Belgium-based precision fermentation company Those Vegan Cowboys has closed a €6.25 million funding round to accelerate the development of its animal-free casein for use in dairy applications.
The new capital will be used to scale production of casein—the key functional protein in dairy—without the use of animals. The startup, headquartered in Ghent, Belgium, says the funding provides the necessary resources to move its dairy-identical cheese, yogurt, and chocolate products toward commercial viability.
Identical performance without animal input
Those Vegan Cowboys is developing casein through precision fermentation, using microbial processes to produce the protein traditionally derived from cow’s milk. The company claims its casein behaves identically to conventional dairy in terms of meltability and stretch, and in some cases exceeds the performance of animal-based casein. Internal estimates suggest the production process could reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 95% compared to traditional dairy, while significantly lowering land and water use.
“This is where belief turns into real-world results,” the company stated in an update to its community.
Founded by Jaap Korteweg and Niko Koffeman, also known for founding The Vegetarian Butcher, Those Vegan Cowboys was established in 2020 to develop fermentation-based dairy without animal involvement. The team has named its fermentation tank “Margaret,” after a dairy cow, to symbolize the transition from traditional livestock farming to microbial fermentation.
The company reported that traditional dairy manufacturers are now engaging with its technology. It described this as an indication that precision fermentation is gaining interest beyond niche startups.
“A 1% chance” now market-ready
“Five years ago, we gave our idea of cow-free cheese by precision fermentation a 1% chance. This wild plan became a reality,” the company said.
Alongside institutional investment, Those Vegan Cowboys plans to launch a consumer crowdfunding campaign in early 2026. According to the company, initial access will be limited, and those who sign up on the waitlist will receive early details on terms and participation.
The company has not yet announced a commercial launch date for its products, but it confirmed that its fermentation-derived casein is now considered “market-ready.”
