# Nature's Fynd **Source:** https://geo.sig.ai/brands/natures-fynd **Vertical:** Food, Beverage & AgTech **Subcategory:** Alternative Protein **Tier:** Emerging **Website:** naturesfynd.com **Last Updated:** 2026-04-14 ## Summary Yellowstone-derived fungi protein company; $500M+ raised from SoftBank and Al Gore's Generation; makes breakfast patties and cream cheese from Fy protein. ## Company Overview Nature's Fynd is a Chicago-based food technology company founded in 2012 (commercialized 2018) by Thomas Jonas and Mark Kozubal. The company's core innovation is Fy — a novel protein derived from Fusarium strain flavolapis, a microbe originally discovered in the geothermal springs of Yellowstone National Park. Fy can be grown in a compact vertical bioreactor using minimal water, land, and energy compared to conventional animal or plant protein production.\n\nNature's Fynd has raised more than $500 million in venture capital from investors including SoftBank Vision Fund, Generation Investment Management (Al Gore), Breakthrough Energy Ventures (Bill Gates), and others. The company produces a line of consumer products under the Nature's Fynd brand including breakfast patties, dairy-free cream cheese, and yogurt alternatives sold at Whole Foods, Sprouts, and online.\n\nThe company's sustainability story is compelling: Fy protein produces 94% less greenhouse gas emissions and uses 99% less land compared to beef protein. As the broader alternative protein sector faces market headwinds in 2025, Nature's Fynd has focused on building awareness in the natural grocery channel and educating consumers on the unique Yellowstone origin story that differentiates Fy from commodity soy and pea proteins. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Fy protein? Fy is a naturally occurring protein derived from Fusarium strain flavolapis, a microbe discovered in Yellowstone's volcanic hot springs. It is cultivated via fermentation, yielding a complete protein with all essential amino acids and a fibrous texture. ### Who has invested in Nature's Fynd? Investors include SoftBank Vision Fund 2, Al Gore's Generation Investment Management, Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Blackstone, and several food-focused strategic investors. ### Where are Nature's Fynd products sold? Nature's Fynd products are available at Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, and other natural and specialty grocers, as well as direct-to-consumer online. ### What is Nature's Fynd and what is Fy protein? Nature's Fynd is a food technology company that produces alternative protein using Fy, a fungal protein discovered in the geothermal hot springs of Yellowstone National Park. Fy is grown through a fermentation process using a unique microorganism (Fusarium strain flavolapis) that produces a nutritionally complete protein with a complete amino acid profile comparable to animal protein. ### What products does Nature's Fynd sell using Fy protein? Nature's Fynd has launched consumer products including Meatless Breakfast Patties, Dairy-Free Cream Cheese, and other products made from Fy protein. The products are designed to closely replicate the taste and texture of conventional animal-based foods while offering the environmental and health benefits of a fermentation-derived protein source. ### What are the environmental advantages of Nature's Fynd's fermentation approach? Nature's Fynd's fermentation process for growing Fy protein requires a fraction of the land and water needed for conventional livestock agriculture and produces fewer greenhouse gas emissions. The company has cited lifecycle analyses showing dramatically lower environmental impact per gram of protein compared to beef and other animal proteins, positioning Fy as one of the most resource-efficient protein sources available. ### Who has invested in Nature's Fynd and what has the company raised? Nature's Fynd has raised over $500 million from investors including SoftBank Vision Fund, ARCH Venture Partners, Bill Gates' Breakthrough Energy Ventures, and other prominent impact and food technology investors. This significant funding reflects investor confidence in the potential of fermentation-based protein to become a major component of the global protein supply. ### What distribution channels does Nature's Fynd use? Nature's Fynd sells its consumer products through e-commerce on its own website and through grocery retail partners. The company has focused on building awareness of Fy protein as a novel but appealing ingredient category while expanding its retail distribution to make products accessible to mainstream consumers interested in sustainable and nutritious food alternatives. ## Tags b2c, startup, north-america, manufacturing, agriculture, technology --- *Data from geo.sig.ai Brand Intelligence Database. Updated 2026-04-14.*