In this episode recorded live at VivaTech 2025, Ben sits down with Nicolas Morin-Forest, CEO and co-founder of Gourmey, to talk about the evolution of cultivated meat. They explore how the company started, why foie gras was their first product, the economics of Deep Tech innovation, and what’s next for the FoodTech startup as it scales globally.
Nicolas’s journey began with a first-hand experience in Bolivia, where he witnessed the environmental impact of industrial meat production and deforestation. This planted the seed for a mission-driven career focused on sustainable food. After stints in both corporate and nonprofit sectors, he became convinced that cell-cultivated meat could offer a breakthrough solution - if it could deliver on taste, scale, and affordability.
Instead of competing immediately with commodity meats, Gourmey launched with cultivated foie gras - a premium, high-margin product that addressed a real market gap due to supply chain volatility and regulation. This choice allowed the company to prove the viability of its tech without having to undercut traditional meat prices from the outset. By addressing an underserved culinary segment, Gourmey established credibility with chefs and customers alike.
Gourmey has raised over €60 million and grown to a team of 50+ people. Nicolas emphasized the importance of working with mission-aligned investors who understand the long road of deep tech development. With their latest cost analysis showing production prices as low as €5-€7 per kilo, the company is entering a new phase where cultivated meat could move beyond fine dining into broader markets. This opens the door to massive potential impact in the $2 trillion meat industry.
Consumer acceptance is rising, even before widespread availability. Gourmey's strategy includes launching in forward-looking markets like Singapore and collaborating with Michelin-starred chefs to drive trust and desirability. Nicolas believes chefs are the ultimate tastemakers who can help shift public perception - from skepticism to curiosity - by letting flavor lead the way.
Gourmey is currently raising a Series B round to fund its next milestones: regulatory approvals, commercialization in key global markets, and the expansion of its product range beyond foie gras and duck to other poultry and meat types. With a lean approach and efficient tech, the company aims to prove its model without the capital-heavy burden of massive infrastructure builds.