Swiss Startup Planetary Secures CHF 16 Million in Series A Funding

Switzerland-based Planetary has successfully raised CHF 16 million (approximately $20 million) in a Series A equity financing round, alongside CHF 6 million ($7.5 million) in credit. This funding will be utilized to expand its fermentation infrastructure and licensing platform.

Major Investors on Board

The financing round was spearheaded by prominent investors Radikal Capital and Oetker Ventures. Additional support came from various notable entities, including Royal Cosun, arc investors, Green Generation Fund, AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance, Astanor Ventures, XAnge, and more.

CEO Insights on Current Market Trends

David Brandes, co-founder and CEO of Planetary, commented on the challenges of capital raising in today’s market: “Raising capital outside of AI and defense now requires far more focus and resilience than it did just a few years ago. Recent geopolitical turmoil and commodity volatility further emphasize the need for a sovereign, circular, and high-quality food system.” He also indicated a second closing for the funding round is anticipated later this summer, open to mission-aligned investors.

A Two-Pronged Business Model

Planetary operates under a dual business model, according to Brandes. The first aspect involves the sales of mycoprotein as a B2B ingredient produced in Switzerland, alongside a sugar mill run by Schweizer Zucker. The second element is the technology licensing of its ‘BioBlocks’ fermentation platform to agricultural players worldwide through co-location.

This licensing model empowers partners, such as sugar companies, to transform low-value by-products into valuable ingredients. Brandes explained, “Planetary’s production setup is designed to deliver almost immediate gross-margin-positive operations.”

Having recently launched its mycoprotein filet through ALDI Suisse, priced competitively with traditional chicken, Planetary is now supplying mycoprotein under the Libre brand across alternative meat, dairy, and fiber-rich products.

Future Collaborations

Planetary is also in discussions with leading sugar producer Dhampur Bio Organics (DBO) to manufacture mycoprotein at an industrial scale in India, targeting a cost of under $1 per kilo.

The Shift in Market Dynamics

Brandes highlighted the growing market interest, stating, “This shift highlights that category leaders who control the full value chain are likely to emerge as the winners in this industry.” He emphasized that companies that depend on multi-party setups often face challenges and are more prone to failure.

To successfully compete with conventional protein sources at comparable prices, enterprises must retain essential competencies in-house, including production infrastructure. According to Brandes, “In the food space, unit economics are everything; for bulk fermented commodities, contract manufacturing is not viable.”

Production Strategies

Brandes cautioned against retrofitting existing equipment for upstream processes, which he argues often leads to inflated costs. Instead, he advocates for direct marketing strategies to minimize time-to-market discrepancies and maintain financial fluidity.

Looking Ahead: Biomass and Precision Fermentation

Currently, Planetary produces mycoprotein using biomass fermentation techniques with the fungus Fusarium venenatum, which has nearly universal regulatory approval. Brandes remains optimistic despite challenges facing companies in the sector. “Sales for alternative meat products are robust in Germany, France, and Italy, signifying ongoing market growth,” he stated.

Planetary anticipates further product rollouts in 2026, showcasing private-label meat and dairy alternatives, alongside hybrid meat options that blend traditional meat with mycoprotein.

While they acknowledge the potential of precision fermentation, Brandes noted that further efficiency improvements are needed. However, he expressed confidence in Planetary’s capability to support partners in developing precision-fermented products when the timing is right.

In Conclusion

As Planetary grows and strengthens its market presence, it continues to explore innovative solutions to enhance sustainable food systems worldwide.

Further Reading:

• Planetary explores collaboration to unlock low-cost mycoprotein production in India
• Guatemala as a biomanufacturing base? Sugar giant Magdalena makes its case
• The Protein Brewery raises $35.6m Series B to scale mycoprotein: ‘Our process is less capital intensive’
• Enifer partners with ethanol giant FS for mycoprotein production in Brazil