Heura, Barcelona-based foodtech pioneer, has secured €20 million in funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB). This capital injection represents a major institutional endorsement of its disruptive model, rooted in science, sustainability, and health, and further consolidates its leadership in Southern Europe. Blue Bull acted as financial advisor for this transaction.
The funds will enable the company to accelerate the development of a new generation of products that go beyond plant-based meat, expanding into new mass consumption categories and offering indulgent products with superior nutritional density.
This strategic support from the EIB accelerates Heura’s mission to transform the current food system into one that has a positive impact on people’s health, the planet, and other animals, cementing its role as a leading force in European food innovation. Marc Coloma, CEO and co-founder of Heura, emphasizes: “Innovation is our tool to live longer and better. We champion simple processes, legumes, healthy fats, and science in service of collective well-being. We want to democratize delicious, nutritious food aligned with today’s challenges.”
“EIB support for innovation and biotechnology is key to Europe’s technological leadership. With this agreement, we are boosting the dynamism of the startup ecosystem in Spain and Europe, while also responding to new consumer needs by developing sustainable food products,” stated Nadia Calviño, President of the EIB Group.
“This agreement is a clear example of how the EIB is stepping up its support for companies at the forefront of the bioeconomy sector, driving innovation and sustainability across the entire agri-food value chain. By investing in the development of new plant-based foods, the EIB is also contributing to a more sustainable and healthier food system, as well as to the EU’s food security,” said Alessandro Izzo, Director of Equity, Growth Capital, and Project Finance at the EIB.
An Innovation Hub that Generates Patents and Sets the Industry Pace
In line with this vision, Heura inaugurated its Innovation Hub this January in Barcelona’s 22@ district—a tech center that has already generated three patents and from which the company is leading the future of sustainable food. The first result of this R&D investment was the launch of thin-cut “york-style” slices, the fastest-growing product in its category in the Spanish market. In October, Heura unveiled pioneering prototypes across several major food categories, positioning itself as a key driver of innovation in the sector.
On a Steady Path Toward Profitability
Heura is solidifying its position as the first start-up in its category to move toward profitability. In the last fiscal year, it managed to cut its losses by more than half and expects to reach profitability in the fourth quarter of 2025—a major milestone for the European foodtech sector, reinforcing Heura’s role in the transition to more sustainable food systems.
This progress comes amid stabilized sales, with total revenues of €38 million in 2024, matching the previous year’s figures. This performance highlights the strength of Heura’s operating model, even in a complex market undergoing consolidation. The company has focused on a profitability-oriented strategy, targeting Southern Europe and implementing an ambitious efficiency plan—without compromising on quality or the sensory and nutritional superiority of its products.
Innovation-Led Leadership in Southern Europe
In 2024, Heura maintained its position as the clear category leader in Spain, with the highest brand loyalty and a market share twice that of its closest competitor. In other key markets—Italy, France, and Portugal—Heura grew by 34.5%, reinforcing its leadership across Southern Europe.
According to Coloma, “this leadership is forged through constant innovation and boldness in reshaping the category with products that bring us back to the flavors that move us deeply—combining nutritional excellence and sensory pleasure to help us live longer and better.”
This innovative approach also delivers commercial success: Heura holds 7 of the 10 best-selling products in its category. Among them, it offers the market’s favorite plant-based burger and a cold cut that, in under a year since its launch, has driven 60% growth in its category in Spain.
Additionally, Heura is expanding its presence in the food service channel through key partnerships with Royal Caribbean, Vueling, Rodilla, and high-visibility events like Taylor Swift’s “The Eras Tour” (Legends), strengthening its position as an innovative, relevant, and aspirational brand.
Measurable Positive Impact
As part of its 2023–2024 decarbonization plan, Heura has reduced its organizational carbon footprint by 8.66% and continues to demonstrate its environmental superiority over animal-based alternatives: its products generate up to 94% fewer emissions compared to beef.