Belgium-based precision fermentation company Those Vegan Cowboys has raised €6.25 million in funding to accelerate the development of animal-free casein for use in dairy applications. The startup plans to scale production of casein without the use of animals and move its dairy-identical cheese, yogurt, and chocolate products toward commercial viability. Those Vegan Cowboys is developing casein through precision fermentation, which it claims behaves identically to conventional dairy and has the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, land, and water use.

Founded by Jaap Korteweg and Niko Koffeman, Those Vegan Cowboys aims to revolutionize dairy production by utilizing fermentation-based technology. The company has received interest from traditional dairy manufacturers and plans to launch a consumer crowdfunding campaign in 2026. While a commercial launch date has not been announced, the company has confirmed that its fermentation-derived casein is now considered “market-ready.”.