Pacifico Biolabs raises 7 million euros for mycelium protein

The German FoodTech start-up Pacifico Biolabs has completed a Series A financing round of 7 million euros. The company develops alternative proteins based on mycelium fermentation and deliberately relies on existing brewery infrastructure instead of cost-intensive new production facilities.

The round was led by Stray Dog Capital. TGFS Technologiegründerfonds Sachsen, Sprout & About Ventures, Simon Capital, FoodLabs and a regional brewery partner are also involved. Pacifico intends to use the fresh capital to expand its production in Saxony, hire new employees and prepare for market entry in the DACH region and Northern Europe.

Mycelium instead of animal protein

Pacifico develops so-called mycomeat products based on mycelium. Modern fermentation technology is used to create a protein-rich meat alternative product with a meat-like texture.

The flagship product Viando Chicken is designed to come as close as possible to the taste, consistency and preparation of classic chicken meat. According to Pacifico Biolabs, which has raised EUR 7 million for mycelium protein, the product contains up to 30 percent protein, all essential amino acids and requires significantly fewer resources than conventional meat production. According to the start-up, production uses up to 99% less land, 90% less water and produces around 90% fewer CO₂ emissions than animal meat.

Production with existing brewery infrastructure

A central component of the business model is the use of existing brewery capacities. Instead of building its own large-scale facilities, Pacifico uses existing industrial infrastructure for fermentation.

This is intended to accelerate scaling and reduce production costs at the same time. This is not an unknown approach and is attracting increasing attention in the European food tech scene.

Pacifico was founded in 2022 and is active in Berlin and Leipzig. The company plans to bring its products to retailers for the first time by the end of 2026. In addition to scaling up production, the funding will also support the expansion of the team and international expansion.