REDUCED, a Copenhagen-based that creates innovative and flavourful upcycled food ingredients, has announced the second closing of its Series A funding round. With this, the total investment raised in this round accounts for €8 million.
Investment details
The investment came from the European Circular Bioeconomy Fund (ECBF), which has invested in AmphiStar and Weenat. The new investment from ECBF will accelerate REDUCED’s market expansion efforts and further develop its innovative product range. It comes at a time when REDUCED continues to expand its presence in the DACH region and beyond, reinforcing its position in the food service and ingredient sector.
Mathias Brink Lorenz, Investment Director at ECBF commented: “REDUCED is at the forefront of developing sustainable and clean label savoury ingredients with a best-in-class flavour profile. The exciting combination of upcycled side streams and fermentation technology is a great example of what circular bioeconomy is all about. We are excited to join REDUCED as an investor and believe that our strong corporate network and LP base will be of great value add to their growth journey ahead.”
Why focus on the DACH?
As per the company, it has achieved notable traction in the DACH market, driven by strategic partnerships with key distributors in the food service and ingredient industries. This includes collaborations with blending houses in the industry sector, and several high-profile Michelin Star restaurants in the food service segment, underscoring the company’s commitment to delivering high-quality, sustainable ingredients that meet the highest culinary standards.
What does REDUCED do?
Founded by William Anton Lauf Olsen and Emil Munck de Voss in 2020, the startup has developed unique fermentation processes, allowing the utilisation of various side streams to create intense natural flavour solutions. Its mission is to deliver flavour solutions with low carbon impact by repurposing side streams and providing cost-effective, natural, and flavour-rich food ingredients.
REDUCED’s products are distinguished by their complex, full flavours, and versatile applications, catering to a wide array of needs in both the food service and ingredient industries. This approach not only lowers production costs but also cuts CO2 emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional savoury ingredients.
The Danish startup uses its proprietary fermentation technology to transform upcycled side streams from the food and agriculture sectors into premium umami flavours. The company has invested in state-of-the-art production facilities in Copenhagen’s North Harbour and works closely with the University of Copenhagen to refine its processes.
Emil Munck de Voss, Co-Founder & CEO of REDUCED added: “We are excited to welcome EBCF as our new shareholder in REDUCED. ECBF’s deep commitment to circularity, sustainability, and technology aligns perfectly with our mission to elevate the flavour potential of upcycled side streams by creating high-quality food ingredients. With ECBF’s strong presence in Germany, we are well-positioned to boost our efforts in the DACH region. This partnership will be instrumental in expanding our presence across the food service and ingredient sectors, and we eagerly anticipate the opportunities it will create for further growth and innovation.”
