Saudi’s Beta Lab Invests $8.1M in Animal-Free Cheese Startup Nutropy

As global dairy demand rises while farmer numbers decline, projections point to a 30-million-tonne milk shortfall by 2030. France-based biotech startup Nutropy is positioning its precision-fermented dairy proteins to fill that gap—without the cow. Nutropy has raised $8.1 million in a funding round led by Big Pi Ventures and Zero Carbon Capital, with participation from Saudi deep-tech investor Beta Lab, Wyngate, Paul Dischamp, Desai Ventures, PVS Investments, and Novax. Nutropy uses precision fermentation to produce casein proteins — key molecules found in cow’s milk that define the texture and melt of cheese. By replicating these proteins without using animals, the company aims to develop dairy products that offer the same taste and nutritional profile as traditional cheese. The funding will support Nutropy’s scaling and product development, including collaborations with food manufacturers and expansion into international markets. The company plans to bring its animal-free dairy products to market across Europe, North America, Asia, and the Middle East by 2027.