Kost Capital

Kost Capital is a European venture capital fund dedicated to investing in early-stage food technology companies that are actively shaping the nutrition transition. The firm focuses on backing science-led founders who are developing new ingredients, innovative nutrition platforms, and enabling bioprocess technologies within the broader food and bioeconomy sectors. Their investment thesis is centered on building a more resilient and sustainable European food ecosystem by addressing critical global challenges such as climate change, food waste, and health issues.

The firm was founded in 2023 by a team of experienced Danish entrepreneurs and investors, including General Partner Bodil Sidén and Founding Partners Kasper Hulthin, Christian Tang-Jespersen, Mark Emil Hermansen, and Jacob Lee Ørnstrand. Kost Capital launched with an initial fund close of €25 million, in collaboration with the Danish Sovereign fund EIFO. The founders' motivation stems from a belief that the current food system is broken and requires rapid funding for sustainable, efficient, and resilient solutions for the future of food.

Kost Capital has already made notable investments in companies such as Äio, a palm oil replacement company; Numi, an infant formula company; and Nutrumami, a Danish ingredient company. Other portfolio companies include Orbisk, which provides an AI-based food waste monitoring system, and Sallea, a startup developing plant-based scaffolds for cultivated meat. These investments reflect the firm's commitment to supporting innovations that promote food safety, waste reduction, traceability, and healthier planet solutions.

The team at Kost Capital brings diverse expertise, combining backgrounds in entrepreneurship, technology, and the food industry. General Partner Bodil Sidén leads investments and operations, with prior experience at Uber and blq Invest VC. Founding Partners Kasper Hulthin, Mark Emil Hermansen, and Jacob Lee Ørnstrand contribute extensive experience in tech entrepreneurship, food product development (including Noma and Empirical), and logistics, respectively. Senior Associate Paul Archambeau adds expertise in sustainable agriculture and environmental science, further strengthening the firm's ability to support impactful food innovations.