Expanding its focus on sustainable agriculture, nextProtein, a Paris-based company innovating in insect-based protein, has announced a Series B funding round amounting to €18 million. By converting food waste into protein-rich insect feed, nextProtein aims to reshape livestock and aquaculture industries with cost-effective solutions. The company emphasizes efficiency and scalability as key components in its operational model, allowing it to offer viable alternatives to traditional feed resources.
The recent funding round co-led by SWEN Capital Partners’ Blue Ocean Fund and British International Investment highlights growing investor confidence. SWEN Capital Partners, part of the Ofi Invest Group, maintains a portfolio dedicated to sustainable finance, reflecting its institutional focus on responsible investments. The inclusion of senior debt financing from Société Générale, CIC Paris Innovation, and La Banque des Start-ups by LCL further supports nextProtein’s ambitious expansion plans. Such a broad investor interest illustrates how financial institutions are increasingly backing sustainable initiatives, particularly in addressing global food system challenges.
What Does the Funding Mean for Production?
The newly acquired capital will primarily facilitate the opening of nextProtein’s second large-scale production facility in Tunisia. Planned annual output includes 12,000 tons of insect ingredients, comprising 2,500 tons of high-grade protein powder. These resources will cater to aquaculture, livestock, and pet food markets, offering a sustainable alternative as demand for protein continues to rise.
How Does nextProtein Differentiate Its Model?
Founded by Syrine Chaalala and Mohamed Gastli, nextProtein leverages a robust technology platform to convert low-value agricultural by-products, raising black soldier fly larvae to produce nextMeal, nextOil, and nextGrow. This approach promotes environmental efficiency while maintaining cost-effectiveness. By focusing on emerging markets, nextProtein positions itself to compete with traditional protein sources on price and availability. The company’s commitment to R&D has enhanced its feed conversion ratios, proving the scalability of its technology.
Gastli, co-founder and CEO, emphasizes efficiency in operations:
“With this funding, we are taking a decisive step toward producing insect protein at true industrial scale.”
Chaalala echoes this sentiment, underscoring the competitive edge:
“The challenge is no longer whether insect protein works—it does—but whether it can compete on cost and availability with existing commodities.”
nextProtein’s strategy of utilizing diverse feedstocks positions it as both economically viable and environmentally beneficial. The reduced need for land, water, and lower carbon emissions showcases aligned sustainable practices while pioneering new avenues in the protein supply chain.
This venture continues to draw interest from sectors focused on sustainable food solutions. In previous years, efforts were primarily small-scale, focusing on validating the effectiveness of insect protein. The transition to industrial-grade facilities and expanded market scope reflects industry maturation and addresses global demands.
As insect protein gains momentum globally, nextProtein is well-poised to influence market trends and redefine feed production. The amalgamation of investor interest, proprietary technology, and scalable operations underscores the growing significance of innovative protein solutions. This expansion places nextProtein as a significant contender in creating sustainable and economically feasible agricultural methods.
