The global food system must become more sustainable, and alternative proteins are key to reducing its environmental impact. Dutch company Protix is leading the way with circular solutions, such as turning food waste into insect-based proteins. To support their global expansion, Invest International provided Protix with a €1 million development loan to explore the feasibility of building a circular insect protein facility in South Korea with local partners.
About Invest International
Invest International is an impact investor that enables sustainable growth by supporting Dutch businesses with finance solutions in foreign markets. Founded in 2021 by the Dutch government and development bank FMO, it fills a financing gap—offering investment loans, export finance, project development, and equity when traditional funding isn’t available. Their goal is clear: drive sustainable economic growth with lasting social and environmental impact.
Scaling circular protein in South Korea
Founded in 2009, Dutch company Protix produces insect-based proteins by using black soldier fly larvae to transform food waste and agri-food byproducts into sustainable proteins, oils, and natural fertilizers. These ingredients are used in animal feed, pet food, and aquaculture, offering a low-emission alternative to traditional sources like fishmeal and soy.
Protix’s mission is to restore balance in the food system by reintroducing nature’s principle of circularity—where insects convert waste into nutrients. This mission aligns perfectly with South Korea, which has one of the world’s most advanced food waste systems, collecting over 15,000 tons daily from various commercial sources. Protix is now preparing to build a facility in South Korea that will upcycle up to 130,000 tons of food waste each year.
Closing the funding gap in alternative protein and AgTech
Scaling breakthrough innovations in food and agriculture requires more than great technology. It takes upfront capital, patience, and partners willing to take early-stage risk. That’s where Invest International plays a crucial role.
As a Dutch impact investor, Invest International supports FoodTech and AgTech companies with the financing needed to grow internationally. Its portfolio also includes clients such as Proeon, a company that is scaling its operations in India to produce high-quality plant-based proteins from peanuts and mung beans. These proteins are used in vegan eggs, protein-rich snacks, and other food products — helping reduce reliance on animal proteins and promote sustainable agriculture.
Another client of Invest International, OneThird, addresses global food waste through AI-powered near-infrared scanning technology that predicts the shelf life of fresh produce in real time. Their solution helps retailers and suppliers reduce waste, cut emissions, and optimize supply chains.
These examples reflect Invest International’s broader mission to support Dutch innovations that contribute to sustainable growth — both environmentally and economically — on a global scale.
Invest International at F&A Next
At F&A Next 2025, Protix, Proeon, and OneThird will share their experiences in the break-out session ‘How to finance your international scale-up activities’ on May 21. On that same day, Invest International will also co-host the panel ‘Scaling Success: Strategies, Financing Growth, and M&A in Agtech & Food’ alongside Invest-NL and CropX, where OneThird and two other entrepreneurs will discuss how to navigate growth, funding, and strategic partnerships. Join these sessions at F&A Next to learn more! For a full look at the program, click here.
