French nutrition company Verley has secured $37.7 million in an oversubscribed Series A funding round to commercialize its animal-free whey protein in the United States. The round, led by Alven, will fuel the company's expansion following a pivotal regulatory clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This strategic investment marks a significant step for the precision fermentation pioneer as it prepares for its North American debut.
A New Era for Protein Production
Verley specializes in producing high-performance whey proteins, specifically beta-lactoglobulin, through a process called precision fermentation. This innovative method creates dairy proteins without involving animals, offering a sustainable alternative to conventional production. The company reports its technology reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 97% and water consumption by 99%.
The company's innovation arrives as global demand for high-quality protein continues to surge, driven by health-conscious consumers and demographic growth. Traditional whey protein supplies are facing shortages and price volatility, creating a significant market opportunity for alternatives. Verley aims to address this gap by providing a stable and environmentally friendly source of essential nutrition.
Strategic Funding to Fuel US Expansion
The substantial $37.7 million financing was led by venture capital firm Alven, with new investments from Blast and Bpifrance. Key existing investors, including Sofinnova and Sparkfood, also participated, demonstrating continued confidence in the company’s vision. This round brings Verley's total capital raised to over $60 million since its founding four years ago.
Proceeds from the funding will primarily support Verley's U.S. market entry, including commercial deployment and scaling up with initial customers. A significant portion of the capital is also allocated to expanding production capacity through a hybrid manufacturing model. Furthermore, the company will continue to invest in research and development to enhance its ingredient technology.
A critical enabler for this expansion was Verley’s recent regulatory success in the United States. The company received a 'No Questions Letter' from the FDA, confirming its functionalized whey protein is generally recognized as safe (GRAS). This milestone de-risks their commercialization strategy and provides a clear path to market access.
A B2B Focus and Global Ambitions
Verley is pursuing a business-to-business (B2B) strategy, positioning itself as an ingredient supplier rather than a consumer brand. This approach allows the company to focus on its core expertise in fermentation technology and ingredient functionalization. By partnering with established food and beverage manufacturers, Verley can leverage their market access to scale more rapidly.
The company's product line, marketed under the FermWhey brand, is engineered for superior performance in demanding applications. These ingredients offer enhanced solubility, stability, and purity, making them ideal for high-protein shots, clear beverages, and dairy alternatives. This focus on functional performance is a key differentiator in the competitive protein market.
While the initial commercial launch is slated for the U.S. market by the end of 2026, Verley holds broader international ambitions. The company is actively pursuing regulatory approvals in Europe and has identified the Middle East as a strategic growth region. Its involvement in a Saudi Arabian accelerator program underscores its commitment to addressing global food security challenges.
With its latest funding and key regulatory approval, Verley is strongly positioned to become a major force in the alternative protein sector. The investment validates the company's execution-focused strategy and highlights growing confidence in precision fermentation as a viable industrial solution. Verley is now equipped to scale its operations and begin transforming the global protein ingredient supply chain.