Air-to-meat startup raises $32 million

In California, a startup developing a process to convert air into meat has raised $32 million. Air Protein’s process feeds organisms water, nutrients and carbon dioxide, oxygen and nitrogen sourced from air to produce protein. 

Agribusiness giant Archer Daniels Midland and Google’s venture capital arm participated in the Series A funding. 

 “It is essential to explore a variety of alternative solutions and options to meet the growing global population’s demand for protein,” says Darren Streiler, managing director of ADM Ventures. “ADM is a global leader in alternative proteins, and we are excited to help leverage our vast experience with fermentation solutions to help bring Air Protein’s innovative new ideas to market.” 

Air Protein CEO Lisa Dyson founded the company in 2019. She is also the founder of Kiverdi, a company transforming carbon dioxide into fish feed. 

JustFood.com, citing the United Nations, reports that food production needs to increase by 70% by 2050 to feed a growing population, but only 5% more land is available to accomplish this goal.