Investment division for GNT targets supporting emerging plant-based sustainability enterprises
GNT is seeking to support new plant-based ventures. Pic: GNT/i-stock
Colouring foods specialist, GNT, has set out to launch an independent investment firm that is targeting accelerated innovation within the group through backing innovative enterprises, as it seeks to further enhance its sustainability credentials, writes Neill Barston.
The Netherlands-based business unveiled plans for its GNT Venture arm which will look at every aspect of its operations across the value chain, and will specifically set out to identify start-ups within the sector that it can nurture to the next stage of their development, including within confectionery, snacks and bakery markets.
As the company explained, it will be specifically seeking new companies that have the potential to help pioneer new and improved plant-based colouring solutions. Its focus is on four key areas: raw materials and fermentation, processing, food ingredients, and upcycling. It is part of GNT’s long-term strategy to reshape the plant-based color landscape with innovative new products that can drive a healthier future for the people and the planet.
According to the business, GNT Ventures has already executed some investments, including the recently announced partnership with Plume Biotechnology to create new plant-based Exberry colour solutions using unique fermentation technologies. The firm is now aiming to significantly step up its investment activity and is actively seeking out new collaborations with further start-ups worldwide.
Finn Rieken, Managing Director of GNT Ventures, enthused about the company’s latest development: “We’re looking to build mutually beneficial relationships with start-ups that dare to dream big and have the drive to shape tomorrow’s planet. We can provide financial, technical, commercial, and regulatory support, using our expertise to not only help bring bold new visions to life but successfully market them worldwide.”
GNT Ventures is seeking to collaborate with start-ups by providing them with the tools they need to bring cutting-edge ideas to life. It can provide comprehensive financial support, whether by leading the financing as a sole investor or helping to share the load as co-leads. It is primarily focused on pre-seed to series A funding, with a maximum ticket size of €1 million.
Advanced facilities
Notably, the new business unit also has a state-of-the-art food grade pilot plant to test and optimise processes. It can offer research and development know-how as well as processing expertise to help new businesses develop their ideas more quickly and effectively.
In addition, GNT Ventures can deliver comprehensive commercial support. This includes ensuring innovations reach a wide range of customers within the food and beverage industry as well as connecting start-ups with partners across the entire value chain. It also offers guidance on regulatory compliance and IP.
The new unit will support the work of its parent business, which since its founding in 1978 with a vision to pioneer truly natural colours from fruit, vegetables, and plants, has gone on to retain its status as an independent, family-owned business with a commitment to creating plant-based, sustainable ingredients.
Dr. Kai Reineke, Technical Lead at GNT Ventures, said: “We aim to establish synergistic partnerships with innovative start-ups that aspire to achieve significant breakthroughs. Leveraging our extensive technical expertise, we provide comprehensive support to facilitate the realization of ambitious projects and ensure their success.”
Frederik Hoeck, GNT Group’s Managing Director, said: “GNT is now firmly established as a global leader in natural colors, but we know what it’s like to be a small company and grow. We started from humble beginnings and fully understand the challenges involved and how hard it can be to overcome them. We want to help start-ups find their own successful paths so that we can reshape tomorrow’s planet together.”
