But how does this commitment to the reorganization of food production against a sustainable background fit with those who invest in this very modern vision and with it the possible risks and setbacks?
NutraIngredients spoke to Stephan Dolezalek, Executive Director of Grosvernors Wheatsheaf Group, one of the key investors who participated in Nuritas’ latest funding round.
Stephan Dolezalek, Executive Director of Grosvernor’s Wheatsheaf Group. © Stephan Dolezalek
Thank you for talking to NutraIngredients. First, what about Nuritas convinced you to invest in the Series B funding round?
“Wheatsheaf is an investor looking for ways to improve the sustainability, safety and health of our food.
“Using technologies like artificial intelligence to study food and its by-products at the molecular level, working with nature and considering the effects of such technologies is a critical new approach.
“Nuritas leads responsibility for this novel approach to making functional foods, with applicable scientific and commercial advances being carried out by a world-class team.”
Does the discovery of novel peptides and the improvement of food health mean financial support as an investor, for example when you consider the introduction of products from meat alternatives with a stop-start process?
“Absolutely. We live in a world where the food industry needs continuous investment and innovation.
“Nuritas is a leader in ingredient innovation. It consists of a talented team and world-class technology that offers unparalleled value for the future of our health and the planet.
“The data science approach from Nuritas helps to identify ingredients with a positive effect more quickly. His analytical approach focuses on avoiding some of the pitfalls that can arise with novel approaches. “
Can you comment on the potential of peptide research in the functional food, nutritional supplement and cosmetic industries? Where do you see the most promising area and the largest market share?
“We believe diet plays a vital role in wellness and preventive approaches to human health.
“So the potential of Nuritas to fortify foods or add other functional benefits is significant.
“Nuritas’ solutions are obtained from plants or natural food sources and are very versatile.”
What were your thoughts on Nuritas’ commitment to the environment and sustainability during the financing round?
“Sustainability is fundamental to the company’s success and is central to every investment we make.
“Nuritas’s proprietary technology promotes food safety and sustainability with the potential to create food products that are life-changing in their capabilities.
“This integration of science and technology will ultimately help the food industry become a healthier, safer and more sustainable industry.”
Finally, as technology companies like Nuritas are positively transforming large and growing markets, do you feel that investors are favoring these companies, especially at a time when sustainability, the environment and health are at the fore of most consumer agendas?
“We are a long-term oriented investor. A stronger focus on ESG offers a number of opportunities for technology to transform our food and agricultural systems, which has attracted investors.
“We’re focused on balancing that enthusiasm with a deeper understanding of the complex relationships between diet, nutrition and health.
“It was important that Nuritas worked on the cutting edge of science and also worked closely with leading established players in the food and health industries.
“Nuritas’s capabilities are in line with Wheatsheaf’s mission to reshape the way food is produced and consumed while helping the environment and human health.
“Finding companies that can disrupt large and growing industries is the only way to sustainably master these challenges.”
