Precision-fermentation startup Paleo officially inaugurates its new R&D Center in Leuven

The Belgian precision fermentation specialist, Paleo, has announced that it has launched its R&D facility in Leuven, with a ribbon-cutting today. Equipped with larger laboratory facilities (+500m2), this new base is preparing the company for future growth and will accommodate a growing staff (+20).

Paleo's innovation centers around myoglobin, the key factor contributing to the taste, appearance, and scent of meat and fish. Through an exclusive use of yeast, the food-tech company has developed a portfolio of myoglobins that are highly pure, 100% free of GMO, and yet completely identical to the animal proteins found in beef, chicken, pork, lamb, tuna (and even mammoth!). Its proprietary precision-fermentation process sets it apart, requiring only a fraction of the land, feedstock, energy, and water compared to conventional meat production, while also emitting significantly fewer greenhouse gases and abstaining from the use of any animals. Founded in 2020, Paleo has expanded its reach by recently establishing an office in Singapore and is currently gearing up to apply its innovative products to both human and pet foods

“We're off to a great start in 2024 with the launch of our new R&D Center in Leuven,” said Hermes Sanctorum (CEO).

As a growing company with significant ambitions, the new facilities prove to be crucial for Paleo’s operations. “Having started the company a little over three years ago with my business partner, we have now multiplied our workforce by more than tenfold.”

Paleo achieved several significant milestones in the past year, Sanctorum highlighted: “We secured an additional €12 million in capital in 2023, opened an office in Singapore, and announced plans to venture into producing precision-fermented animal heme proteins for the pet-food sector.”

While the expanded laboratory facilities signify a significant step toward the scale-up and commercialization phase of the company, the leadership team also requires expansion. “To achieve our new objectives, we are bringing in key figures from the broader industry to join Paleo's leadership team at the start of this new year,” added Sanctorum, referring to the recent arrival of a Chief Business Officer in charge of Paleo’s emerging commercial team, as well as the upcoming arrival of a Chief Technology Officer responsible for upscaling Paleo’s technological invention.

Following the launch of their new R&D Center, Paleo reveals intentions to gear up for another round of investments. "Impact requires capital. In the near future, we will extend a renewed invitation for investors to join us on our journey. Preparations for this upcoming funding round will start this year," Sanctorum said.