Company Profile: Those Vegan Cowboys

Background

Founded in 2019 by entrepreneurs Jaap Korteweg and Niko Koffeman, Those Vegan Cowboys is a Belgian-Dutch biotechnology company dedicated to revolutionizing the dairy industry through sustainable and animal-free methods. The company's mission is to produce dairy-identical proteins using precision fermentation, thereby creating authentic cheese products without the environmental and ethical concerns associated with traditional dairy farming.

Key Strategic Focus

Those Vegan Cowboys focuses on developing microbial casein—a key milk protein—through precision fermentation techniques. This approach enables the production of casein without the use of animals, targeting the cheese market with products that replicate the taste, texture, and functionality of traditional dairy cheeses. The company aims to cater to consumers seeking sustainable and ethical food options, as well as to food manufacturers looking for innovative ingredients to meet evolving market demands.

Financials and Funding

In 2024, Those Vegan Cowboys initiated a €15 million funding round to scale up its precision fermentation platform, known as "Margaret," for producing animal-free casein. This funding is intended to support the development of dedicated production facilities and accelerate the commercialization of their products.

Pipeline Development

The company has successfully developed microbial casein that, under certain conditions, outperforms traditional cow-derived casein in cheese production. This includes improved stretchability and a lower melting point, allowing for reduced casein usage and cost savings. Those Vegan Cowboys plans to enter the U.S. market by mid-2025, pending regulatory approvals, with subsequent expansions into Asia and Europe.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Those Vegan Cowboys employs precision fermentation to produce casein proteins identical to those found in cow's milk. This process involves programming microorganisms to synthesize casein, which is then combined with plant-based fats to create dairy-identical cheese products. The company's proprietary fermentation platform, "Margaret," has been instrumental in achieving these advancements.

Leadership Team

Jaap Korteweg: Co-founder, previously founded The Vegetarian Butcher, which was sold to Unilever in 2018.

Niko Koffeman: Co-founder, also co-founded The Vegetarian Butcher.

Hille van der Kaa: CEO, leading the company's strategic direction and market expansion efforts.

Will van den Tweel: Chief Technology Officer, overseeing the development of precision fermentation technologies.

Robert van den Breemer: Chief Commercial Officer, formerly Head of Sustainability at Nutreco, responsible for commercial strategy and market entry.

Leadership Changes

In 2024, Robert van den Breemer joined as Chief Commercial Officer to support the company's entry into the U.S. market.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The global dairy alternatives market is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable and ethical food products. Precision fermentation is emerging as a transformative technology within this sector, enabling the production of dairy-identical proteins without animal involvement.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the precision fermentation dairy sector include:

Formo: A German company specializing in precision fermentation-derived casein, with whom Those Vegan Cowboys has formed a strategic R&D partnership.

New Culture: A U.S.-based company developing animal-free casein for cheese production.

Perfect Day: Pioneers in precision fermentation dairy proteins, focusing on whey protein production.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Hochland Group: In 2024, Those Vegan Cowboys entered a joint development agreement with Hochland, one of Europe's largest private cheese producers, to test and scale the production of animal-free casein in various cheese products.

Formo: Partnered with Formo to combine efforts in strain engineering, bioprocessing, and large-scale production of animal-free caseins for mass-market commercialization.

Operational Insights

Those Vegan Cowboys differentiates itself through its proprietary precision fermentation platform, "Margaret," which has demonstrated the ability to produce casein with superior functional properties compared to traditional dairy casein. This technological edge positions the company favorably in the competitive landscape of animal-free dairy products.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

The company is poised to capitalize on the growing demand for sustainable and ethical dairy alternatives. By leveraging its technological advancements and strategic partnerships, Those Vegan Cowboys aims to expand its market presence, particularly in the U.S., Asia, and Europe, and to continue innovating in the field of precision fermentation to develop a diverse range of animal-free dairy products.