There is money in the green stuff that grows as slime in your pool. Once dismissed as an unremarkable nuisance, algae is now emerging as a game-changing resource in sustainable industries. From food and nutrition to bioplastics and biofuels, algae is revolutionizing multiple sectors, offering an eco-friendly alternative to conventional products. Breakthroughs in the last decade have propelled microalgae into the mainstream, creating new business opportunities and attracting significant investment.
One such company, Brevel Ltd., a climate food-tech leader, recently secured over US$5 million in a seed extension up-round, bringing total funding to US$25 million. This financial boost enables Brevel to accelerate its market strategy and advance microalgae protein development for food and beverage applications.
“Our investors chose to reinvest, based on Brevel’s impressive progress following the last round,” explains Yonatan Golan, co-founder and CEO of Brevel. “We are dedicated to delivering nutritious protein that can replace animal protein in formulations. Our vision as a climate food-tech startup is to reduce the carbon footprint to a minimum by developing affordable, flavor-neutral, and functional microalgae protein at global scales for consumers. It ticks all the boxes: it’s good for the people, good for our customers, and good for the planet.”
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Brevel has pioneered a unique method of cultivating microalgae by combining light with sugar-based fermentation in indoor bioreactors. Traditional fermentation, typically conducted in the dark, produces microalgae efficiently but lacks key nutrients that depend on light exposure. By integrating light into the fermentation process, Brevel enhances the nutritional profile, functionality, and overall commercial viability of microalgae-based proteins.
“At NevaTeam Partners, we invest in visionary companies that redefine industries, and Brevel is a perfect example of bold innovation,” says Shay Levy, Partner of NevaTeam Partners and a board member of Brevel. “The shareholders’ decision to exercise their warrants is a strong vote of confidence in Brevel’s mission and execution. We believe their technology will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of alternative proteins, and we are excited to continue supporting their journey toward that.”
Microalgae contains a rich array of nutrients, including proteins, lipids, fibers, and bioactive antioxidants. Brevel’s business model is designed to maximize revenue from all components of the biomass. “Our business model is similar to that of soy protein,” reveals Golan. “The revenue must come from the co-products just as with soy and meat products. Our combined light and fermentation platform allows us to capitalize on all of the components of the microalgae and not just the protein portion.”
This approach ensures cost-effectiveness and commercial viability. By extracting valuable co-products like functional oils, antioxidants, and fibers alongside the primary protein, Brevel achieves price parity with traditional protein sources while maintaining a superior nutritional profile.
The Future of Algae in Sustainable Markets
Brevel’s recent milestones include:
- Completion of its first-of-a-kind commercial factory (FOAK)
- Scaling up production to 5,000L commercial volumes
- Securing agreements with industry leaders like The Central Bottling Company (CBC Group)
- Advancing microalgae protein and lipid ingredient development
The funding will accelerate Brevel’s expansion, facilitate partnerships for future production lines, and support additional offtake agreements as it prepares for large-scale commercialization.
Looking ahead, Yonatan Golan will pitch at the Investor Day on Climate event on April 2, as part of the European Innovation Council Summit. The event will feature 20 leading climate tech startups, showcasing how Brevel’s advancements in algae-based protein are addressing climate change and food security.
Founded by brothers Yonatan, Ido, and Matan Golan, Brevel is driven by a mission to nourish the growing global population with a high-value, sustainable protein source. With patented technology that merges fermentation with light exposure, Brevel has developed a highly nutritious, neutral-flavored microalgae protein isolate. The company’s 27,000-square-foot commercial plant, launched in 2024, has the capacity to produce hundreds of tons of microalgae protein annually, positioning Brevel at the forefront of the alternative protein revolution.
As the world seeks sustainable solutions to food security and climate challenges, algae is proving to be more than just pond scum—it’s a powerful driver of innovation and economic opportunity.
