Estonia enters mycoprotein alt-meat race

Meet Future is an alt-protein startup from Estonia that is developing mycoprotein-based meat alternatives. The company was founded by Triin Remmelgas, Kristen Loomägi, and Andrean Razumovski, who are all part of the seventh and latest cohort at the ProVeg Incubator. This is their story.

What does your startup do and what is your mission? 

Triin: We are a B2B company that develops mycoprotein-based meat alternatives, starting with white meats such as chicken and fish. Our mission is to provide healthy and sustainable food choices in order to reduce the global consumption of meat and contribute to the health of people and our planet.

Where did the idea for your company come from? 

Kristen: The market for meat alternatives in Estonia is almost devoid of tasty and healthy choices. That means that it’s a great opportunity for innovators like us to come out with a product that has strong nutritional value while resembling meat in terms of taste and texture, and can thus appeal to a large group of consumers. 

Tell us about your team. Why are you the right people for the project? 

Andrean: We are a group of young, enthusiastic people, with knowledge of the food industry and previous experience with plant-based products. We were brought together by our passion for the environment, and are determined to work hard towards our goals.

What are your favourite parts about building your business?

Triin: There is huge value in building a business that is bringing high-quality products that you yourself have been missing to market. In addition, there are many great learnings that this journey of entrepreneurship provides.

Meet Future team developing mycoprotein meat
Meet the team behind Meet Future

What have been the main challenges you’ve faced? 

Andrean: One big challenge has been finding suitable partners and suppliers. Mycoprotein is an exclusive raw material that is in high demand, and there are only a handful of large-scale producers. Sourcing good-quality raw materials is therefore a crucial and challenging step for the success of our business.

What is it that makes your company unique? 

Kristen: Our focus is to have products with an authentic texture and flavour, without any off-tastes. And we want to do that without any costly industrial methods or a long list of complicated ingredients. 

Why did you decide to join the ProVeg Incubator? 

Triin: ProVeg aligns well with our values, and this is a great opportunity to learn from experienced mentors who will help us to find the right paths through the many challenges of building a startup.

Mycoprotein whole-cut chicken
Mycoprotein chicken fillets, Bart – stock.adobe.com

What do you think it takes for a startup to be successful? 

Triin: The team. To go far and be successful, you need to have a good team. That is why we have assembled a group of specialists who work well together, and why we strive to grow together with the best people we can find. We believe that it takes determination and passion to keep going despite any potential setbacks, as well as a willingness to find solutions to challenges you didn’t even know you were going to face.

What do you hope to achieve with your company in the next 12 months?

Andrean: We’re planning to provide our target market with at least two products – chicken and fish alternatives, while also working on expanding to new markets and growing our product line.

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