Kost Capital: Fueling European Food Tech Startups
Kost Capital, a newly established Danish venture capital fund, is dedicated to enhancing the accessibility of quality food products. Derived from the Scandinavian term for “diet,” Kost Capital operates alongside Kost Studio, a food development hub serving as both a test kitchen and a collaborative space for universities and markets to innovate and create novel food solutions.
The Founding Team and Mission
Led by General Partner Bodil Sidén and co-founded by LPs Kasper Hulthin, Christian Tang-Jespersen, Mark Emil Hermansen, and Jacob Lee Ørnstrand, Kost Capital has set out with a mission to invest in pre-seed and seed stage startups across Europe, with a particular focus on B2B inputs in the future of food. While the exact amount raised from their inaugural €25 million fund remains undisclosed, investors include Danish sovereign fund EIFO and Kost’s founding limited partners.
Investment Focus and Portfolio
Kost Capital has already made significant strides with investments in three promising startups:
- Äio: An Estonian company specializing in palm oil alternatives.
- Numi: A French infant formula manufacturer.
- Nutrumami: A Danish ingredient company.
A Unique Path to Venture Capital
Bodil Sidén’s journey to venture capital is marked by a diverse background, including a stint in Swedish politics and roles in the tech industry. Her passion for societal change and global issues, coupled with her experience in tech communications with Uber, laid the foundation for her transition to venture capital. Sidén’s previous venture, blq invest, focused on hands-on company building, providing valuable insights into the startup ecosystem.
The Investment Thesis and Future Outlook
Kost Capital’s investment thesis is rooted in addressing pressing global challenges such as population growth, climate change, food waste, and health concerns through technological innovation in the food sector. Sidén emphasizes the need for increased funding in food tech, citing macroeconomic trends and underserved investment opportunities in the industry.
European Food Tech Landscape
Europe is witnessing a surge in food tech innovation, accompanied by substantial investments and the establishment of specialized funds. Initiatives like the Europe Foodtech Acceleration Fund I SCSp and government support for biotechnology underscore the growing momentum in the sector. Kost Capital aims to position itself as a leading co-investor in Europe, leveraging its expertise to support the scale-up of food tech startups and drive impactful change in the industry.
