Cargill has invested in Seventure Partners’ Health for Life Capital (HFL) fund II, as it aims to expand its portfolio of health solutions.
HFL II is a venture capital fund dedicated to health, nutrition, the microbiome and digital/connected health sectors.
Cargill – who joins existing investors in the fund including Danone, ADM and Lesaffre – will serve as a limited partner with a member appointed to the fund’s advisory investment committee.
With the move, Cargill hopes to gain insight into the latest technologies and trends in the digestive and immune health space through the HFL II team’s evaluation of innovative start-ups.
As such, the investment aims to accelerate the company’s microbiome and life sciences research and development, helping Cargill to bring ‘next-generation’ ingredient solutions to its customers.
“We’re thrilled to invest with Seventure Partners, given their deep expertise and knowledge of the rapidly evolving microbiome ecosystem,” said Chuck Warta, president of Cargill’s health technologies business.
“Together, we will expand the existing suite of health solutions available to consumers and bring more relevant products to market in the functional food arena.”
Isabelle De Cremoux, CEO and managing partner of Seventure, added: “Microbiome innovations are now impacting many industries such as food, pharma, healthcare, retail, agriculture and animal feed and health, providing great opportunities for growth.
“Cargill joining our fund will accelerate our mission to transform fascinating science into great products, improving people’s lives.”
As part of the agreement, de Cremoux will join an internal Cargill advisory board that aims to provide guidance and insight as Cargill grows its health technologies portfolio.
Cargill says that it sees health ingredients as one of the fastest-growing segments in nutrition and is seeking out growth opportunities for both human and animal application.
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