Cano-ela secures new funding to advance sustainable plant-based ingredients

Cano-ela, a company specializing in transforming underutilized canola seeds into high-value, plant-based ingredients, has successfully closed a new funding round. The investment, which includes support from existing investor Oost NL and new backers Value Factory Ventures and Ecoseed, will accelerate the company’s efforts to scale its operations and further develop sustainable food solutions.

The funding marks a milestone for Cano-ela, reinforcing its position as an innovator in alternative protein and sustainable ingredient production. With demand for plant-based and environmentally responsible food solutions on the rise, the company is poised to expand its technology and market reach.

With this new funding, Cano-ela will scale up its production process and move closer to commercial launch. Juliana Romero, Co-founder & CEO at Cano-ela, said: “We are entering an exciting phase as we prepare to bring our innovative ingredients to the market. This investment enables us to upgrade our pilot facility, increase production capacity, and accelerate collaborations with food producers who seek high-quality, plant-based and sustainable ingredient solutions.”

The funding round was led by Oost NL, which has supported Cano-ela since its early stages. Gerben Dijksterhuis, Investment Manager Food at Oost NL, commented: “The investment in Cano-ela is a perfect example of how Oost NL can support promising initiatives, even before the official start of a company. It began with refining a business idea from a PhD, then connecting partners within the ecosystem, leading up to the current investment in the company.”

Joining the round, Value Factory Ventures recognized the urgency of developing sustainable food systems and saw Cano-ela’s technology as a key solution. Jacco Zuijdweg, Investment Manager at Value Factory Ventures, said: “Climate change and food security demand smarter solutions. Cano-ela transforms underutilized resources into sustainable ingredients, and we’re proud to support their mission.”

Ecoseed, the third investor in this round, focuses on funding breakthrough food innovations that contribute to a more sustainable and circular economy. Henk Savelkoul, Director of Ecoseed, emphasized their confidence in Cano-ela’s vision: “Cano-ela is a game-changer in food innovation, turning overlooked nutrients into high-value ingredients. We’re excited to be part of their journey.”

With the new funding, Cano-ela plans to accelerate product development, enhance its processing capabilities, and expand partnerships with food manufacturers looking for sustainable ingredient solutions. The company is focused on commercializing its plant-based protein extracts, fiber-rich ingredients, and other functional food components derived from canola.

The demand for sustainable proteins and clean-label ingredients has surged in recent years, driven by consumer awareness of climate change, health concerns, and ethical food production. Cano-ela’s innovative approach aligns with these shifting market dynamics, offering food manufacturers a solution that meets both sustainability and performance criteria.

“We are just getting started," Romero concluded. "This funding round represents a major step forward, and we are excited about the possibilities that lie ahead.”