Calysta secures investment from BP Ventures

US-based alternative protein producer Calysta has received an investment of $30m from BP Ventures in order to support the worldwide rollout of FeedKind.

The investment will be used to enhance the production of sustainable single-cell protein, which is manufactured with Calysta’s patented gas fermentation process using naturally occurring, non-GM microbes that have the unique ability to use methane as their energy source.

Calysta president and CEO Alan Shaw said: “Welcoming BP as a partner is a tremendous step forward for FeedKind protein and the best indicator yet that Calysta’s solution to food insecurity in a resource-constrained world can and will achieve global scale.

“The problems facing our food production supply chains have never been more clear, with increasing evidence that land and water scarcity are key challenges to meeting future demand for protein. FeedKind makes more from less, producing feed for livestock, fish and pets while making smarter use of our resources.

“We look forward to working closely with BP as we prepare to deliver this product to the world. Calysta will benefit from BP’s operational excellence and focus on safety when deploying multiple production plants.”

Calysta added that FeedKind has undergone extensive customer trials across the globe and has proven been to be an effective, safe and nutritious feed ingredient.

Additionally, the investment agreement will enable BP and Calysta to establish a strategic partnership in gas and power supply segments.

BP Ventures managing director Meghan Sharp said: “We are really excited to be working with the team at Calysta, bringing them into the BP Ventures family as we seek new commercial opportunities for our gas business.

“Their technology complements our core business while providing opportunities for sustainable products for tomorrow.”