On navigating the Alt-Protein pivot and why startups can't disrupt Nestlé- Kim Odhner, Unovis

On navigating the Alt-Protein pivot and why startups can't disrupt Nestlé- Kim Odhner, Unovis

From Investment Climate by Alex Shandrovsky

May 7, 2026 · 33 min · Season 2 · Episode 95

About this episode

Kim Odhner discusses the challenges and strategies in the alternative protein sector and the limitations of startups in disrupting established food giants.

Episode 95: UNOVIS Asset Management: Kim Odhner on navigating the Alt-Protein pivot and why startups can't disrupt Nestlé In this episode, I sit down with Kim Odhner, Managing Director at UNOVIS Asset Management, one of the most experienced and earliest venture funds in the alternative protein space. Kim pulls back the curtain on how UNOVIS manages its portfolio during the FoodTech winter, detailing the exact thesis behind their recent follow-on investments in Green Rebel Foods, The Protein Brewery, and Alpine Bio. We discuss why trying to change the habits of meat-eaters is a "lost cause," how molecular farming startups are pivoting to high-value medical-grade ingredients, and why the next era of FoodTech requires abandoning the Silicon Valley playbook of trying to overthrow legacy FMCG giants. 🎧 Listen to the full episode to hear Kim's insights on why the massive Southeast Asian market requires prioritizing shelf-stability over cold-chain logistics. Key Facts UNOVIS Asset Management: Kim Odhner: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kim-anders-odhner/ Website: https://unovis.vc/ Headquarters: New York, US Goal: To invest in and scale transformative food technologies, transitioning from…

People in this episode

Host: Alex Shandrovsky

Guest: Kim Odhner

Topics covered

  • alternative protein
  • venture capital
  • FoodTech
  • startups
  • investment strategies

Keywords

  • alternative protein
  • UNOVIS
  • FoodTech winter
  • investment
  • startups
  • Nestlé
  • molecular farming
  • Southeast Asia

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: UNOVIS Asset Management, Green Rebel Foods, The Protein Brewery, Alpine Bio

Places: New York, Southeast Asia

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