Heura Foods secures €20 million EIB loan to accelerate plant-based innovation

The European Investment Bank (EIB) has granted a €20 million (approximately US$21.5 million) loan to Heura Foods, a Spanish startup focused on developing plant-based meat and other sustainable food alternatives. The financing is intended to strengthen Heura’s research, development and innovation (RD&I) efforts, enabling the company to expand its product portfolio and scale up production.

Based in Barcelona, Heura has emerged as a prominent player in the European plant-based food sector. The company develops 100% plant-based products designed to serve as alternatives to traditional animal-derived foods, with a particular emphasis on health, sustainability and nutritional quality. Heura’s offerings aim to replace saturated fats and cholesterol with ingredients high in fiber and antioxidants, while maintaining a strong protein profile through legume-based formulations.

The funding will support the development of plant-based alternatives not only to meat but also to cheese and other animal-based food categories. In addition to creating new products with enhanced nutritional content, the loan will help Heura invest in equipment for its laboratory operations and expand manufacturing capabilities in collaboration with co-manufacturers across Spain.

The operation is backed by InvestEU, the European Union’s investment initiative targeting more than €372 billion (about US$400 billion) in mobilized funding by 2027. The initiative supports projects aligned with EU priorities such as sustainability, health, and economic resilience.

EIB President Nadia Calviño highlighted the strategic significance of the deal. “The EIB’s 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 and responding to new consumer needs by developing new sustainable food products,” she said.

Alessandro Izzo, the EIB’s Director of Equity, Growth Capital & Project Finance, echoed the sentiment. “This financing agreement with Heura is a clear example of how the EIB is stepping up its support for companies that are at the forefront of the bioeconomy, driving innovation and sustainability across the entire value chain,” he said. “By investing in the development of new plant-based food products, the EIB is also contributing to a healthier, more sustainable food system in Europe and to the overall food security of the European Union.”

Marc Coloma, Co-founder & CEO of Heura Foods, emphasized the company's mission-driven approach. “Innovation is our tool to live longer and better. We are committed to simple processes, legumes, healthy fats, and science in the service of collective well-being,” he said. “Our goal is to democratize food that is tasty, nutritious and aligned with today’s challenges.”

Lucas González Ojeda, Acting Director of the European Commission Representation in Spain, also welcomed the agreement, citing its potential to strengthen the competitiveness of the agri-food sector across the EU. “This operation is a good example of what InvestEU can do to empower businesses to grow, innovate and build a sustainable future,” he said.

Heura’s expansion plans coincide with broader European objectives to promote environmentally friendly diets and reduce the carbon footprint of food systems. The EIB views support for the bioeconomy and sustainable agri-food solutions as central to its investment strategy, and this partnership with Heura reflects that commitment.

The financing marks a significant milestone for Heura, which was founded in 2017 and has since gained visibility for its soy-based chicken and beef alternatives. With the EIB loan in place, the company is expected to accelerate its growth and bolster its position as one of Europe’s most active plant-based food innovators.