MATR Foods uses a unique solid-state fermentation process to transform legumes, vegetables, and grains such as peas, lupins, beets, potatoes, and oats into protein-rich, savory meat alternatives. The process involves inoculating boiled and chopped ingredients with fungi spores, which boost protein levels, bind ingredients, and develop umami flavors. The harvested biomass is then marinated in beet juice and seasonings, resulting in products that are low in saturated fat and high in fiber.

“We are deliberately targeting a combination of retail and foodservice because we see a very positive spillover from restaurant and canteen experiences to retail interest.”

said CEO Randi Wahlsten to AgFunderNews

Scaling an alternative food product in these times is hard, as other, such as Swedish Stockeld Dreamery just announced they are shutting down.

“We are deliberately not calling our products anything involving the word meat. We are not trying to mimic meat, but to create a new category of meat successors that are just as satisfying and craveable.”

Randi Wahlsten continued

You can read a longer interview over at AgFunderNews:

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We track over 500 startups in this region, and of these over 100 have women founders or co-founders that we know about. So on this day, we wanted to highlight 25 interesting startups, co-founded by women, to watch out for in 2025.

This list consists of us and external advisors who highlighted different startups. It is not an objective list, but rather based on personal insights and who we believe will have an interesting 2025.

The list is of both younger startups and more established scale-ups, and in different fields – from AI startups to those focusing on food or nutrition, to e-commerce. One thing is clear – there are definitely a lot of interesting startups building great products in this region.

25 startups of interest

CanopyLab: A research-based social elearning platform designed to enable the development of competencies. With adaptive quizzes and the built-in social network structure enhance social and collaborative learning, emphasizing personalizing the learning experience to meet the learner’s individual needs. Co-founded by Sahra-Josephine Hjorth. (Edtech, SaaS, AI)

Coolstuff: Curating unique and trendy items that resonate with a diverse range of consumers. Co-founded by Kajsa Knapp. (E-commerce, Consumer goods)

Cross Reality: A unique multiplayer VR gaming turn-key solutions for arcades and entertainment venues. Their CRES platform turns any 100m² space into a virtual gaming arena with up to ten players simultaneously. Co-founded by Marie Möller. (Gaming, Hardware)

Della8: Crafting fashion-forward and functional products tailored to modern lifestyles. Co-founded by Emelie Nilsson Sträng. (Marketplace)

EasySize: Helping online shoppers find the perfect fit, reducing returns, and elevating the shopping experience. Founded by Gulnaz Khusainova. (E-commerce, SaaS)

Emission Twin: Developing technologies to monitor and reduce emissions, contributing to a greener future. Their software unites the ecosystem to help companies reach their climate goals. Co-founded by Tove Nilstun. (Climate, SaaS)

Edda Knowledge: Creating VR learning environments that engage students and assist in teaching. Empowering individuals and organizations with knowledge-driven solutions that foster growth and innovation. Co-founded by Sonja Holmer. (Edtech, SaaS)

Gents & Gents Go: Providing stylish and sustainable fashion options for the modern gentleman. Founder Jenny Rydhstrom. (E-commerce, Cosmetics, Consumer App)

Go Cirkular: Beauty brand specializing in upcycling raw materials to reduce environmental impact. Focused on vegan skincare and other products. Founder Irene Atance. (Cosmetics, Climate)

Inimini: Transforming the second-hand market for children’s clothing with a convenient online platform. Their goal is to increase the use of second-hand children’s clothing by making it easy for customers to find what they are looking for. Founded by Josefin Runquist and Maja Vallinder. (E-commerce, Clothing)

Matr Foods: Uses the art of traditional fungi fermentation on a mix of Nordic organic vegetables, legumes and grains to create a new healthy plant ingredient rich with deep umami flavour and a juicy tender bite. Co-founded by Randi Wahlsten. (Food, Climate)

Miniferrum: Creating innovative iron supplements for children and women, based entirely on heme iron. Co-founded by Marlén Melander. (Food)

Najell: Designing innovative baby products that combine functionality with stylish design. Co-founded by Freja Najafi Kristensen. (E-commerce, Clothing)

NitroVolt: Offers a clean, green, and local ammonia production system that gives power to the individual farmer over their own nitrogen-based fertilizer needs. The technology relies on lithium-mediated ammonia synthesis reactor, called Nitrolyzer. Co-founded by Suzanne Zamany Andersen. (Climate)

Oxide AI: Leveraging artificial intelligence to make smarter high-stakes decisions and accurate, discovery-driven experiences with AI Agents. Co-founded by Kateryna Wikström. (AI)

PayZlip: Simplifying payroll management with cutting-edge technology that ensures accuracy and efficiency. Co-founded by Jasmi Thrikediswarenaden. (SaaS, HRtech)

Proplab: Innovating in the proptech sector, a platform that simplifies a real estate developer’s everyday life, accelerates business development, promotes creative idea discussion and enables compelling presentations to potential tenants. Co-founded by Naomi Hamilton. (SaaS, Proptech, AI)

Raffle.ai: Search solution using super secure AI powered assistants. Co-founded by Suzanne Lauritzen. (AI)

Robot Minds: Empowering organisations to navigate and thrive in the rapidly evolving landscape of robotics. Founder Elena Sjödin. (Robotics)

Soothla: Kidswear and bedding for Sensitive Skin and eczema. Their lyocell products are designed to be soothing for the skin. Allergy-friendly, toxin-free, and a seamless inside feel for extra comfort. Founder Sylvia Heuvelman. (E-commerce, Clothing)

Tiimo: Award-winning app and web planner designed for neurodivergent brains. Co-founded by Helene Lassen Nørlem. (Consumer App)

Visibuilt: Developing a fermentation-based binder called visiBIT derived from one of nature’s own binders, mycelium. Founder Line Kloster Pedersen. (Proptech, Climate)

Wellbefy: Revolutionizing occupational health care with innovative solution and methodology. Co-founders Sandra Jönsson and Rebecca Arfwedson. (SaaS, HRtech)

4dogs. Pet care online store with solutions that prioritize the well-being and happiness of our furry companions. Co-founders Margareta Borg and Cina Bössfall. (E-commerce, Animals)

Why These Startups Matter

These startups are not just businesses; they represent the resilience, creativity, vision – and a drive to make an impact in the world. For instance, Inimini’s founders, Josefin Runquist and Maja Vallinder, have built a sustainable platform for second-hand clothing, oOr Emelie Nilsson Sträng who wants to enable a better sharing economy so that we can use resources smarter with Della8. Each one on this list are inspiring people that want to create a better world.

And these are just some of all the startups in the region. If you want to find more, check out or startup list. If you want to know which ones of these are women founded or co-founded, reach out to us.

Update: the orignal article included Too Good To Go. This was a mistake however from our side, and has been corrected now.

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The event commenced with a warm welcome and drinks, followed by insightful startup stories from two pioneering founders: Randi Wahlsten of Matr Foods and Gerit Tolborg of Chromologics. Both founders are working at the forefront of food innovation. Matr Foods, led by CEO Randi Wahlsten, is transforming the food system by developing circular solutions focused on local resources, aiming to produce healthy and sustainable products through fermentation. Currently, Matr Foods said they are scaling their output to 3,500 tons annually, and also that they are actively seeking €37 million in investment to support a planned multi-European expansion.

Gerit Tolborg’s Chromologics, another standout startup, is addressing the demand for natural food colorants. Chromologics has raised € 12.6 million to date and is preparing for its Series A funding round, targeting an additional € 10-15 million to fuel further growth. The company produces natural pigments through a sustainable fungal fermentation process, catering to kosher, halal, and vegan markets, which aligns with the global trend toward clean and inclusive food options.

A fireside chat followed these inspiring startup stories, focusing on the challenges and strategies of making a startup fundable. Moderated by Mikael Wraae Valsted, Head of DI Bio, the session featured Sara Sande, Partner at EIFO, and Bodil Sidén, General Partner at Kost Capital. The discussion delved into how sustainable innovation attracts investors and how aligning a startup’s mission with measurable impact can elevate its appeal in the funding landscape.

The event concluded with an open networking session, where attendees mingled over drinks and snacks, engaging with the speakers and other professionals in the foodtech space. The event offered a compelling view into Copenhagen’s emerging foodtech ecosystem, underscoring Denmark’s supportive environment for startups and its potential to become a significant hub for sustainable food innovation.

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