# Plant-Based Menu Initiatives Unovis Has Received $162 Million to Invest in Protein Alternatives By Colin Smith | Published 2022-01-31 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/unovis References: [globenewswire](https://www.globenewswire.com/news-release/2022/01/26/2373470/0/en/Unovis-Asset-Management-Announces-146-Million-Close-of-Second-Alternative-Protein-Focused-Venture-Fund.html) & [unovis.vc](https://unovis.vc/)  'Unovis,' the sustainability-driven asset management firm, has received $162 million in funding that it will use to invest in [plant-based meat alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beyond-test-kitchen). Unovis has noted that the need to reduce damage to the environment caused by the meat industry, as well as the need to create better animal safety conditions, are both prongs that can be addressed through large-scale support of [alternative proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/green-future). Unovis's first funding was in 2015 whereby the firm raised $45 million for the same cause. The $162 million it has raised in 2022 is more than three times larger, which showcases the increase in corporate demand and consumer interest in plant-based protein in recent years. Unovis is looking to invest in companies committed to innovating in the [plant-based protein market](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/planteneers-fiildmeat-s-111404-system) with hopes of achieving a large-scale change in the industry. Image Credit: Shutterstock ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.8/10 - Popularity: 40% | Activity: 62% | Freshness: 11% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Plant-based Proteins:** Innovations in plant-based proteins are disrupting the traditional meat industry and providing a sustainable solution for consumers. - **Sustainability-driven Investing:** Unovis's success in raising significant funding for plant-based meat alternatives highlights a growing trend of investors seeking sustainable investment opportunities. - **Consumer Demand for Alternatives:** Increasing consumer interest in plant-based proteins creates opportunities for businesses to meet this demand with innovative alternative products. ### Who This Affects Most - **Food & Beverage:** Companies in the food and beverage industry can innovate by developing plant-based protein alternatives that satisfy consumer demand for sustainable, ethical, and healthy food options. - **Investment Management:** Unovis's example shows investment management firms can provide disruptive innovation opportunities by seeking out funding for sustainable and innovative companies committed to reducing harm to the environment. - **Agriculture:** Innovation in the agriculture industry can help develop better plant-based protein sources to meet rising demand and create a more sustainable food system. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [American Plant-Based Meat Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/everything-legendary.md) - [Israeli Alternative Seafood Companies](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plantish.md) - [Australian Legume-Based Proteins](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/lupreme.md) - [Singaporean Plant-Based Meat Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/tindle.md) - [Alternative Cooking Oil Startups](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nopalm-ingredients.md) - [Mycelium-Based Bacon](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/atlast.md) - [Plant-Based Protein Projects](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/canadian-food-industry.md) - [Wholesome Meatless Alternatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/plant-it.md) - [Sustainability-Focused Cultivated Meat Partnerships](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cultivated-meat.md)