EIT Food-supported startup Edonia raises €15 million to scale its microalgae-based whole-food protein
Backed by EIT Food alongside SWEN Blue Ocean 2 and Asterion Ventures, Edonia will accelerate the industrial scale-up of its minimally processed, microalgae-based protein ingredient
Paris, October 6, 2026 – Edonia, an EIT Food-supported startup creating a whole-food protein ingredient derived from microalgae, announced today that it has raised €15 million. The round, led by SWEN Blue Ocean 2, Asterion Ventures and EIT Food, will fund the industrial scale-up of Edo®, the company’s flagship ingredient, for food manufacturers and the foodservice market. EIT Food is supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union.
The microalgae answer for an evolving food market
In recent years, plant-based alternatives focused mostly on mimicking meat in taste, look and texture. However, the food market is now facing higher expectations: consumers aren’t just looking for a replacement, but for products that are high in protein, affordable and minimally processed while tasting good. Looking to support conscious manufacturers to address these demands, Edonia proposes a different approach: a new whole food source based on microalgae that goes beyond replicating animal products.
Edonia’s flagship ingredient, Edo®, offers a high protein content with a texture and taste that the food processing and food service industries can easily work with, while still limiting the ingredient list. Derived from spirulina, the ingredient serves as an alternative to traditional sources of protein - meat, cheese, fish - while also improving the nutritional value of everyday foods.
To create this performing and versatile ingredient, the company introduced Edonization®, a proprietary, patented process developed in partnership with AgroParisTech. Edonization® transforms spirulina, a microalgae bioproduct packed with nutritional richness but mostly known as an unpleasant green powder, into a tasty, tender grain with a carbon footprint up to 27 times lower than meat.
“We firmly believe that microalgae can feed the world in a different way, and our successful step from pilot to large scale production proves that there are applications far beyond nutraceuticals, particularly in the ready-to-use protein ingredients market. Edonia is developing the new category of nutritious, minimally processed whole foods plant-based proteins. These essential and versatile ingredients can be used by industrial manufacturers on a large scale and at competitive prices." – Hugo Valentin, Co-Founder of Edonia
EIT Food and co-investors back Edonia’s next stage of growth
EIT Food has supported Edonia as it works to bring a new generation of nutritious and sustainable protein ingredients to market. The startup began industrialising its technology in 2024, when its first funding round supported the development of a functional industrial pilot plant. Edonia then moved from laboratory work to production, established its own supply chain and fulfilled its first orders for partners including Aliive and Newrest, an international group present in 50 countries worldwide.
Building on this progress, Edonia has now secured €15 million from SWEN Blue Ocean 2, Asterion Ventures and EIT Food. EIT Food’s participation reflects its commitment to helping agrifood startups scale innovative solutions that can contribute to a healthier and more sustainable food system. The round also includes non-dilutive funding from Bpifrance under the France 2030 plan and bank financing.
Edonia will use these funds to scale-up industrialization with the opening of a dedicated facility, leveraging the relationship with a trusted partner in an existing shared location in France, and to grow its B2B foodservice sales model in Europe, Japan and the United States. Edonia secured €30 million in pre-orders, through around twenty contracts signed with leading industry players.
“We've proven that a whole food protein can outperform the animal on nutrition and compete on price, at real volume, with real clients. This funding gives us the resources to turn our promise into verified proof.” – Hugo Valentin, Co-Founder of Edonia
EIT Food and investors backing Edonia
Julie Peyrache, Investment Director at SWEN Blue Ocean 2:
“Today, nutritious, tasty, inexpensive, good-for-the-planet food options are limited, and consumers are stuck needing to compromise on either the environment, health, or taste, depending on what they decide to choose as a protein source. That is why we are delighted to support Edonia, whose innovative microalgae-based ingredients meet all of these demands and could drastically improve the health and sustainability of our food supply.”
Marine Reygrobellet, Partner at Asterion Ventures:
“From the beginning, the Edonia team built a solid commercial pipeline even before the factory was up and running, a fact that speaks volumes about both the product's quality and the team's vision and sales capabilities. We are delighted to continue supporting Edonia in this next phase, alongside SWEN.”
To try Edo®, visit Vegetal Food.