Maltento secures $3.3m to grow insect-based feed solutions

Maltento, a company dedicated to unlocking the functional compounds of insect-based feed solutions, has recently concluded a capital raise of $3.3 million with Sand River Venture Capital. The investment marks a significant milestone as it continues its mission to develop sustainable and innovative solutions in the animal feed market.

“We are delighted to announce Sand River’s investment in the company, given our shared values and their commitment to funding innovative solutions for a sustainable future,” said Dominic Malan, commercial director of Maltento in Cape Town, South Africa. “This investment and team will support our ambitions to become a global functional ingredient player.”

Maltento draws inspiration from insects and specialises in creating clean, consistent, and functional nutrition solutions for animal feed markets worldwide. Its factory, located in Epping, is currently capable of shipping over 15 tonnes of processed soldier fly larvae to the United States every month. This high-protein addition to chicken feed not only offers a nutritional boost but also supports job creation locally in South Africa.

The $3.3 million investment from Sand River will enable Maltento to accelerate its unique approach to insect biotechnology and further develop its pioneering palatability enhancer, known as Palate+.

The company aims to expand the Palate+ offering into new markets, including the United States and the European Union. By doing so, Maltento anticipates global growth, increased job opportunities, and the upskilling of its South African workforce.

“Our mission at Sand River is to provide capital and support to businesses that will regenerate the natural world and deliver strong financial returns,” shared Greg Robson, partner at Sand River. “Maltento represents a wonderful opportunity for us. They are comfortably the leading company in their field, driven by an entrepreneur we immediately believed in, and possess game-changing sustainability credentials. We are excited for the journey.”

Maltento has always taken a regenerative approach in developing its products, with a focus on minimising its impact on scarce natural resources while maximising the use of traceable co-products from agro-processing industries. Insect-based protein, kilogram for kilogram, uses 95 times less natural resources than animal-based protein, showcasing the environmental benefits of Maltento’s solutions.

The company remains committed to leveraging insect biotechnology to create sustainable products that outperform other market alternatives. Through the unlocking of functional benefits from insects, Maltento aims to produce feed solutions that are not only better for animals but also contribute to soil and planet health.

By developing insect-based compounds that are free from antibiotics and growth hormones, Maltento’s feed supplements have the potential to address crucial issues such as allergies, inflammation, and gut health.

With the recent investment from Sand River Venture Capital, Maltento is well-positioned to accelerate its growth in the field of insect-based feed solutions. The company’s dedication to sustainability, innovation, and job creation sets the stage for a brighter and more sustainable future in the animal feed industry.

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