Simon Newstead on developing alternatives to animal protein
Jan 16, 2024
01:21:55
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Simon Newstead, impact investor, discusses the world of alternative proteins in Asia and challenges faced. Focus on investing in climate-friendly food tech startups, promoting alternative protein sources for sustainability. Balancing impact and profit for animal welfare. Exploring advancements in plant-based and hybrid products for cost and taste parity. Potential of cultivated crustaceans as an alternative to traditional shrimp paste. Recommendations for engagement in alternative protein field.
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Quick takeaways
Support for animal-free food products is pivotal in advancing animal liberation.
Government investments are crucial in driving innovation and public acceptance of alternative proteins.
Balancing investments in diverse protein technologies ensures progress and optimism for the future of alternatives.
Deep dives
Championing Animal Freedom through Alternative Proteins
The episode delves into the significance of alternative proteins in advancing the cause of animal freedom. The discussion highlights how support for food products that are animal-free plays a pivotal role in the collective pursuit of animal liberation. It underscores the for-profit sector's impact on propelling the alternative protein market, featuring insights from Simon Newstead, an impact investor aiding food technology startups in Asia. The episode explores various protein technologies, focusing on Asia's challenges and progress towards global consumption transitions.
Shrimp Paste's Role in Shaping Animal Advocacy Views
The conversation shifts towards the unique insight into short-term and long-term shifts in animal-related perspectives, particularly emphasizing the impact of shrimp paste on animal suffering per kilogram. The discussion expands to futuristic notions of simulated environments potentially dominating animal suffering scenarios. The dialogue probes into the ethical considerations and potential timelines surrounding sentient suffering within simulated settings, projecting a thought-provoking view on evolving animal welfare conversations.
Empowering Climate-Friendly Food Innovations in Asia
The episode spotlights Better Bite Ventures, an early-stage venture capital fund focused on climate-friendly food technologies, specifically alternative proteins in Asia. Simon Newstead's engagement in supporting startups revolutionizing plant-based fats for enhanced cooking experiences in India and developing hybrid options for optimized taste and nutrition underscores the ongoing innovation within the sector. The narrative examines the intersection of cultural, nutritional, taste, and cost challenges shaping the alternative protein industry's trajectory.
Navigating Challenges and Opportunities in Alternative Protein Landscape
The discussion explores the multifaceted challenges encountered in the alternative protein sphere, ranging from cost efficiencies and supply chain logistics to enhancing taste, texture, and consumer perceptions. The deliberation expands to encompass the pivotal role of government funding in fostering innovation and research breakthroughs crucial for driving the industry forward. The discourse underscores the need for collaborative efforts between private investment and public initiatives to accelerate advancements and address pressing challenges within the alternative protein landscape.
Government Investment in Research
Government investments in research, such as seen in the Netherlands and Australia, are crucial in laying the groundwork for companies to innovate in areas like biomedical research. This public funding not only boosts research but also enhances public perception and acceptance of emerging technologies. While government contributions may not be the sole driver of consumer choices, they serve as a foundational endorsement for novel approaches, offering a level of comfort and credibility.
Diverse Investment Portfolio in Protein Technologies
Balancing investments across various protein technologies, including cultivated products, precision fermentation, and molecular farming, is key to navigating the diverse landscape of alternative proteins. Adopting a hybrid approach anticipates the potential synergy and complementary strengths of different technologies in the future system. Despite uncertainties and challenges, a strategic mix of speculative and immediate projects ensures continuous progress and long-term optimism in shaping the future of protein alternatives.
Simon Newstead, entrepreneur turned impact investor, is a founding co-partner of Better Bite Ventures who back food-tech founders in Asia.
In this episode, we deep dive into the world of alt protein and the different technologies available in the alternative protein space. We look at Asia specifically where Simon’s work is focussed as well as the challenges this industry is facing as a whole. We also quiz Simon on his view on the timelines we should work towards to see this global shift in consumption towards animal-free alternatives.
Relevant links to things mentioned throughout the show:
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