Participated · Seed · Nov 2022

Phyx44 is a Bangalore-based, full-stack precision fermentation dairy company developing whey and casein proteins as well as key dairy fatty acids without lactose and with a smaller environmental footprint. The startup emphasizes reproducing both proteins and fats to better mimic conventional dairy functionality. It has scaled to a 100L capacity and plans to use its seed funding to accelerate R&D, expand its team, and co-develop products with partners. Phyx44 expects to launch its first products in Singapore and India in 2024 and is eyeing broader global market opportunities across India and Asia. The company is positioning itself against U.S.-based precision fermentation producers such as Perfect Day. Observers including the Good Food Institute India note the sector’s potential role in meeting India’s bioeconomy ambitions.

Led · Convertible Note · Sep 2022

Wicked Kitchen, based in Minneapolis, is a plant-based foods company created by chefs and brothers Chad and Derek Sarno and led by CEO Pete Speranza. The company produces frozen and shelf-stable, chef-driven animal-free foods, including noodle cups, sauces, frozen entrees, pizzas, meal kits, and ice creams, sold across multiple supermarket departments. Its products are in more than 6,500 U.S. retail stores, including Kroger banners (City Market, Dillons, Fred Meyer, Fry’s, King Soopers, Mariano’s, QFC, Ralphs, Smith’s), Sprouts Farmers Market, Publix, 7‑Eleven, Giant Food Stores and Walmart. Wicked Kitchen also owns Good Catch, a consumer packaged goods company offering seafood alternatives. The brand is expanding internationally, having launched 23 products in Finland’s S‑Market and planning a 17‑product introduction in Thailand’s Tops Market and Central Food Halls. The company intends to use capital to ramp up global brand awareness and expand retail distribution and food‑service channels. Wicked Kitchen produces a range of chef-crafted, flavor-forward plant-based foods, including convenient lunch and breakfast items, frozen ready meals, sauces, mayos, pestos and meal kits. The brand was created by chefs Derek and Chad Sarno and first launched in January 2018 in the U.K. in collaboration with Tesco. Wicked Kitchen is positioned as a market leader in the U.K. plant-based category and is now bringing its product line to the U.S. market. The company is based in Minneapolis and is affiliated with the founders’ broader efforts at Gathered Foods (makers of Good Catch). Wicked emphasizes culinary experience as a driver of plant-based adoption. With a completed funding round, the company plans rapid U.S. expansion and further global rollout.