Investment & Fund Management
both
Full Credential Description
Ynsect, a company based in the suburbs of Paris, is addressing the growing global demand for animal protein by producing animal feed from insects, specifically mealworms. The challenge they faced was the high cost of research and development required to validate the use of insect-sourced protein in animal nutrition. With the increasing global meat consumption and Europes 70% dependency on imports for fish and meat, Ynsect recognized the need for a sustainable and efficient solution to animal feed production.
To tackle this issue, Ynsect secured crucial financing from Demeter and Emertec, both funds backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF). This funding enabled the company to conduct extensive research on the benefits of mealworms, which they found could enhance fish immune systems and promote faster growth rates. The financial support also allowed Ynsect to establish a 3000m² pilot installation to test their robotic-based technology and the efficacy of their product.
The results of this initiative have been promising. The research conducted with the help of EIF funding has positioned Ynsect to plan for a new factory that will scale their production to an industrial level. Antoine Hubert, CEO of Ynsect, emphasized that without this financial backing, the company would have struggled to progress, particularly in a specialized field like animal feed where defining a business plan is complex for startups. The successful validation of their insect-based feed solution not only addresses sustainability concerns but also positions Ynsect as a key player in the future of animal nutrition.