Paris-based Standing Ovation announced a $34.2 million Series B funding round. The company is preparing to bring its fermentation-produced casein to the US market first.
The funding includes $28.5 million in equity. It was co-led by Bpifrance’s Ecotechnologies 2 fund, part of France’s France 2030 initiative, and Crédit Mutuel Innovation. New and returning investors, including Danone Ventures, also participated. An additional $5.7 million in non-dilutive financing from Bpifrance and a banking syndicate completes the total raise. This follows a €16 million Series A in 2024.
The addition of Danone Ventures and existing partner Bel Group strengthens the round. Bel Group’s Chief Venture Officer, Caroline Sorlin, said, “Our continued partnership is a win-win. It combines our cheese-making expertise with Standing Ovation’s innovative technology.”
Standing Ovation uses its technology to turn whey permeate, a dairy by-product, into high-purity casein via precision fermentation. Casein is the most abundant milk protein. It is used in cheese, yogurt, ice cream, and sports nutrition. The company claims to be the first to produce it at industrial scale through fermentation. It holds eight patent families protecting its process.
A life cycle assessment shows that this approach reduces greenhouse gases by 74%. It also uses up to three times less water than conventional animal-derived casein.
The company plans to launch its Advanced Casein in the US in 2026. Europe and Asia will follow from late 2027. Instead of building its own factories, Standing Ovation will partner with existing fermentation manufacturers.
CEO Yvan Chardonnens and Co-founder Romain Chayot stated, “Our goal is to pioneer a circular, sustainable protein production method. By combining technology with dairy expertise, we bridge the gap between agri-food and deep tech.”
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