Press Release
EMBARGO - 17 DECEMBER 2024 - BRUXELLES
Newtree Impact invests in Yeastup, which upcylcles spent brewery yeast into functional proteins.
Brussels, December 17, 2024 - Newtree Impact, the Belgian impact holding, is pleased to announce a new investment in Yeastup. This Swiss startup has developed a patented process for extracting multiple ingredients from spent brewery yeast. Their disruptive innovation lies in isolating proteins and fibers while fully preserving their functionality. These low-carbon footprint ingredients, with high nutritional value and digestibility, can be used in various applications, including animal protein alternatives, protein drinks, and energy bars, as well as in other sectors such as cosmetics.
Newtree Impact is pleased to announce a new investment of €630,000 in the Swiss company Yeastup, https://www.yeastup.com/.
Thanks to its patented technology, Yeastup adds value to spent brewery yeast by extracting high-quality proteins and fibers. The production of these proteins, called Yeastin®, requires 74% less CO₂ compared to other plant- based proteins like peas.
Every day, 10,000 tons of brewery yeast are produced worldwide as a by-product of brewing. Currently, this yeast is mainly used as animal feed, a solution that seems increasingly inadequate in light of today's environmental challenges. Indeed, livestock farming accounts for 14% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
Yeastup is also focusing on health and nutrition. The Yeastin protein has a digestibility comparable to that of eggs, with an impressive solubility of 92%. These proteins help create healthier and more sustainable food solutions for plant-based products, providing natural texture and
nutritional value without the need for sweeteners or other chemicals.
Yeastin® protein is particularly suitable for sports supplements such as protein drinks, energy bars, and nutritional supplements. It offers an economical and eco- friendly alternative to some dairy-based proteins.
Newtree Impact is participating in Yeastup's CHF 8.9 million Series A fundraising (EUR 9.5 million). This latest investment strengthens its portfolio of startups committed to biodiversity protection and the fight against climate change.
The goal of this fundraising round for Yeastup is to launch large-scale production. Yeastup is finalizing its facilities at its first production site, which will be capable of upcycling 24,000 tons of yeast per year, smartly repurposing existing infrastructure like old dairies. This strategy allows for rapid deployment with a relatively low capital expenditure.
"The yeast as a raw material will become the next generation of alternative ingredients - healthier, tastier, and more sustainable! Yeastup has set a new standard in the downstream extraction of ingredients," says Urs Briner, co-founderand CFO of Yeastup.
Newtree Impact | TVA BE 0474.468.867 | www.newtreeimpact.com |
24, Boulevard de Souverain | IBAN BE10 3632 3728 0504 | info@newtreeimpact.com |
1170 Brussels, Belgium | SWIFT BBRUBEBB |
"As a former brewer and ingredients professional for 15 years, it's great to see that we've convinced consumers, leading partners, and renowned investors of our revolutionary innovation," says Daniel Gnos, CEO of Yeastup.
"We invested in Yeastup because we were convinced by their experienced team and their recycling process that results in functional, responsible, and healthy ingredients with superior economic profitability compared to other initiatives in the sector. We are excited to support their growth and sit on their board," says Benoît de Bruyn, CEO of Newtree Impact.
About Newtree Impact
Since its launch in 2021, Newtree Impact has raised €20M, made 18 investments, and is indirectly exposed to over 100 promising startups, including CropX Technologies (sustainable agricultural crop management), Heura (plant-based meat alternative), Evodia.Bio (production of natural flavors through precision fermentation), Algama (production of functional food ingredients from microalgae), Proteon Pharmaceuticals (bacteriophage technology to combat antibiotic resistance), and New School Foods (plant-based seafood alternatives).
About Yeastup
Yeastup is a Swiss startup that has developed a patented process for extracting ingredients from spent brewery yeast, including proteins, beta-glucan, and magnan. Their plant-based protein (Yeastin®) stands out for its high biological value (PDCAAS* of 1, comparable to that of eggs), 92% solubility, and impressive sustainability footprint. The fibers (Upfiber®) offer health benefits, particularly for gelling and water-binding. In 2023, Yeastup won the SEIF award and the TechTour, and received a non-dilutive grant of CHF 2.45 million from the canton of Bern and Innosuisse.
*Protein Digestibility Corrected Amino Acid Score
Contact
Newtree Impact - Benoît de Bruyn, CEO - +32 476 750 337
Newtree Impact - Nathalie Peeters, Investor Relations - +32 492 407 918
Newtree Impact | TVA BE 0474.468.867 | www.newtreeimpact.com |
24, Boulevard de Souverain | IBAN BE10 3632 3728 0504 | info@newtreeimpact.com |
1170 Brussels, Belgium | SWIFT BBRUBEBB |