Startup Originals Team
Focus on Disrupting the Global Alternative Protein Market:
Bengaluru-based biotech startup Loopworm has raised $3.3 million in a strategic funding round aimed at transforming the alternative protein landscape. The funding will help the startup scale its recombinant protein manufacturing capabilities, which is expected to play a crucial role in replacing animal-based proteins with sustainable and scalable alternatives.
Led by Green Frontier Capital and Others:
This round was co-led by Green Frontier Capital and Plug and Play, along with participation from SustainPlus and existing investors such as Omnivore and WaterBridge Ventures. The funding reflects growing investor interest in companies innovating within the alternative protein and synthetic biology sectors.
What Loopworm Does:
Founded in 2019 by Anurag Meena and Vipul Gupta, Loopworm originally began by converting agri-waste into insect-based protein for animal feed. The company is now pivoting to a more advanced biotechnology focus, particularly recombinant proteins-proteins produced using genetically engineered microorganisms. These proteins can be used in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceutical industries, reducing the reliance on animal-derived ingredients.
The New Facility and Global Vision:
Loopworm is in the process of setting up a pilot-scale protein production facility in Bengaluru. This facility will help validate its platform’s capabilities and prepare the company for commercial-scale production. The startup’s long-term goal is to become a global player in the synthetic biology space, with applications not only in food but across diverse industries that rely on proteins.
Why Recombinant Proteins Matter:
Recombinant proteins are seen as the future of food and healthcare because they offer:
- Consistent quality
- Ethical sourcing (animal-free)
- Lower environmental impact
- Scalability using microbial fermentation
These proteins can be used in meat alternatives, dairy replacements, and even vaccine development.
Backed by Strong R&D and Industry Support:
Loopworm’s R&D efforts are being powered by a team of scientists and engineers with a deep focus on protein expression and strain development. The startup is also collaborating with global stakeholders in synthetic biology and foodtech to accelerate innovation and commercialization.
Investor Speak:
Commenting on the investment, Apoorv Ranjan Sharma, Partner at Green Frontier Capital, said, “Loopworm has taken a bold step into the future of biotechnology. We believe their platform has the potential to redefine how the world looks at sustainable protein production.”
