EXBERRY colour supplier GNT has officially launched an independent investment firm to accelerate innovation and boost sustainability at every value chain stage.
GNT Ventures was created to invest in start-up companies that have the potential to help pioneer new and improved plant-based colouring solutions. It has focused on four key areas: raw materials and fermentation, processing, food ingredients, and upcycling.
The company’s long-term strategy has been to reshape the plant-based colour landscape with innovative new products that can drive a healthier future for the people and the planet. It recently announced a partnership with Plume Biotechnology to create new plant-based EXBERRY colour solutions using unique fermentation technologies.
“We’re looking to build mutually beneficial relationships with start-ups that dare to dream big and have the drive to shape tomorrow’s planet,” said Finn Rieken, Managing Director of GNT Ventures.
“We can provide financial, technical, commercial, and regulatory support, using our expertise to help bring bold new visions to life and successfully market them worldwide.”
The firm has now aimed to increase its investment activity significantly and has been actively seeking new collaborations with other start-ups worldwide by providing them with the tools they need to bring cutting-edge ideas to life.
It can provide comprehensive financial support, whether by leading the financing as a sole investor or helping to share the load as co-leads. It has primarily focused on pre-seed to series A funding, with a maximum ticket size of €1 million.
“We aim to establish synergistic partnerships with innovative start-ups that aspire to achieve significant breakthroughs. Leveraging our extensive technical expertise, we provide comprehensive support to facilitate the realisation of ambitious projects and ensure their success,” said Dr Kai Reineke, Technical Lead at GNT Ventures.
GNT Ventures also has a state-of-the-art food-grade pilot plant to test and optimise processes. It can offer research and development know-how and processing expertise to help new businesses develop their ideas more quickly and effectively.
In addition, GNT Ventures can deliver comprehensive commercial support. This includes ensuring innovations reach a wide range of customers within the food and beverage industry and connecting start-ups with partners across the entire value chain. It also offers guidance on regulatory compliance and IP.
“GNT is now firmly established as a global leader in natural colours, but we know what it’s like to be a small company and grow,” said Frederik Hoeck, GNT Group’s Managing Director.
“We started from humble beginnings and fully understand the challenges involved and how hard it can be to overcome them. We want to help start-ups find their successful paths so that we can reshape tomorrow’s planet together.”
GNT was founded in 1978 to pioneer natural colours from fruit, vegetables, and plants. It remains an independent, family-owned business committed to creating plant-based, sustainable ingredients.
