• France-based Nutropy raised USD 8.1M to scale its precision-fermented dairy proteins and launch animal-free cheese alternatives globally.
• The startup produces casein proteins identical to cow’s milk, enabling dairy products that match real cheese’s taste, texture, and nutrition.
• Nutropy plans to expand into Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East, with commercial launches expected by 2027.

Nutropy

France-based biotech startup Nutropy raised USD 8.1 million in a funding round. The round was led by Big Pi Ventures and Zero Carbon Capital. The round also saw participation from Saudi deep tech investor Beta Lab, Wyngate, cheese producer Paul Dischamp, and Desai Ventures. It also saw participation from PVS Investments, and Axel Johnson’s Novax.

Founded by Nathalie Rolland and Dr. Maya Bendifallah, PhD, Nutropy is a biotech startup specializing in foodtech.It specializes in producing milk proteins via precision fermentation. Furthermore, it provides plug and play powdered solutions for companies to develop future friendly dairy products that meet taste, nutrition and sustainability expectations.

Cheese

As global dairy demand soars and the number of farmers declines, leading to projections for a 30-million-tonne milk shortage by 2030. Nutropy aims to bridge this gap with precision-fermented dairy proteins that replicate real cheese’s taste and texture, minus the cow. With many plant-based alternatives like vegan cheese still struggling to win over consumers, the startup is betting on precision-fermented dairy proteins to deliver the taste and texture of real cheese, without the cow.

In an attempt to safeguard the future of cheese, the startup is focusing on casein, the main protein group found in dairy. These are responsible for the meltability and stretchability of cheese. It programmes microorganisms to produce casein proteins identical to those found in cow’s milk. 

Up next, with the funds it aims to scale its operation and provide larger samples to food manufacturers. It also plans to launch its commercial products by 2027 to food producers across Europe, North America, Asia and the Middle East.

“Our target markets are North America, Europe, particular Asian countries, as well as the Middle East. We hope to have our first right to sell in 2027,” said Nathalie Rolland, CEO and Co-Founder of Nutropy.