Investment of the month: 'NL can lead the protein transition'

The mission of the Leiden-based startup Vivici is to produce proteins on a large scale that do not involve animals. Last week, the company raised €32.5 million from investors, including Invest-NL and pension fund ABP. “We need to come up with products that are at least as good as those that do rely on animal protein,” says Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici.

He has been at the helm of Vivici since its founding in 2023 and has more than 20 years of experience in the biotech industry. At the time of our interview, he is in California, where he has several events scheduled: “A bite or sip says more than a thousand Powerpoint slides.” And so he invites consumers and potential tech partners to sample from the protein bar or the clear-not milky!-drink from Vivici. Consumers adopting the products, the CEO says, is “most important.”

It is also the biggest challenge. Only if consumers switch to plant-based proteins on a large scale can the Leiden startup make an impact. “Sure, we must develop our technology, scale up, bring down production and development costs. But those are all things you can get out of with tight planning and a clear vision.”

Contributing to a sustainable protein portfolio with precision fermentation

Vivici's ultimate goal is to help build a sustainable protein portfolio. In 2050, 10 billion people will need access to healthy and nutritious food.  Van Sint Fiet: “There is no scenario in which we can achieve that with animal proteins. Now is the time to scale up alternative proteins. And they need to have it all: they need to be tasty, affordable, nutritious, and sustainable.”

Vivici is part of a new generation of companies that use precision fermentation to produce proteins. This process, which uses microorganisms, has been used to produce foods such as yogurt and bread for thousands of years. Vivici combines this ancient method with modern biotechnology to teach microorganisms to make milk proteins. Precision fermentation ensures a more sustainable production and guarantees a constant and efficient protein supply.

Beta-lactoglobulin: the heart of Vivici

The protein beta-lactoglobulin (BLG) is central to Vivici's mission and has numerous beneficial properties. Its high nutritional value compared to many other proteins makes it a valuable addition to various foods and beverages. In addition, its gelling, foaming and emulsifying properties contribute to improved texture and mouthfeel. “BLG is one of the best parts of milk, that's why everyone loves this protein”, Van Sint Fliet explains. “We make ‘the real thing’ but without the need for animal agriculture.”

The biotech company is a B2B ingredient provider focusing on sustainable protein. It creates product concepts to let customers experience what their product can do. Among other products, Vivici produced a clear protein drink in addition to regular protein powders and protein bars. Van Sint Fiet: “It is not a typical milky protein drink, but a clear and hydrating protein drink. It  is rapidly gaining popularity in the U.S. and offers a light, refreshing way to get protein without the heavy feeling of traditional, milky varieties.”

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Netherlands at the forefront of protein transition

Recently, other Dutch companies such as Bird and Protix, among others, announced their move to America. Not a hair on his head thinking of leaving South Holland. “The Netherlands has an incredible tradition and know-how for using yeast in producing food. There are outstanding scientists in the triangle between Leiden, Wageningen, and Delft. Moreover, we have access to a powerful ecosystem that wants to support startups. Being in the US now is only beneficial from a commercial point of view. Besides, a scientist here costs twice as much as a scientist in the Netherlands. And Vivici is a scientifically driven company.” 

The products should be on worldwide shelves in five years. The startup will expand its research and production capabilities in the Netherlands with the investment money. This will allow Vivici and the region to further position themselves as a leading industrial biotech and protein transition hub. Van Sint Fiet sees securing the €32.5 million not only as a story about Vivici but also about the broader protein transition and the role of the Netherlands in it. 

“Our country has all it takes to become an international frontrunner: access to renewable energy, talent and a strong food industry. This is the time to show leadership and consciously claim this position. Often the U.S. is looked to as a pioneer in this type of innovation, but the Netherlands has the potential to be at the forefront.”