Invest-NL is developing the Fastlane programme for innovative protein pioneers who are accelerating the protein transition

Invest-NL focuses on the transition to a CO₂-neutral, circular economy. The protein transition is an important part of this. The meat and dairy industry is responsible for much CO₂ emission. In order to create a CO₂-neutral future, we therefore need to produce and consume fewer animal-based and more vegetable-based protein sources. Innovation is sorely needed in order to optimise the food chain and positively influence our eating habits.

The Netherlands is home to many innovative pioneers with new technologies and ingredients that can play a key role in the protein transition. In practice, however, it is difficult for these entrepreneurs to successfully scale up and attract sufficient growth funding. Many start-ups encounter common pitfalls that hinder the growth of their businesses, obstruct the transition to plant-based proteins.

The Fastlane programme

Invest-NL has joined forces with Foodvalley NL and ScaleUpNation to launch the Fastlane programme. The programme focuses on companies with innovative technologies, ingredients and production methodologies that can accelerate the protein transition. The idea behind Fastlane is actually quite simple: entrepreneurs get support from a multidisciplinary team of experienced experts to develop their venture faster and in a more targeted way in order to attract growth funding. Over a tight 100-day schedule, they work towards achieving specific milestones that are essential in order to attract growth funding. The company receives advice and support from experts on a variety of issues in order to boost its growth and prepare it for the next funding round.

The first pilot of the programme will begin in July 2021 and will offer entrepreneurs the opportunity to contribute ideas towards the further implementation of the programme.

Interested?

For the pilot programme, we are currently looking for ambitious ventures that offer an innovative solution for the protein transition, focusing on Food vs. Feed, and which anticipate a capital requirement of at least € 10 million over the next one to three years.

As an entrepreneur, do you meet these conditions and are you interested in participating in the programme? Please send an email to fastlane@invest-nl.nl briefly explaining your growth ambitions and your reasons for participating.

To website Foodvalley

To website ScaleUpNation