EXBERRY color supplier, GNT, has launched an independent investment firm, aiming to accelerate innovation and boost sustainability at every stage of the value chain.
GNT was founded in 1978 with a vision to pioneer truly natural colors from fruit, vegetables, and plants. It remains an independent, family-owned business with a commitment to creating plant-based, sustainable ingredients.
GNT Ventures was created to invest in start-up companies that have the potential to help pioneer new and improved plant-based coloring solutions. Its focus is on four key areas – raw materials and fermentation, processing, food ingredients, and upcycling.
The firm has already executed some investments, including the recently announced partnership with Plume Biotechnology to create new plant-based EXBERRY color 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.
GNT Ventures managing director, Finn Rieken, said the company is 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,” said Rieken.
GNT Ventures states 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 (~$1.6 million).
The firm also has a state-of-the-art food grade pilot plant to test and optimise processes. It aims to offer research and development know-how as well as processing expertise to help new businesses develop ideas more effectively.
In addition, GNT Ventures will focus on delivering commercial support. This includes ensuring innovations reach a wide range of customers within the food and beverage industry, connecting start-ups with partners across the entire value chain, and offering guidance on regulatory compliance and IP.
GNT Group’s managing director, Frederik Hoeck, said the company knows what it's like to be starting out and pushing for growth.
“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,” said Hoeck.
