also have a two-time exited founder on our team, who built his own company from the ground up as CEO, so we have the chops to really understand who are the founders that take it to the finish line."
Conclusion
The alternative protein sector is rapidly evolving, with companies like Upside Foods and Good Meat leading the way. Joyful Ventures, with their deep understanding of the industry and commitment to supporting innovative startups, is well-positioned to play a key role in shaping the future of food.
As the market continues to grow and mature, it’s likely that we’ll see even more investment in this space. With Joyful Ventures at the forefront, one thing is clear: the future of alternative protein looks bright indeed.
About the Authors
Christine Hall is a senior reporter at TechCrunch, covering enterprise/B2B, e-commerce, and foodtech for the site. She has an undergraduate journalism degree from Murray State University and a graduate degree from The Ohio State University.
Blaine Vess, Jennifer Stojkovic, and Milo Runkle are the founders of Joyful Ventures, a new venture capital firm focused on investing in alternative protein startups.
Related Stories
- Climate: Google strikes world’s largest biochar carbon removal deal with Indian startup Varaha
- Fintech: Hyperline secures $10 million for its automated billing platform
- AI: Chinese AI company MiniMax releases new models it claims are competitive with the industry’s best
Sign up for our newsletters
Stay up-to-date on the latest news and trends in venture capital, foodtech, and more by subscribing to our newsletters. Choose from TechCrunch Daily News, TechCrunch AI, TechCrunch Space, Startups Weekly, and more.
By submitting your email address, you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
