Foodtech startup Project Eaden, creator of ultra-realistic plant-based meats using proprietary fibre spinning technology inspired by the textile industry, has closed an oversubscribed €15 million Series A funding, bringing the company’s funding to €27 million.

Livestock farming is responsible for 12 per cent of total annual greenhouse gas emissions. Yet, according to Project Eaden, current meat alternatives do not stack up to the taste, texture, or nutritional benefits of animal meat, creating no real shift in consumer behaviour. 

Project Eaden was founded by Jan Wilmking, a former Zalando manager, and Dr David Schmelzeisen, who holds a PhD in textile engineering. The two came together to start the company when they realized they could apply proprietary spinning and compounding technology inspired by the textile industry to recreate meat in scalable and cheap ways. 

Its products are endorsed by butchers, Michelin chefs and retail buyers. 

According to Wilmking:

“We are here to make the switch away from animal meat consumption a no-brainer. Our products deliver on taste, texture and nutrition.” 

“Our proprietary tech is versatile across meat types, cheap and highly scalable,” adds Dr Schmelzeisen. 

Every kilogram of Project Eaden’s product reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 kg CO₂-eq – equivalent to driving about 100 kilometres in an average fossil fuel car. It also cuts water use by up to 56 m³, comparable to the daily water consumption of 660 European citizens, and decreases land use by up to 20 m², roughly the size of a small urban garden. 

Planet A and REWE Group led the round, with participation from DeepTech & Climate Fonds (DTCF). Happiness Capital, AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance, and existing investors Creandum and FoodLabs also joined the A round. 

Christoph Gras, General Partner of Planet A, said: “Project Eaden is leading this shift with its new fibre technology, which delivers a meat alternative that will appeal even to the most sceptical consumers.” 

The company will launch in multiple European markets in 2025 starting with Germany, where Eaden’s ultra-realistic ham products will make their retail debut in thousands of REWE supermarkets across the country in the first half of the year. 

The market is worth over €2 billion in Germany alone. 

Hans-Jürgen Moog, Chief Procurement Officer of REWE Group, said: 

“Project Eaden is setting a new standard in alternative meat by delivering the meat-like experience that today’s consumers crave. As a launch partner, we’re excited to bring their innovative products to our stores.” 

Dr Elisabeth Schrey, Managing Partner of DTCF, said:

“Germany has long been a global leader in innovation and engineering. We are proud to back Project Eaden, whose proprietary high-tech production technology for alternative meats positions them as a shaper of the next generation of German engineering companies.” 

Lead image: Project Eaden Founders in Lab – David and Jan. Photo: uncredited.