The challenge
ImpactCo* saw strong growth potential in two Series A fermentation-based ingredient producers but needed a more detailed picture before deciding who to bid on. Both targets showed promise, one having built their own state-of-the-art production facility and the other having secured a large strategic customer for their first outsourced production runs. Both relied on novel bioprocessing technologies that required scalability to reduce costs.
Our client was eager to make their first investment in this field, but had lingering concerns. Which of the two targets had the most competitive product offering and market applications? Which of the two targets has better techno-economics and fewer scaling challenges? ImpactCo’s decision to pursue with either target depended on answers to these questions.
approach
We ran a Pre Due Diligence sprint in a tight 1-week timeline, coordinating a technical deep dive with both leadership teams and leveraging our network of 2,500+ industry experts to assess 4 key questions:
Sized the addressable market and evaluated demand dynamics for each target’s ingredient category.
Benchmarked each target’s product offering and functional positioning against alternatives.
Compared production costs and margin potential to assess long-term viability.
Assessed the technical and operational barriers to scaling from pilot to commercial volumes.
The analysis revealed that while both companies had significant technical barriers to overcome, one of the two was lacking the commercial traction needed to justify further investment.
From the engagement
The impact
Confirmed a market size exceeding €100M, supporting future growth.
Aligned on 50+ techno-economic metrics to monitor the scaling plan.
Built a strategy to ensure a seamless transition from pilot to commercial scale.
*The client’s name has been changed to protect their confidentiality.
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Our consulting team based out of Europe and 2500+ expert team located in 60+ countries cover the full AgriFood Tech value chain globally.
