#Japan #Tokyo #KII #Fermecutes #Kin-pun

KII's Strategic Investment in Fermecutes

In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable food production, the Keio Innovation Initiative (KII) recently announced its investment in Fermecutes, a startup originating from Keio University. This partnership is not only financial but represents a shared vision for utilizing advanced fermentation technology to forge a new path in protein cultivation.

Fermecutes has successfully secured a total funding of 2.5 billion yen through a third-party allotment of shares, which KII is facilitating along with other investors. This significant financial influx will advance Fermecutes’ ongoing development of novel protein sources derived from natto bacteria, specifically their innovative product Kin-pun®.

Advancing Sustainable Protein Sources

With the global population steadily increasing, the demand for sustainable protein sources has never been more urgent. Fermecutes stands at the forefront of this challenge by utilizing upcycled materials in large-scale cultivation systems for natto bacteria. Their goal is to establish an environmentally friendly supply model while ensuring food products that meet both taste and nutritional needs.

One of the major hurdles in the alternative protein market is the consumer's culinary experience. Nonetheless, through extensive taste tests involving thousands of participants, Fermecutes has garnered high praise for its flavor and aroma profiles, setting the stage for a successful market introduction. This recent funding will enable the company to further scale its cultivation technologies and expand its product lineup, thereby accelerating the social implementation of next-generation protein foods, including Kin-pun®.

Company Overview: Fermecutes

• - Company Name: Fermecutes Inc.
• - Location: 246-2 Mizukami, Kakkanshi, Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture
• - CEO: Yoshimitsu Ohashi
• - Established: July 2021
• - Business Focus: Research, development, production, and sales of novel protein materials utilizing fermentation
• - Website: Fermecutes

About Keio Innovation Initiative (KII)

Founded in December 2015, KII aims to foster startups that harness research outcomes from Keio University. Since January 2020, KII has focused on supporting academic-driven startups tackling societal issues through impactful innovations and technology.

In October 2023, KII launched the KII No. 3 Impact Fund, becoming the first university venture capital firm to establish an impact fund. KII’s mission is to realize a society in which everyone can lead a healthy and fulfilling life while also driving positive measurable social and environmental impacts alongside financial returns through academic startups.

KII Overview

• - Company Name: Keio Innovation Initiative, Inc.
• - Business Focus: Development of technology-based ventures from universities, management of venture capital funds.
• - Capital: 100 million yen (Including 50 million yen in capital reserves)
• - CEO: Kotaro Yamagishi
• - Website: KII

KII and Fermecutes are poised to bring about meaningful change in the protein production landscape, leveraging advanced technology and sustainable practices to fulfill the growing need for food security in the modern world.