Kinsect, the start-up operating in insect breeding for sustainable protein production, announced the closing of a EUR 1 million equity funding round. This investment is a crucial step to accelerate the development of its innovative technology and expand production capacity, meeting the growing global demand for sustainable proteins and promoting a greener and more resilient food supply chain.
Insect farming is one of the most promising solutions to meet the growing demand for sustainable proteins. Insects are able to convert biomass into protein extremely efficiently, using less water and resources than traditional livestock farming. It is not only a question of including insects in our diet, but also of considering them as a strategic resource to improve the sustainability of the agri-food value chain. Kinsect stands out in this context as one of the most innovative start-ups, with an approach that goes beyond simple protein production.
Kinsect, based in Reggio Emilia, has developed a modular, patented technology that enables production densities up to three times higher than those of leading competitors. This efficiency not only reduces operating costs, but also improves the environmental impact of livestock production, offering a concrete solution for animal nutrition that is in line with the principles of the circular economy.
The funding round was led by Farming Future, the National Agrifood Tech Transfer Centre, an initiative of CDP Venture Capital in collaboration with ToSeed & Partners. Other strategic investors include Terra Next, Agrox and Forest Valley, which recognised Kinsect’s innovative value and growth potential in the alternative protein sector. Kinsect also participated in the Terra Next acceleration programme, supported by Intesa Sanpaolo Innovation Center and Cariplo Factory, which contributed an additional follow-on investment to support the company’s growth.
“The closing of this round represents a crucial moment for us,” says Giacomo Benassi, CEO of Kinsect (pictured with the team), “It allows us to accelerate the development of our technology, expand our production capacity and respond to the growing demand for sustainable proteins. We aim to make insect farming a mainstream solution in the agri-food sector, helping to reduce the environmental impact of livestock production.”
The value of insect farming lies in its ability to create a more efficient and less impactful food supply chain. Insects offer a unique approach to contribute to the reduction of food waste and the valorisation of resources that would otherwise be lost. In this context, Kinsect offers its ability to develop plants that can adapt to different production needs, from the production of proteins for animal feed to the production of organic fertilisers and bioplastics.
Claudia Pingue, senior partner at CDP Venture Capital and head of the Technology Transfer Fund, adds: “The investment in Kinsect is an important step towards the development of innovative and sustainable business models. Their revolutionary approach to insect farming not only contributes to a more resilient food supply chain, but offers a concrete solution to global sustainability challenges.”
With this funding, Kinsect strengthens its role in the sustainable protein ecosystem, ready to seize new market opportunities and consolidate its leadership in a rapidly growing sector. The funding round demonstrates not only the value of Kinsect’s technological innovation, but also the growing importance of alternative proteins as an answer to global environmental challenges.
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