Alternative Protein…a Big Nothing Burger?

with Steve Molino

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About this episode

This episode features Steve Molino, Partner & Head of Investments at Clear Current Capital, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on catalyzing sustainable change in the food system. With CCC, Steve leads new investment and diligence activities, portfolio company support, and internal portfolio management and operational needs. Steve has prior experience at leading impact-driven VC firms, as well as in the alternative investments and strategy consulting spaces. He is also a mentor for various organizations, including The Good Food Institute, ProVeg Incubator, and Nucleate. He received his a BS in Finance from The College of New Jersey and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Below are the key takeaways:

  • Personal Journey: Steve transitioned from traditional finance to impact investing, driven by a passion for health, sustainability, and food innovation.

  • Plant-Based and Alternative Protein Challenges: Consumer demand, taste parity, and market misconceptions limit the scalability and impact of meat alternatives.

  • Investment Strategy Evolution: The focus is shifting from consumer products to addressing industry bottlenecks like cost reduction and production scalability.

  • Global Market Variability: Consumer behavior and market potential differ across geographies, with unique opportunities in regions like Europe and Asia.

  • Future Outlook: Increasing industry sophistication and collaborative efforts across diverse solutions provide a path for meaningful food system transformation.