Nexture Bio acquires Matrix Food Technologies to expand animal-component-free solutions

Nexture Bio, a portfolio company of Third Generation Food Rural Partners (GFRP), has announced its acquisition of Matrix Food Technologies (Matrix F.T.), a leading innovator in animal-component-free (ACF) microcarriers and scaffolds for cellular agriculture. This strategic acquisition combines Matrix F.T.’s patents, trade secrets, and comprehensive data with Nexture Bio’s proprietary technology and industry expertise, significantly enhancing its offerings for global customers.

Matrix F.T. has developed solutions designed for cellular agriculture, including ACF and edible microcarrier and scaffold formulations. These technologies are essential for producing whole, structured cuts in the cultivated meat sector, which are critical for making cultivated meat competitive with traditional animal proteins.

“Matrix F.T. had a robust portfolio of patents, large amounts of data, and a proven track record with customers,” commented Teryn Wolfe, CEO of Nexture Bio. “With our expert team and ambitious vision, we are in an ideal place to capitalize on the acquired assets and serve our customer base more efficiently and meaningfully.”

The acquisition also expands Nexture Bio’s reach into other industries beyond cellular agriculture, furthering the impact of its ACF adherent cell culture technologies.

The acquisition addresses a critical gap in the market: the lack of food-safe, scalable scaffolds necessary for producing whole cuts of cultivated meat.

“Scaffolds are the long game—they are essential for whole, structured cuts that will make the cultivated meat industry competitive,” said Steven Finn of Siddhi Capital, an early investor in Matrix F.T. “This transaction ensures the scientific breakthroughs and value developed at Matrix live on within Nexture Bio.”

Tom Mastrobuoni, Chief Investment Officer at GFRP, added, “We started Nexture Bio to address the gap in ACF scaffolds for whole cuts, and this acquisition strengthens our ability to scale adherent cell culture solutions for the industry.”

Nexture Bio is investing in its operational capabilities to support the expanded portfolio. The company is renovating a pilot-scale Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) production facility in Vacaville, California, and operates a research laboratory in Xenia, Ohio.

In 2025, Nexture Bio plans to launch multiple new microcarrier products, following the recent release of its first offering. These products will serve a range of applications in the food and life sciences sectors, providing innovative solutions for companies looking to scale adherent cell culture technologies.

The integration of Matrix F.T.’s technology positions Nexture Bio as a leader in enabling technologies for cultivated meat and beyond. By addressing key technological gaps and offering scalable, food-safe solutions, the company aims to accelerate the development of cultivated products that align with consumer expectations for structured meat cuts.

“This acquisition is a big deal for the future of cultivated products,” said Finn. “We’re excited to continue this journey with Nexture Bio and to see how these technologies shape the next generation of structured meat products.”