Introducing Cultivated Biosciences and Tomas
Q: Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your startup, Cultivated Biosciences?
A: I’m Tomas Turner, CEO and co-founder of Cultivated Biosciences. Our startup addresses the challenge of texture in plant-based dairy products. We leverage an innovative approach, combining fermentation with our unique technology. Essentially, we cultivate yeast to produce substantial amounts of fats. These fats are then extracted through a specialized process, producing a cream emulsion. This product is not only clean-label but also highly functional, suitable for various plant-based dairy applications, and potentially more.
Q: It’s interesting to hear about extracting fats from yeast. Could you elaborate on that?
A: Yes, it’s yeast that we use in our process. We focus on optimizing yeast fermentation to produce the fats necessary for our cream emulsion, offering a unique solution in the plant-based dairy sector.
Q: Can you share the story behind the creation of Cultivated Biosciences? Were personal experiences a key influence?
A: Yes, the journey to founding Cultivated Biosciences was indeed driven by personal experiences and a desire to create a significant impact. It started with my efforts to encourage my close circle, particularly my parents, to shift towards a plant-based diet, which didn’t go as successfully as I hoped. This personal challenge highlighted a broader issue in the adoption of plant-based foods.
Simultaneously, I began collaborating with the Good Food Institute. They are an influential NGO in the field of alternative proteins, providing crucial resources and insights. This collaboration coincided with my search for a topic for my master’s thesis. It was during this period that I discovered the potential of using oleaginous yeast to produce fats. Intrigued by this, I chose it as my thesis topic and went on to develop the foundational technology for the extraction process we use at Cultivated Biosciences. These experiences, both personal and academic, converged to form the basis of what we are building at Cultivated today.
Why Plug and Play?
Q: Why did you choose to join the Plug and Play accelerator for Cultivated Biosciences?
A: Plug and Play has a prominent presence in the startup ecosystem, and it’s hard to miss their influence when you’re active in this space. For us, based in Zurich, their close geographical presence in Paris and Milan was an appealing factor. We began conversations with them, particularly drawn to their active food and beverage accelerator program.
In terms of the application process, to be honest, I don’t recall the specifics, but I remember it being relatively smooth. The lack of distinct memories about the process is probably a good sign—it suggests that there were no significant hurdles.
The Accelerator’s Application Process
Q: What did the application involve?
A: I’m fairly certain there was some form of online application, but I can’t recall the exact details. I didn’t feel particularly anxious about it. Our perspective on joining Plug and Play was influenced by the fact that we had already participated in several accelerators. We saw it as a valuable opportunity but not as a make-or-break situation. It was more like a beneficial step to accelerate further our growth, rather than the starting point of our journey. We were aware of other opportunities and options available to us, so while it was an important step, it wasn’t the only one we were relying on.
A Day in the Life at the Accelerator
Q: Once Cultivated Biosciences joined Plug and Play, what did a typical day in the program look like?
A: The Plug and Play experience wasn’t structured around daily specific tasks. Our engagement mainly revolved around attending various webinars to gain insights and connecting with mentors. One of Plug and Play’s standout features is its extensive mentor network and the way it facilitates interactions with these mentors. Another key aspect was the opportunity to connect with corporates. Plug and Play’s global presence means they have an extensive corporate network, which was particularly beneficial for us. We established connections with several corporates, some of which we are still in discussions with today.
Q: Did the program include funding for participating startups?
A: No, we did not receive any funding as part of the Plug and Play program.
The Value of Plug and Play for Startup Growth
Q: Reflecting on the accelerator’s overall outcome, how do you evaluate its impact on Cultivated Biosciences? Would you participate in it again with the knowledge you have now?
A: Looking back, I would definitely choose to participate in Plug and Play again. The program provided substantial value, particularly through the mentor connections. Another attractive feature is that it’s an equity-free program, meaning startups have little to lose by participating. Time is a critical resource in startups, but the time invested in Plug and Play is worthwhile. The program offers unique opportunities and insights that, in most cases, startups wouldn’t have already covered. The experience was very beneficial for us and aided in our development and growth.
Overcoming Challenges and Leveraging Opportunities
Q: Did you face any specific challenges during the Plug and Play program, and how did you address them?
A: Our focus at that time was multifaceted. We were in the process of significantly expanding our team and intensifying our R&D efforts in our new laboratory. Concurrently, we were preparing to engage more with customers. The insights we gained from Plug and Play were particularly valuable as we began to intensify our customer interactions. Balancing these various aspects while participating in the accelerator was our primary challenge, but the program’s resources and mentorship proved beneficial in navigating this busy and crucial phase of our growth.
The Current State and Achievements of Cultivated Biosciences Post-Accelerator
Q: Where does Cultivated Biosciences stand now, following your participation in the accelerator? What milestones have you achieved?
A: Post-accelerator, Cultivated Biosciences is in a phase of active growth. We are currently engaged in four pilot projects with clients, which is a significant step forward in expanding our sales efforts. We have also enhanced our scale-up capacity, preparing to upgrade to 1,500-liter bioreactors. This expansion will enable us to produce more material for our sample offerings and pilot programs. Our team has grown to 15 dedicated individuals based in Zurich. We work tirelessly every day, driven by our mission and the progress we have made since the accelerator program. These developments mark significant milestones in our journey and reflect the continuous growth and evolution of our startup.
Q: Has the growth trajectory of Cultivated Biosciences changed since completing the Plug and Play accelerator?
A: Yes, there’s been a noticeable change in our growth trajectory, especially in 2023. We’ve made significant advancements in our product development, which has positively impacted our sales. I’m extremely pleased with the progress we’ve made in these areas.
Q: Can you share any quantifiable metrics that highlight your startup’s success since completing the accelerator?
A: Off the top of my head, there’s been a remarkable increase in our production capacity. Last year, we were working with 10-liter bioreactors, but now we’re scaling up to 1,500 liters and are already at 250 liters. In terms of production, we’ve gone from producing grams to kilograms of our ingredients within a year. This scale-up represents a significant leap in our production capabilities.
The Next Milestones
Q: What are the next milestones for Cultivated Biosciences, and how has the accelerator prepared you for these?
A: Our upcoming milestones are primarily focused on regulatory aspects. We’re preparing for FDA self-GRAS submissions and similar regulatory processes. Discussions with experts in this field, facilitated by Plug and Play, have been incredibly helpful. Additionally, our commercial efforts are ramping up, especially as we scale our production for larger pilots and broader-scale operations.
The Role of Plug and Play in Connecting with Investors
Q: Did the Plug and Play accelerator facilitate connections with venture capital firms or angel investors for subsequent funding rounds?
A: Yes, Plug and Play did connect us with some investors. However, as it was a year ago, I don’t remember the specific firms. But these connections have been valuable for our continued growth and development.
Founder’s Advice to Aspiring Startups Considering Accelerators
Q: Do you have any advice for startups considering applying to Plug and Play or other accelerators?
A: When considering any accelerator, it’s crucial to be clear about what you’re seeking and where the value lies. For those thinking about Plug and Play, I’d recommend it particularly if you’re looking for industry connections. This is one of their strongest suits. Additionally, they offer access to good mentors and a range of webinars, some of which are specifically tailored to the food and beverage industry. So, assess your needs and priorities, and if they align with what Plug and Play offers, it could be a great choice for your startup.