#nutrition #sustainability #impact

Trends

EMBEDDING SUSTAINABILITY INTO THE FOODTECH SECTOR

Ultra-processed foods, including sugary cereals, chips, and pre-packaged snacks, contribute to over half of our daily calorie intake. Their high levels of salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats are linked to obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. Moreover, the environmental impact of processed foods is significant, involving excessive water, land, and energy usage.

Väcka, a Spanish startup founded in 2021, develops organic cheese alternatives which prioritize health and sustainability. Their products are made from ingredients like olive oil and fermented melon seed milk, significantly reducing water usage, land footprint and CO2 emissions.

Baïa Food, a Madrid-based startup, aims to reduce sugar consumption and reliance on ultra processed supplements. They offer natural supplements based on organic food that comes from small local crops to empower individuals to adopt a healthy lifestyle.

More about Väcka (El Referente)

PE & VC Investments

#M&A

Professional Training: Edflex acquires its competitor OfCourseMe

French EdTech company Edflex has recently acquired OfCourseMe, one of the leading players in digital learning in Italy. It illustrates Edflex's strategic intent to solidify its position in the European market for content aggregation and curation.

With this acquisition in Italy, Edflex is entering a highly complementary market to France with a potential of 5 million employees to train. Edflex will also be able to offer a broader spectrum of courses including Italian content and a selection of new international publishers.

This acquisition marks a new stage in Edflex's development with now more than 300 clients and 1.5 million users.

More information

#Startups

Dutch-based Solarge raises EUR 3 Mln to scale up production of its PFAS-free and circular solar panels

Dutch manufacturer Solarge, known for its innovative circular and lightweight solar panels, has secured EUR 3 Mln in a new financing round led by impact funds Phase2.earth and Orchard Participations.

Solarge's panels are designed to be 100% circular and significantly lighter than traditional options. The lighter weight enables solar panel installation on 40% more roofs in the Netherlands. Solarge's panels are free of harmful PFAS chemicals and are fully recyclable at the end of their lifespan.

The funds raised will allow Solarge to ramp up the production of its sustainable solar panels and make them more accessible.

More information

#Fundraising

Spotify-backer Lakestar raises USD 600 Mln for early stage and growth stage fund

European VC Lakestar has recently closed a USD 600 Mln funding vehicle. This capital will be directed towards European companies working in deep tech, AI, healthcare, digitalization, and fintech, with a focus on sustainability and positive impact.

The fund will be split strategically into two funds: an early-stage fund of USD 280 Mln which will target seed and Series A rounds, nurturing promising startups, and the remaining USD 320 Mln, which will go towards a later-stage fund focusing on Series B rounds and beyond.

This structure allows Lakestar to support European innovation throughout various growth phases, fostering a sustainable future.

More information

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