Plant-based sport supplements are something of a new frontier, and one that French startup Noko is not afraid to explore. Noko promises to prepare the most dedicated of athletes for the toughest challenges, by supplying them with pro-performance, healthy, and sustainably-produced food.
Maxence Damarey, one of the co-founders, stands witness to the products’ effectiveness. He himself is an experienced sportsman – both an undefeated professional boxer and certified personal trainer.
On the other side of the aisle, Maxence’s co-founding partner Olivier Dahan is influential in the French food industry. He has worked with brands like Oreo, Tim-Tam, and Daim.
Omni (UK): plant-based startup innovating the pet-food sector
Based in London, Omni is a pet-food startup that produces nutritionally complete tasty treats that won’t leave dogs wanting for their old kibble. The Omni product range provides a well-balanced, nutritionally complete source of protein, with a laser focus on pet health.
By promoting the transition to sustainable protein sources, Omni also stands to reduce the negative environmental impact of producing factory-farmed meats.
Omni was founded by Dr Guy Sandelowsky, a highly experienced veterinary surgeon, and biomedical scientist. Shiv Sivakumar, a former investment banker.
ProMeat (India): chicken alternatives from indigenous crops
The only meat in this plant-based startup is in the name. ProMeat develops chicken alternatives – burger patties, minced meat, and kebabs – by combining cutting-edge technology with underused, indigenous crops.
The Delhi-based startup is well positioned to capture the attention of the world’s largest flexitarian audience.
CEO Debabrata Das is a food-technology manager with a penchant for the food-processing sector. Pranjuli Garg, COO, has a proven track record in research, quality assurance, and data analysis. Sugriv Gupts, who has expertise in new product development and quality control, completes the founding team.
Root Kitchen (UK): plant-based ready meals
Root Kitchen is bringing all of the benefits of a plant-based lifestyle into frozen, ready-made meals in recyclable packaging. When it comes to alternative-protein, this is an underserved market segment. Root Kitchen wants to change that.
The startup is targeting the D2C meal-subscription and retail markets with affordable, enjoyable products. They have developed numerous meal varieties including Vegan Shepherd’s Pie, Aubergine Al Forno, and Thai Red Curry.
Root Kitchen’s founding team comprises David Beaver and Rishma Remtulla. David heads up marketing, brand management and sales. Rishma Remtulla is also responsible for sales and leads on product development and category analysis.
