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Perfat Technologies, a Finnish deep-tech startup, has secured €2.5 million in Series A financing to advance its innovative fat alternatives, addressing critical health and sustainability issues related to saturated and tropical fats.

The funding round was co-led by Newtree Impact and Beyond Impact, with support from Nordic Science Investments, the University of Helsinki and Big Idea Ventures.

Perfat’s proprietary technology transforms liquid vegetable oils into solid, functional fats, offering food manufacturers a healthier replacement for traditional fats like butter, palm oil and coconut oil.

This breakthrough product has 80% less fat, up to 30% fewer calories and added fibre, making it an appealing option for companies seeking clean label formulations without sacrificing taste or texture.

CEO Jyrki Lee-Korhonen highlighted the importance of this innovation: “Substituting traditional solid fats is not just about innovation; it’s about caring for people’s health and helping manufacturers adopt sustainable solutions”.

With fats comprising 20-35% of the average diet, the demand for healthier alternatives is rising. Perfat’s fiber-reinforced gelled vegetable oil represents a significant advancement in the food industry, enabling manufacturers to create healthier products while maintaining functionality.

Investors are optimistic about Perfat's potential. Benoît de Bruyn of Newtree Impact noted: “Palm oil remains one of the most pressing challenges for both human health and sustainability. Perfat stands out with a functional fat that is healthier and adaptable to customer needs.”

As the market for sustainable food ingredients is projected to reach $129 billion by 2025, Perfat is well-positioned to help redefine the role of fats in our diets, aligning consumer health with environmental sustainability.