Uncommon, a biocreation company based in Cambridge, has announced its unique approach to cellular agriculture, which it says enables it to quickly reach price parity with conventional meat, scale faster and create safer, healthier products without the use of gene editing. This approach has opened up a much wider global market than its competitors. The company claims that its novel approach to cellular agriculture promises to radically accelerate the availability of cultured meat.
Uncommon uses extensive research based on Nobel Prize-winning findings and pioneering biomimicry to build complex proteins and fats that are packed full of authentic flavor and nutritional benefits. This approach does away with the need for antibiotics, animal products, or toxic small molecules, and drastically reduces the raw materials needed for alternative protein production. This makes it a sustainable solution for a growing global population that is increasingly aware of the health impact of their diets and food choices.
The company aims to own 5% of the global pork market by 2035, and claims the cultivated meat sector is expected to reach $427B in value by 2040. Singapore and the US have approved its products, and Uncommon hopes to gain further regulatory approval to expand its reach. The company believes that its unique and adaptable technology will help it become the largest protein company in the world.
To support its development, Uncommon has raised $30 million in Series A funding, bringing its total funding to $35 million. This funding will be used to continue to bring the cost of goods down, apply for regulatory approval, and scale up production at its pilot manufacturing facility at Cambridge Technopark. The company plans to double its team over the next 18 months to further expand its capabilities.
The Series A round was led by Balderton and Lowercarbon, with participation from Red Alpine, East Alpha, and previous investors Max and Sam Altman, Miray Zaki, and Sebastiano Castiglioni. Daniel Waterhouse, Partner at Balderton, said, “The cultivated meat industry faces significant challenges, from the cost of materials to regulation and scaling. We’re convinced that Uncommon has the formula to become a global leader that will transform how we eat and enjoy meat. We’re excited to be backing Uncommon and look forward to working with Benjamina and the team as they embark on this next growth stage.”
