Imagindairy is a Tel Aviv–based FoodTech startup that engineers animal-free dairy milk proteins via computational and molecular biology. Its technology enables production of a broad spectrum of dairy analogs, from raw milk to cheese, without involving animals. Imagindairy’s dairy proteins are described as non-GMO, cholesterol-free, and matching the flavor, texture, functionality, and nutritional value of cow-based counterparts. The company intends to use new funding to accelerate R&D and launch a range of real dairy products made without animals. It also plans to hire additional talent to support its expanding workforce. The company was co-founded by Tamir Tuller, PhD; Eyal Afergan, PhD; and Arie Abo, PhD. Imagindairy develops milk proteins identical to those from cows by feeding microorganisms rather than using cows, relying on a systems and synthetic biology platform. The company enables manufacturers to offer cow-free, sustainable milk and dairy products with the same nutritional values as dairy milk. It currently collaborates with dairy companies and offers a complete range of dairy-free proteins. Imagindairy plans to expand its facilities, increase its professional team, and boost R&D capacity. The company closed a $13M seed round to fund those initiatives. The business is led by co-founders Eyal Afergan, PhD (CEO) and Tamir Tuller, PhD (CSO), and is based in Tel Aviv, Israel. Imagindairy develops nature-identical, animal-free dairy proteins (whey and casein) using a microflora-based precision fermentation process. Its proteins are formulated to match the flavor, texture, functionality, and nutrient profile of cow’s milk, including calcium, while being lactose-free and free of cholesterol and GMOs. The technology is designed for ready integration into existing dairy food production facilities, enabling makers to produce dairy-analog products that closely mimic animal-derived versions. The company positions its approach as reducing the environmental burden of dairy livestock. Imagindairy has publicly raised US$1.5M in seed funding and says it will soon enter an A-round. Co-founder and CEO Eyal Afergan, PhD, is quoted outlining the company’s vision to deliver primary dairy proteins without animals.

Total raised

$30M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Seed

Latest activity

May 2022