Startup cooks up software for vegan food, makes it into European incubator

[wd_hustle id=”InArticleOptin” type=”embedded”/]

Contxto – Alongside nine other startups from across the world, Chilean foodtech The Live Green Co. will join ProVeg Incubator’s spring 2020 cohort.

With its acceptance into the program, the startup obtained a grant for ​€​20,000 (almost US$22,000). Moreover, it also has a shot at obtaining additional funding for up to €180,000 (US$195,000).

The Live Green Co. is the only participant from Latin America to be accepted into the Germany-based incubator. Although due to the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic, everyone will take part in the three month-long accelerator remotely.

Vegan foodtech for the win in southern Latam

Latam startups striving to create food through tech that’s as close to tasting and looking like animal products abound in the southern part of the region. In Brazil, there’s Fazenda Futuro and 100 Foods. Argentina has Cell Farm Food Tech.

• Related article: Fazenda Futuro releases much anticipated Futuro Burger 2.0

And much like fellow Chilean NotCo, The Live Green Co. relies on technology to get the flavoring for its vegan products just right. Albeit in this foodtech’s case it uses a software program called “Charaka,” to obtain plant-based product formulations.

And according to its website, the production process of its food is designed to create zero waste and uses no plastics whatsoever. So reportedly it’s healthier and more eco-friendly.

Here’s just a taste of the what foodtech NotCo is cooking up:

Someone is missing…

But what grinds my gears is…where are the vegan/vegetarian foodtechs from Mexico? It’s a huge market both in terms of consumers and ingredients! 

For one, a study by consulting firm Nielsen, showed that it’s the country with the most vegans and vegetarians in the region.

Moreover, Mexican cuisine and agriculture offer plenty of ingredients and alternatives for an animal-free diet. Heck, the country grows healthy products loved by vegans/vegetarians across the world such as beans, avocados, and amaranth.

Objectively speaking, it’s low-hanging fruit for foodtechs. 

From a personal standpoint, I want to write about and taste something made for vegans by a Mexican foodtech already!

Related articles: Tech and startups from Chile!

-ML