Meatable Secure Partnership to Raise €30M for Global Expansion of Cultivated Meat

Meatable, a Dutch leader in cultivated meat technology, has secured a partnership with Desmos Capital Partners in order to raise €30 million in funding. Founded by former UK Energy Minister Chris Skidmore, the investment firm is poised to accelerate Meatable’s mission to become a global leader in sustainable meat production. Skidmore commented on the deal and said that “Meatable’s innovation is exactly the kind of transformative product that Desmos was established to help grow and establish across new sustainable markets where there is strong demand.”

This funding comes at a time when global emissions from traditional livestock farming are contributing approximately 11% of all greenhouse gas emissions, and exacerbating deforestation for feedstock production. Additionally, with the global population expected to reach 10 billion by 2050, the pressure to develop sustainable food sources, and especially protein, is intensifying.

Whilst there has been some movement away from meat heavy diets, many are not ready to cut it out completely. Meatable’s technology develops genuine animal meat through cellular agriculture using its patented opti-ox technology. Company co-founder and CTO Daan Luining, stresses that the product “isn’t like meat, it is meat”. 

TIME Magazine recently recognized Meatable’s technology as one of 2024's best inventions. In response, Luining stated, “We’re deeply honoured to be recognised by TIME for our opti-ox™ technology…Our goal has always been to create real meat that is better for the planet and its people, while still delivering an excellent taste and texture.”

To create the meat, pluripotent stem cells are taken from a living pig or cow, and then put through a fermentation-like process that turns them into real muscle and fat. The company sets itself apart with cutting-edge technology which is currently the only method capable of growing real meat.

So, when will these products be available to consumers? Meatable made history as the first company to hold an officially approved cultivated meat tasting in the EU. Following a successful series of tastings in Singapore and Europe, Meatable plans to introduce its cultivated pork to the Singapore market in 2025 to meet growing regional demand.

After this launch, Meatable plans to take the product globally. Consumers in the UK, however, may have to wait a bit longer to experience this innovation as it can take anywhere from 3-6 years for a food product to be authorised by the European Food Safety Authority. 

Let us know in the comments whether you would be open to trying it!