Celleste Bio, a startup focused on innovative cocoa production methods, has closed a $4.5 million seed funding round led by Supply Change Capital. Notable participants in the round include Mondelēz International’s SnackFutures Ventures, Consensus Business Group, The Trendlines Group, Barrel Ventures, and Regba Agriculture.
Founded in 2022, Celleste Bio aims to tackle the rising global demand for chocolate amid challenges posed by climate change and traditional farming practices. The company employs agricultural technology, biotechnology, and artificial intelligence (AI) to cultivate 100% natural cocoa from minimal seeds in controlled environments throughout the year.
CEO Michal Beressi Golomb highlighted the urgent need for innovative solutions in cocoa production as market demands grow, stating that the recent investment will accelerate product development and scalability.
Shayna Harris, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Supply Change Capital, pointed out that climate-related issues have driven cocoa prices to historic highs, creating a supply-demand gap as the chocolate industry expands. She expressed confidence in Celleste’s ability to lead advancements in cellular agriculture.
Richie Gray, VP of Mondelēz International’s SnackFutures Ventures, acknowledged the potential of Celleste’s technology to complement traditional cocoa farming approaches, enhancing overall supply chain resilience.
Dr. Nitza Kardish, CEO of The Trendlines Agrifood fund, emphasized the broader implications of such innovations, stating that they are essential for addressing the agricultural challenges posed by climate change.
With this funding, Celleste Bio is well-positioned to pioneer sustainable solutions in cocoa production to meet the growing demands of the chocolate industry.
