Investment & Fund Management

Protera, a biotechnology company based in France, is tackling the significant issue of food waste, which accounts for one-third of food produced globally each year. Co-founders Leonardo Alvarez and Francia Navarrete, both with engineering backgrounds, have developed a unique technology that utilizes artificial intelligence to identify proteins that can extend the shelf life of food products, such as bakery items. This innovative approach allows them to efficiently scan millions of proteins to find those that can inhibit mold and withstand high temperatures, significantly reducing the time and cost associated with traditional methods.

To support their research and development efforts, Protera secured an equity investment from Sofinnova Partners, a venture capital firm backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the EU’s Investment Plan for Europe. This funding has enabled Protera to scale its operations, doubling its workforce to include specialists in biochemistry and computational biology. The company is now on the path to commercialization, with strong intellectual property and unique data enhancing their technology's capabilities. As they continue to partner with ingredient and food companies, Protera is poised to make a substantial impact on reducing food waste and promoting sustainability in the food industry.