Riccardo Zara

Plant-based meat reinvented

Novameat is pioneering a new generation of protein cuts, specifically created for food makers. They challenge the limitations of conventional plant-based alternatives, which often impose constraints on culinary creativity. Their philosophy is rooted in the belief that true culinary culture is about exploration, not restriction – the pursuit of the perfect bite, not the adherence to a rigid recipe. Novameat achieves this by combining natural ingredients with advanced texturing technology to craft protein cuts that inspire gastronomic innovation. Their commitment to quality is reflected in our gentle, low-temperature, low-pressure process, which preserves the full flavour, aroma, and nutrients of every cut. Building on years of R&D, they are dedicated to providing food makers with versatile, high-quality ingredients, always gluten- and soy-free, and produced to BRCgs standards.

Praesidium, having led the pre-Series A funding round in 2021, keep supporting Novameat in its development phase, focusing on scaling production to meet commercial demands.

Improving the shelf life of fresh produce

It’s Fresh delivers shelf-life solutions to the fresh produce industry, enabling fresh produce waste reduction across the entire value chain, while also delivering a maximum eating experience to the consumer, and value to the grower. The It’s Fresh technology is a highly effective, clean, non-contact and low-cost solution that is applicable across the entire supply chain, from harvest to retail.

Praesidium led the 2022 Series A round and will support It’s Fresh on its expansion into new market segments and geographies, from harvest all the way through to the consumer’s home.

Farming Reimagined

Equinom is a fully integrated food-tech and crop science company, combining agricultural know-how, culinary expertise and deep technology to develop game-changing ingredients for the plant-based food revolution. The company’s high-protein, functional, non-GMO seeds allow their customers to create tastier, less processed and healthier ingredients and products. Equinom achieves these results through combining disruptive AI technology with tried-and-tested directed breeding techniques. Equinom analyses millions of seeds within the Company’s own germ-plasm and predicts the ideal breeding combinations to develop superior and more functional ingredients at speed.

Praesidium participated in the 2022 Growth round and will support Equinom as it commercializes its new seeds and ingredients across the rapidly growing plant protein market.

Alternative Ingredients

Biosyntia is a biotechnology company, producing natural ingredients, such as B-vitamins and plant bio-actives through a proprietary microbial fermentation process, a natural and environmentally friendly production method, as opposed to the existing petrochemical-based processes. The company’s proprietary technology platform enables the development and production of natural ingredients at unprecedented cost, quality, and scale with minimum environmental footprint.

Praesidium participated in the Series B round and will assist Biosyntia in the next phase of product development and scale up of its natural and sustainably derived active ingredients.

Wellfish Tech is a Scottish-based, fish diagnostics business, currently offering rapid fish health assessment for the aquaculture industry through blood-based clinical chemistry analysis. The Company has a fast growing, proprietary database of fish blood biomarkers, leveraging machine learning models to enable data informed and pre-emptive decision-making for fish farmers and vets. Wellfish represents a key tool for the monitoring and improvement of fish welfare and the reduction of mortality rates across multiple species and aquaculture systems globally.

Praesidium led the 2023 Series A round and will support Wellfish on its continued roll out across salmon aquaculture, as well as expansion into new fish species and geographies.

Nulixir specializes in creating and marketing encapsulated functional ingredients designed for incorporation into food and beverage products. Their unique technology allows them to develop tailored performance “nanovesicles” which both encapsulate and deliver functional ingredients into food systems. Nulixir offer formulation development and production for major food companies, and have also developed a number of standardised products useful in multiple applications.

Praesidium played a co-leading role in the 2023 Series A round and is set to assist Nulixir in scaling up its operations, fostering expansion into new market segments, and exploring additional geographical areas.

Blue Stripes aims at minimizing food waste and enhancing the livelihoods and revenues of farmers in the cocoa industry by upcycling the whole cacao fruit, including the shell, pulp and beans, creating an opportunity for a wide variety of pioneering product lines. Their product offerings, currently available under the Blue Stripes brand in the United States, include cacao water, chocolate bars, dried fruit, beans, granola, and trail mix. Each product is created using different components of the cacao fruit.

Praesidium participated in the 2024 Series B round and will support Blue Stripes as it continues to expand within the chocolate market.

Biohm Technologies is transforming gut health through cutting-edge microbiome innovation. By harnessing the power of nature and science, Biohm develops probiotics, supplements, and personalized solutions that optimize digestive health and overall well-being. Unlike traditional approaches, Biohm addresses both the microbiome and the often overlooked mycobiome, the gut's fungal ecosystem, delivering a more complete approach to digestive health. Their ingredients support individuals in achieving balanced digestion and improved wellness.

Praesidium participated in Biohm Health's 2024 Series A funding round and will support the company’s mission to revolutionize health and wellness through microbiome-focused innovation.

Saga Robotics is transforming specialty crop farming with its advanced autonomous robot, Thorvald. By combining smart engineering with practical on-farm experience, the company provides growers with a reliable automated solution that supports growers in improving yields, reducing chemical use, and enhancing operational efficiency. Unlike traditional farm equipment, Thorvald delivers automated and scalable solutions for both vineyards and strawberry production, two high-value sectors historically underserved by innovation. With more than 150 units already active in the field, the company is accelerating the transition from early market traction to large-scale commercial adoption across the UK and US.

Praesidium participated in Saga Robotics’ 2024 Series A funding round, supporting the company’s mission to make farming more efficient, sustainable, and productive. The investment reflects Praesidium’s commitment to backing scalable agricultural technologies that drive meaningful improvements in food production and environmental impact.