INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

Clean Meat

Step into the dynamic and burgeoning world of the clean meat industry, where untapped opportunities await at every corner. Equip yourself with effective strategies to navigate potential challenges seamlessly and surge ahead of the competition in this capital-intensive and environmentally sustainable domain.

Indulge in a guilt-free meat future today

Driven by increasing environmental concerns, shifting consumer tastes, and growing focus on animal welfare that traditional meat production fails to address, the clean meat industry stands as a beacon of hope, unveiling a future where technology and sustainability meet at the crossroads. This significant shift is buoyed by 2022 $869M investment, meaning the industry shines bright on the VCs’ radars. Though the industry is still nascent, startups are ready to sink their teeth into its impeccable opportunities—eco-friendly market, animal welfare advocacy, tech innovations, global expansion, etc. Of course, where opportunities abound, so do challenges. Thus…

Don’t expect a cakewalk

Clean meat production is a deep-pocket venture. Even setting aside the eye-watering initial price tag of ~$330K, the current cost for clean meat is a far cry from the more affordable conventional counterparts. In light of this, startups must prepare to play a fundraising game well enough to get the necessary financial backing.

Plus, the distribution of cultured meat is under a tight leash due to its groundbreaking and novel position in the food industry. Currently, only Singapore and the USA have greenlighted the commercial sale of clean meat, albeit under rigorous inspection. Thus…

Standing out goes beyond mere food development

It also encompasses profound go-to-market blueprints, robust business models, and a flawless fundraising approach. With over $2B in funding raised, the growth of numerous startups propelled, and an abundance of successful pitch decks and financial models crafted, we at Waveup have mastered the art of managing these crucial facets. Know more about this promising and revolutionary sector by checking our clean meat market research.

65x growth
The clean meat market is skyrocketing, projected to reach a staggering 19.6B by 2032.

 

68%
Of consumers are willing to pay for sustainable food products worldwide.

1 for 6

Clean meat production can potentially replace up to 6 traditional livestock farms.

380M tonnes

Is the expected global consumption of meat by 2030.

$100M

Has been invested by the US government in clean meat R&D since 2016.

VENTURE LANDSCAPE

In 2022, the clean meat venture capital hit $869M, seeing a 21x leap compared to 2018

Key verticals most funds are being channeled:

  • R&D
  • Production Technology
  • Supply Chain and Infrastructure
  • Regulatory Affairs and Compliance

Leading clean meat investors we worked with

Write to us to know more

WAVEUP VIEW

Hurdles clean meat startups tackle

Developing clean meat is a promising endeavor, yet it comes with a set of hurdles.

Sky-high cell culture costs

Clean meat is a capital-hungry industry. Especially, when it comes to R&D and specialized equipment and inputs such as growth media and bioreactors. Just imagine: the first cultured beef hamburger cost a whopping $300K, having burned the roofs of taste-testers’ mouths in 2013. Of course, prices have plummeted since then, expected to be $11 by 2025. Still, it’s four times more expensive than a traditional beef burger, which costs around $2.5.

Regulatory Roadblocks

Gear up for a regulatory marathon. Given its groundbreaking nature, cultured meat production and distribution are under the eagle eye of various governmental bodies, such as the Food Agency in Singapore, the FDA in the US, and the NFR in the EU. Even though the FDA has recently authorized Upside Foods to retail clean meat, each product must undergo a meticulous review and approval process that spans several months.

Conquering customer acceptance

Despite the striking 70% of consumers willing to give clean meat a try, still-evolving customer acceptance remains an uphill battle for startups. The product’s novelty and unfamiliarity, along with taste and texture differences, are the primary concerns. Plus, the high production costs, leading to a heftier price tag, and safety-related issues foster resistance among the consumers. Thus, educational campaigns, product sampling, and transparency are vital in winning customers’ hearts.

How we can help

Startups
Fundraising advisory

From diligent industry analysis to storytelling and financial forecasts, we’re helping founders crystallize and structure key business fundamentals and translate them into a compelling investment opportunity framed in a winning clean meat pitch deck.

Investors
Due diligence and portfolio support

Evaluating potential investments, conducting due diligence, and supporting portfolio companies on their new fundraising rounds.

Established companies
Growth hacking

Discovering market opportunities in the market and developing execution strategies to build actionable and scalable blueprints for growth.

WHO WE ARE

Unlocking your next stage of growth

Waveup is a leading global advisory empowering companies to fuel growth, attract investments, and secure strategic partnerships.

We turn data into business insights that drive results, helping companies excel in the competitive B2C and B2B spaces across 50+ verticals, discovering and catalizing opportunities for growth.

Our investment consulting services for clean meat startups

Market intelligence

Fundraising support

Pitch decks

Financial models

Investor research

Growth consulting

Go-to-market strategies

Marketing/sales materials

Design support

Learn more

FAQ

What makes the industry appealing for clean meat financing opportunities?

Propelled by sustainability and environmental impact, health and safety, animal welfare, and tech innovations, the clean meat industry seems to be investors’ darling.

What is the current size of the clean meat market, and its potential for future clean meat startups?

The clean meat market is projected to witness a 65X growth, hitting a remarkable $19.6B by 2032. Thus, opportunities for startups are abundant, starting from customized products and tech innovations and ending with brand building and educational outreach.

How challenging is it to secure funding for clean meat startups nowadays?

Securing funding within the clean meat industry is a coin with two sides. On the one hand, it’s pretty promising owing to increasing interest in sustainable initiatives, burgeoning investors’ enthusiasm, and government support (over $100M has been invested in the clean meat sector since 2016). On the other hand, it may be challenging due to high initial costs, regulatory uncertainties, and tech risks.

How long does it take to create a clean meat pitch deck and a financial model for a clean meat startup?

To craft a solid clean meat pitch deck and financial model, generally it takes about 2-3 weeks. In some cases, it may take one month, depending on our current workload and the project complexity. Thus, it would be more beneficial to discuss the timeline individually.

What are the key mistakes clean meat startups make in their pitch decks?

An impeccable clean meat pitch deck needs a clear and catchy investment story right from the start since grabbing investors’ attention is key. Plus, you need to showcase a solid plan for breaking into the market as well as a viable business model. Keep it light and engaging—too many charts or tables can dull the sparkle and bore VCs. The bad news is that most clean meat pitch decks miss the mark here, losing out on potential funding.

What are the main challenges clean meat startups face, and how are they tackling them?

High initial costs, regulatory issues, and customer acceptance are three major roadblocks on startups’ path to prosperity. Many companies utilize effective fundraising strategies, collaborate with research institutions and regulatory bodies, and launch educational campaigns to overcome the following obstacles.

How competitive is the clean meat market?

Despite being in its early stage of development, the clean meat market is becoming increasingly competitive. Not long ago, it was dominated by a couple of key players, such as Upside Foods, Eat Just, and Mosa Meat, but nowadays, the number of new entrants has been constantly growing, with 100 startups so far.

What services do you provide for investors who are either considering or have already invested in clean meat startups?

In short, we’re steering venture capitalists to promising opportunities in the clean meat sector. Our investor package includes detailed due diligence on various projects within the clean meat industry, ensuring VCs invest in ventures with substantial potential. Plus, we craft clear and insight-rich pitch decks, provide investors with impeccable fundraising assistance, and bridge the gap between clean meat startups and relevant VCs.

Do you provide clean meat M&A support?

Absolutely! Our team specializes in offering M&A support, not just limited to the clean meat sector but extending beyond it. We are with you at every project phase, identifying profitable opportunities, assessing their potential, and facilitating effective collaboration throughout the negotiation process. We aim to ensure a seamless and beneficial experience, from the initial stages to post-negotiation follow-through.

Do you make intros to clean meat VCs?

Certainly! We organize initial meet-ups with potential venture capitalists in the clean meat sector, helping startups throughout the whole process. We start with a thorough evaluation of your project, scrutinizing aspects such as the team dynamics, the product itself, and the specifics of the funding request. Our support extends to fostering smooth collaboration with clean meat VC firms at all stages – before, during, and post-deal, to ensure a mutually beneficial and successful partnership.

Do you provide comprehensive clean meat market research on request?

Sure thing! We specialize in offering bespoke insights into the clean meat market. Our services include detailed industry evaluations, thorough competitive analyses, and extensive market surveys. Drawing from reliable data sources, we ensure a deep understanding of the nuanced clean meat landscape, highlighting both its opportunities and challenges.

Which clean meat startup funding stages do you assist with?

We offer comprehensive support for clean meat startups at various funding stages. Our expertise ranges from assisting newcomers in the initial Pre-Seed stage to navigating through to Series C and beyond. Our goal is to foster growth and facilitate successful fundraising efforts at every pivotal stage of your startup’s development, guiding you toward success.

Looking to get into the clean meat industry? Reach out, and let's talk!

Whether you're looking for fundraising support, outsourced M&A advisory, growth strategy consulting, and presentation design, Waveup is your one-stop shop for that and more. Leave your email, and let's discuss your project!

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