How to start an alternative protein company
Starting an alt protein company means navigating company formation, fundraising, product development, regulatory approval, go-to-market strategy, and more. This guide breaks each stage down into clear, practical steps, so you know what to tackle next and why—wherever you are in the process.
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Built for founders across the alt protein industry
Whether you’re innovating in the plant-based, fermentation, or cultivated meat industries or building the enabling ingredients and technology behind them, the fundamentals of building a food company are similar—but the details differ. This guide includes specific guidance for:
- Plant-based meat, dairy, egg, and seafood companies
- Fermentation-derived meat, proteins, fats, and ingredients
- Cultivated meat and seafood startups
- Ingredient and enabling technology companies supporting the broader ecosystem
Download the guide
Get instant access to the full guide, covering company formation, fundraising, product development, regulatory considerations, marketing, and distribution and the best practices you need to take your alt protein company from idea to shelf.
Seminars for alternative protein entrepreneurs
Visit our Youtube channel for seminars tailored to alternative protein entrepreneurs. Hear from leading industry experts as we dive deep into topics like equipment financing, scaling up, building production facilities, and fundraising.
Join the GFIdeas community
Don’t go it alone: Join our community of entrepreneurs, investors, and scientists to amplify your impact in the global good food system. Gain access to an international business network and community programming, like the monthly founders’ roundtable, which is exclusively for founders of alternative protein companies.Â
Related resources
Mentor program
Our GFI Mentor Program enables entrepreneurs and startups to have 1:1 mentoring sessions with subject matter experts across the alternative protein ecosystem.
Investor directories
Startups and funds currently fundraising can request access to these directories, which feature hundreds of investors interested in funding alternative protein companies and funds.
Fundraising database
Use the fundraising database to discover alternative protein companies currently engaged in a fundraising round. Sort companies by deal and and company characteristics.
Map of accelerators and incubators
Discover accelerators and incubators around the world that can provide early-stage resources for alternative protein entrepreneurs.
