Unovis Asset Management

Unovis Asset Management invests in companies that are redefining food production through alternative proteins. Their investment strategy encompasses funding for plant-based products, cellular agriculture, and other innovations in the food sector. The firm supports entrepreneurs at various stages, from Pre-Seed through Series B, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and the reduction of the environmental impact of animal agriculture.

The firm targets investments that provide direct replacements for animal proteins, including plant-based meat, dairy, eggs, and seafood. Unovis evaluates potential investments based on their ability to innovate along the alternative protein production value chain, focusing on high-impact mass-market opportunities. The firm looks for companies that align with its thesis of transforming the global food system through sustainable, animal-free protein alternatives.

Geographically, Unovis has a broad reach, with investments in North America, Europe, and Asia. The check sizes range from $500,000 to $5 million, allowing the firm to support a variety of startups at different stages of their growth. Unovis emphasizes the importance of sustainability in its investment decisions, seeking to partner with founders who share a commitment to reducing the environmental footprint of food production.

Unovis Asset Management has built a diverse portfolio of companies that are making significant strides in the alternative protein sector. Notable portfolio companies include:

• Alpha Foods: A plant-based startup that raised $28 million to expand its product offerings and international distribution.
• BlueNalu: A company focused on creating seafood from fish cells, which secured $20 million in Series A funding to accelerate its development.
• Heura Foods: A plant-based meat producer known for its clean-label products available in Spain and France.
• Gathered Foods: Makers of Good Catch plant-based seafood, which secured significant funding to grow its business.
• Beyond Meat: A leading plant-based meat company that has achieved IPO status, showcasing the potential of alternative proteins.
• Aleph Farms: A cultivated steak company based in Israel, focusing on sustainable meat production.
• The Protein Brewery: A fermentation-based dietary protein ingredient company that is innovating in the food tech space.
• Nobell: A plant molecular-farming dairy-protein company aimed at producing animal-free cheese.
• NOVAMEAT: A Barcelona-based company specializing in plant-based whole-cut meat alternatives.
• Oshi: A company producing whole-cut plant-based fish fillets, contributing to the seafood alternative market.
• Abbot's Butcher: A producer of plant-based meat analogs, focusing on quality and taste.
• Black Sheep Foods: A company creating plant-based lamb alternatives, expanding the variety of meat substitutes available.
• Geltor: A precision-fermentation company producing animal-free collagen and other proteins.

Chris Kerr: Founding Partner and Chief Investment Officer at Unovis Asset Management. He has over 30 years of experience in startups and venture investing, with a focus on food and plant-based innovations since 2007. Chris has held director and chair roles in several portfolio companies, including Gathered Foods and BlueNalu.

Dan Altschuler Malek: Managing Partner for North America and Israel. Dan brings 25 years of experience in food-related entrepreneurship and investment. He leads Unovis's efforts in North America and Israel and has been associated with companies like Black Sheep Foods and Nova Meat.

Kim Odhner: Managing Partner for Europe and Asia. Kim has over 25 years of experience living and investing in emerging economies. Based in Amsterdam, she oversees Unovis's operations in Europe and Asia, with board roles in companies such as Heura Foods and The Protein Brewery.

Mark Langley: Managing Partner and Portfolio Manager. Mark has a background in engineering and economic consulting, with experience in high-tech analysis and advisory work for plant-based startups. He focuses on deal flow and market analysis.

Kevin Boylan: Partner at Unovis Ventures. Kevin has over 40 years of experience in capital markets and impact investing. He is a co-founder of Veggie Grill and has held advisory roles in various food and food-policy organizations.

To pitch Unovis Asset Management, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website. It is essential to include a comprehensive pitch deck that outlines the business model, market opportunity, and sustainability aspects of the product. Unovis prefers pitches that demonstrate a clear understanding of the alternative protein landscape and the specific challenges the startup aims to address.

Response times can vary, but founders should expect to hear back within a few weeks. While warm introductions can be beneficial, they are not strictly necessary. Unovis values innovative ideas and strong teams, so a well-crafted pitch can stand out even without a direct connection.

Unovis Asset Management collaborates with Dao Foods to run a plant-based incubator in China. This program supports startups with financial backing, mentorship, and development workshops over a six-month period, helping them to refine their business models and accelerate growth in the alternative protein market.

In 2022, Unovis Asset Management announced the close of its second fund, Unovis NCAP Fund II, C.V., with a total size of €146 million. This fund focuses on investments in alternative proteins and sustainable food innovations.

Unovis continues to expand its portfolio, with recent investments in companies like The Protein Brewery and NOVAMEAT, which are making significant advancements in the alternative protein sector. The firm actively participates in industry events and discussions related to sustainability and food technology.