Tempty Foods Company Profile

Background

Overview

Tempty Foods is a Danish food innovation company specializing in the development of sustainable, mycelium-based food products. Founded in 2021 by Ana Pejic, Cecilie Engvang Lund, and Martina Lokajova, the company emerged from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) with a mission to redefine the future of food by creating plant-rich meals that are both delicious and environmentally friendly.

Mission and Vision

Tempty Foods aims to challenge traditional perceptions of non-animal proteins by offering plant-based meals that do not attempt to mimic meat. Their vision is to make plant-based and fungi-based food products the preferred choice for everyone, focusing on taste, nutrition, and sustainability.

Industry Significance

As a pioneer in utilizing mycelium—a fungal network—as a primary ingredient—Tempty Foods contributes to the growing alternative protein market, addressing consumer demand for sustainable and nutritious food options. Their innovative approach positions them as a key player in the plant-based food industry.

Key Strategic Focus

Core Objectives

Product Innovation: Develop unique, mycelium-based food products that offer exceptional taste and texture without imitating meat.

Sustainability: Utilize mycelium, which requires significantly less water and land compared to traditional animal agriculture, to produce environmentally friendly food options.

Market Expansion: Increase the availability of their products through partnerships with retailers and foodservice providers.

Areas of Specialization

Mycelium-Based Products: Focus on creating food items using mycelium as a primary ingredient, capitalizing on its nutritional and environmental benefits.

Plant-Based Meals: Offer a range of plant-rich meals that cater to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.

Key Technologies Utilized

Mycelium Fermentation: Employ advanced fermentation techniques to cultivate mycelium, ensuring high-quality and sustainable food production.

Product Development: Utilize innovative culinary methods to create products with appealing textures and flavors.

Primary Markets Targeted

Retailers: Supply products to supermarkets and specialty stores, expanding consumer access to plant-based options.

Foodservice Providers: Partner with restaurants and convenience stores to incorporate their products into diverse menus.

Financials and Funding

Funding History

Tempty Foods has secured funding through various channels, including support from the Mikrolegat and winning the Skylab Ignite program in May 2021. In February 2025, the company received a €10,000 grant and a year of personalized business coaching as part of Visa's She's Next program, aimed at supporting female entrepreneurs.

Total Funds Raised

Specific details regarding the total funds raised by Tempty Foods are not publicly disclosed.

Notable Investors

Investors include Søren Kirketerp, Santosh Govindaraju, and others who have supported the company's growth and innovation initiatives.

Utilization of Capital

The capital raised has been utilized for product development, market expansion, and operational scaling to meet increasing consumer demand for sustainable food alternatives.

Pipeline Development

Key Pipeline Candidates

Spicy Korean Stick: A mycelium-based snack launched in collaboration with 7-Eleven Denmark, featuring a sweet and spicy gochujang glaze.

TEMPTy Mushroom Root Burger Patty: A versatile patty made from mycelium, designed for quick preparation and incorporation into various dishes.

Stages of Development

Product Launch: The Spicy Korean Stick was introduced in June 2025, initially available in select 7-Eleven stores in Copenhagen, with plans for broader distribution.

Ongoing Development: The TEMPTy Mushroom Root Burger Patty is available for purchase by wholesalers and is featured in various recipes, indicating active market presence.

Target Conditions

The products aim to provide sustainable and nutritious alternatives to traditional meat and tofu, catering to health-conscious and environmentally aware consumers.

Anticipated Milestones

Market Expansion: Increase product availability across Denmark and explore international markets.

Product Line Diversification: Develop additional mycelium-based products to meet diverse consumer preferences.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Proprietary Technologies

Mycelium Cultivation: Advanced fermentation processes to produce high-quality mycelium as a primary ingredient.

Product Formulation: Innovative culinary techniques to create appealing textures and flavors in plant-based products.

Significant Scientific Methods

Fermentation Technology: Utilize fermentation to cultivate mycelium, ensuring sustainability and efficiency in production.

Product Development: Employ research and development to refine product offerings and meet consumer expectations.

Leadership Team

Executive Profiles

Martina Lokajova: Co-Founder & CEO. Previously co-founded StrongYou, a company focused on supporting injured athletes.

Cecilie Engvang Lund: Co-Founder & COO. Background in business development and operations within the food industry.

Ana Pejic: Co-Founder & CPO. Expertise in product development and culinary innovation.

Key Contributions

Martina Lokajova: Led the strategic direction and growth of Tempty Foods, securing key partnerships and funding.

Cecilie Engvang Lund: Managed operational scaling and market expansion efforts.

Ana Pejic: Directed product development, ensuring high-quality and innovative offerings.

Leadership Changes

Recent Appointments

Ana Pejic: Joined the executive team as Chief Product Officer in July 2023, enhancing the company's product development capabilities.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The alternative protein market is experiencing significant growth, driven by consumer demand for sustainable and nutritious food options. Mycelium-based products are gaining traction due to their environmental benefits and nutritional profile.

Competitor Analysis

Marlow Foods: Owner of the Quorn brand, a leading producer of mycoprotein-based products. In May 2023, Marlow Ingredients, a division of Marlow Foods, partnered with Tempty Foods to supply mycoprotein, marking a significant collaboration in the industry.

Mycorena: A Swedish company producing mycoprotein, which collaborated with Tempty Foods in August 2022 to support the development of mycelium-based food products.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

7-Eleven Denmark: Collaborated with Tempty Foods to launch the Spicy Korean Stick, expanding product reach to a broader consumer base.

Marlow Ingredients: Provided mycoprotein to Tempty Foods, enhancing product sustainability and nutritional value.

Mycorena: Supported Tempty Foods in developing mycelium-based products, contributing to innovation in the alternative protein sector.

Operational Insights

Tempty Foods differentiates itself by focusing on the unique properties of mycelium, offering products that do not attempt to mimic meat but provide distinct flavors and textures. This approach sets them apart from competitors who primarily focus on meat alternatives.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions