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VIVICI SECURES €32.5 MILLION IN SERIES A FUNDING

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Ingredients startup backed by dsm-firmenich and Fonterra advances on its path to full commercialisation.New investors include Pensioenfonds ABP, Invest-NL, and InnovationQuarter.Startup to launch its second dairy protein from precision fermentation in H2 2025.

LEIDEN, The Netherlands, Feb. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Vivici, the Dutch ingredients startup backed by nutrition, health and beauty multinational dsm-firmenich and dairy multinational Fonterra, announces that it has secured €32.5 million (approx. US $33.7 million) in Series A funding.

The funding round was led by APG on behalf of ABP, one of the largest pension funds in the world, and Invest-NL. Additional participation came from InnovationQuarter, as well as continued support from existing shareholders dsm-firmenich and Fonterra.

Vivici has already secured the first customer offtake agreements for its dairy protein from precision fermentation. It will use the funding to expand its access into new international markets, launch its second dairy protein ingredient, and establish long-term manufacturing capabilities.

Precision fermentation – the method used by Vivici to create dairy protein – combines the process of traditional fermentation with the latest advances in biotechnology, producing proteins without the need for animals. The technology promises to sustainably meet the protein needs of the world’s growing population, without compromising on price, taste, or nutritional quality.

With Vivitein™, its proprietary protein platform, Vivici aims to significantly complement the protein production of the dairy industry. As such, the Vivitein™ platform will help to feed a global population that demands an ever-increasing quantity and quality of protein in its diet.

“With this investment, we will continue on our path to turning the promise of precision fermentation into a commercial reality. This fundraise demonstrates the confidence investors have in both our mission and our capabilities,” said Stephan van Sint Fiet, CEO of Vivici. “With our Vivitein™ protein platform, we’re bringing a new standard of protein to the market – one that will become a mainstay of consumer protein products.”

Vivitein™ BLG, an isolated whey protein (beta-lactoglobulin), is the first ingredient to be launched under the company’s Vivitein™ protein platform. Compared to conventional methods of producing dairy protein, Vivitein™ BLG will offer significant environmental benefits, including 86% less water usage and a carbon footprint that is 68% lower.1

“The Vivitein™ protein platform offers a compelling package of sustainability, consumer, and commercial benefits.” says Lodewijk Meens, senior portfolio manager at APG Netherlands Energy Transition & Biodiversity fund. “This makes it a strong proposition for food companies looking to unlock new potential, now and in the long term.”

Vivici was founded in 2023 with the mission of realising the commercial potential of precision fermentation. Its senior team, led by former IFF executive van Sint Fiet, features decades of combined experience in ingredient application, giving the company a level of both commercial and technical acumen that is unrivalled amongst food biotechnology companies.

The company’s first ingredient, Vivitein™ BLG, is targeted specifically at consumers in the active nutrition category. The category was valued globally at US $28.4 billion a year in 20232 and grew by 8.5% in that year3, with similar growth expected for coming years. By unlocking a range of consumer product innovations, including clear water-based protein drinks and vegan-friendly bars with textures similar to those made with animal-derived ingredients, Vivitein™ BLG will open up vast new commercial potential in the active nutrition category.

Continuing its momentum, the company promises a strong pipeline of future ingredient products, with lactoferrin – Vivitein™ LF – to be launched later this year.

References
1 Life Cycle Assessment (ISO 14040-44 guidelines (NEN, 2006)) authored by CE Delft, February 2025
2 Global Data, Sports and Active Nutrition Market Growth Analysis by Region, Country, Brands, Distribution Channel, Competitive Landscape and Forecast to 2028, 21 November 2024
https://www.globaldata.com/store/report/sports-and-active-nutrition-market-growth-analysis/
3 LEK Consulting, Fueling the Future: Why Active Nutrition is the Next Big Bet, 29 October 2024. https://www.lek.com/insights/con/us/ei/fueling-future-why-active-nutrition-next-big-bet 

About Vivici
Vivici was founded in 2023 with the mission of making the promise of dairy protein from precision fermentation a commercial reality. Based in the Netherlands, and backed by leading nutrition, health and beauty multinational dsm-firmenich and dairy multinational Fonterra, Vivici combines breakthrough innovation and unrivalled ingredients industry experience to help food companies unlock new commercial potential, sustainably.

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SOURCE Vivici B.V.

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

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SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

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SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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