Vivici Company Profile

Background

Vivici, established in 2023 and headquartered in the Netherlands, is a pioneering B2B ingredients company specializing in the production of animal-free dairy proteins through precision fermentation. The company's mission is to address the global demand for sustainable, nutritious, and great-tasting proteins by leveraging innovative biotechnological processes. Backed by industry leaders dsm-firmenich and Fonterra, Vivici combines extensive expertise in dairy science and fermentation technology to deliver high-quality protein ingredients that cater to the evolving needs of the food and beverage industry.

Key Strategic Focus

Vivici's strategic focus centers on:

Precision Fermentation Technology: Utilizing advanced fermentation processes to produce dairy proteins without the use of animals, ensuring sustainability and ethical production.

Product Innovation: Developing a range of functional protein ingredients, such as Vivitein™ BLG (beta-lactoglobulin) and Vivitein™ LF (lactoferrin), tailored for applications in active nutrition, including protein beverages, powders, and bars.

Market Expansion: Targeting the growing global demand for alternative proteins, particularly in the active nutrition sector, which was valued at $28.4 billion in 2023.

Financials and Funding

Vivici has demonstrated strong financial growth:

Series A Funding: In March 2025, the company secured €32.5 million ($34 million) in a Series A funding round led by Invest-NL and APG (on behalf of pension fund ABP), with participation from InnovationQuarter and existing shareholders dsm-firmenich and Fonterra.

Utilization of Funds: The capital raised is intended to support international market expansion, product development, and the establishment of long-term manufacturing capabilities.

Pipeline Development

Vivici's product pipeline includes:

Vivitein™ BLG: A precision-fermented beta-lactoglobulin protein, self-affirmed as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) in the U.S., launched in the active nutrition market.

Vivitein™ LF: A lactoferrin ingredient with applications in immune support and iron regulation, slated for launch in the second half of 2025.

Technological Platform and Innovation

Vivici's technological advancements include:

Proprietary Fermentation Processes: Developing nature-equivalent whey proteins through precision fermentation, resulting in products rich in essential amino acids and free from lactose, cholesterol, hormones, and antibiotics.

Sustainability Metrics: Achieving significant environmental benefits, such as 86% less water usage and a 68% reduction in carbon emissions compared to conventional dairy protein production.

Leadership Team

Vivici's leadership comprises experienced professionals:

Stephan van Sint Fiet: Chief Executive Officer, with over 20 years in the biotech industry, previously leading the Dairy Cultures & Food Enzymes business unit at IFF.

Marcel Wubbolts: Chief Technology Officer, overseeing technological strategies and innovations.

Daniel Bisley: Chief Financial Officer, managing financial operations and strategic planning.

Simon Penfold: Chief Commercial Officer, leading commercial strategies and market expansion efforts.

Leadership Changes

Recent appointments include:

Daniel Bisley: Joined as Chief Financial Officer in March 2024, bringing 17 years of experience in finance and investments.

Simon Penfold: Appointed as Chief Commercial Officer in May 2023, with a background in strategic and commercial roles at Fonterra, Deloitte, and Nestlé.

Competitor Profile

Market Insights and Dynamics

The alternative protein market is experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for sustainable and ethical food options. Precision fermentation is emerging as a key technology in producing animal-free dairy proteins, offering functional and nutritional benefits comparable to traditional dairy.

Competitor Analysis

Key competitors in the precision fermentation dairy protein sector include:

Perfect Day: A U.S.-based company producing animal-free dairy proteins through precision fermentation, focusing on sustainability and nutritional quality.

Remilk: An Israeli startup specializing in the production of dairy-identical proteins without the use of animals, aiming to revolutionize the dairy industry.

Imagindairy: Another Israeli company leveraging precision fermentation to create sustainable dairy proteins, targeting various applications in the food industry.

Strategic Collaborations and Partnerships

Vivici has established significant partnerships to enhance its capabilities:

Ginkgo Bioworks: Collaborated to expand the production of alternative dairy proteins, utilizing Ginkgo's strain engineering and optimization expertise.

Bio Base Europe Pilot Plant (BBEPP): Partnered to scale up manufacturing processes, successfully commissioning a 75,000-liter fermenter for industrial-scale precision fermentation.

Operational Insights

Vivici's strategic considerations include:

Competitive Positioning: Differentiating through a combination of advanced fermentation technology, sustainability credentials, and a strong pipeline of functional protein ingredients.

Market Penetration: Focusing on the active nutrition sector, leveraging partnerships and funding to accelerate product development and market entry.

Strategic Opportunities and Future Directions

Vivici's roadmap includes:

Product Diversification: Expanding the Vivitein™ product line to include additional functional proteins, such as lactoferrin, to cater to diverse market needs.

Global Expansion: Utilizing recent funding to enter new international markets, establishing a presence in regions with high demand for alternative proteins.

Sustainability Leadership: Continuing to innovate in sustainable protein production, aiming to set industry standards for environmental responsibility and nutritional excellence.