FFF Podcast Episode 21 BERLIN a European FoodTech hotspot?

By John Reynolds on Wednesday 13 September 2023

FFF Podcast Episode 21 BERLIN a European FoodTech hotspot?
Image source: FFF Podcast Episode 21 BERLIN a European FoodTech hotspot?
InterviewAlternative proteinPlant-Based FoodTechIngredient ProducerFoodTech Investment

“It was significantly more straightforward” to convince US investors to invest than European investors.

In this latest episode of the FFF podcast, founders of two Berlin-based FoodTech startups discuss Berlin as a FoodTech hub and their respective startups.

 

Speaking on the podcast is Tim Fronzek, the co-founder and CEO of Nosh Biofoods, the fermentation-based ingredients firm and Hendrik Kaye, the CEO and co-founder of  Esencia Foods which is looking to revolutionise the seafood food system with mycelium.

 

The pair discuss why they believe fermentation is a “game-changer” in alternative proteins.

 

Fronzek said biomass fermentation allows you to produce ingredients with a “high nutritional value at a very low cost”.

 

Meanwhile, Kaye says Esencia is the “first company in Europe to produce alt seafood based on mycelium”.

 

Nosh has both US and European investors and the pair discuss the merits of US and European investors.

 

Fronzek said it was “significantly more straightforward” to convince US investors to invest in Nosh compared to European investors.

 

 

“I think it kind of describes the reality,” adds Fronzek, when asked if US investors are more adventurous than their European counterparts.

 

The pair also discuss the virtues of Berlin as a FoodTech hub.

 

Berlin’s plus points including a highly-skilled workforce, a strong network of contacts, Berlin being an ‘attractive city”, and the availability of subsidies and grants.