Project Eaden Secures €15M to Revolutionize Plant-Based Meat with Fiber Technology

Berlin-based climate tech startup Project Eaden has raised €15 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round to expand its innovative approach to plant-based meat production. The funding round was led by Planet A and REWE Group, with participation from DeepTech & Climate Fonds, Happiness Capital, AgriFoodTech Venture Alliance, and existing investors Creandum and FoodLabs.

Planet A General Partner Christoph Gras highlighted the potential of plant-based products in addressing global meat consumption. “Research suggests that plant-based products could replace 11–22 per cent of global meat consumption by 2035—but only if improvements are made in taste and texture.” He emphasized that Project Eaden’s fiber technology offers a unique solution, providing a compelling alternative to conventional meat while supporting the transition to a more sustainable food system.

This latest investment brings Project Eaden’s total funding to €27 million. The company previously secured €10 million in a seed funding round and €2 million in public grants in 2022, aimed at supporting its market entry in Europe.

Redefining Meat with Fiber Spinning Technology

Founded in 2022 by Dr. David Schmelzeisen, Hubertus Bessau, and Jan Wilmking, Project Eaden leverages fiber spinning technology, inspired by the textile industry, to develop plant-based meat alternatives. This innovative approach mimics the natural structure of meat, consisting of muscle fibers, connective tissue, and fat, to replicate the texture, taste, and appearance of traditional meat products.

“We are here to make the switch away from animal meat consumption a no-brainer,” said co-founder Wilmking. He further emphasized that their products excel in taste, texture, and nutrition, making them an accessible option for consumers. Dr. Schmelzeisen added that the technology is versatile, cost-effective, and highly scalable, enabling its application across various meat types.

The production process combines fiber-based materials with natural taste components, ensuring that the products are free from nitrates and antibiotics typically found in processed meats. This method allows Project Eaden to offer a sustainable alternative that meets increasing consumer demand while addressing environmental concerns.

Aiming for Sustainable Food Solutions

The company’s plant-based meats significantly reduce environmental impact compared to traditional animal meat. Each kilogram of its product lowers greenhouse gas emissions by up to 20 kilograms of CO2, reduces water usage by up to 56 cubic meters, and minimizes land use by up to 20 square meters. This aligns with the growing need for sustainable solutions to meet the challenges of global food production.

Preparing for a European Launch

With this new funding, Project Eaden plans to expand its product range, increase production capacity, and prepare for its European market launch in 2025. The company’s initial focus will be on Germany, where it will introduce plant-based ham in thousands of REWE supermarkets during the first half of the year. The German ham market, valued at over €2 billion, presents a significant opportunity for growth.

To support these efforts, the company is actively recruiting in operations, engineering, marketing, and sales. Project Eaden aims to position itself as a leader in the sustainable food sector by delivering plant-based alternatives that combine innovation and environmental responsibility.