India-based start-up High Time Foods has secured $1.2m in seed funding to accelerate the roll-out of its non-refrigerated plant-based protein solutions.

The company, headquartered in Bengaluru, aims to meet rising protein demand and build a ‘new-generation food brand rooted in local innovation’. The investment, led by deep-tech VC fund Avaana Capital, coincides with the company’s formal launch into the Indian market.

High Time Foods said the fresh capital will fuel product development, talent acquisition and deeper partnerships across India, the US and high-growth markets in the Global South. Before its entry into India, the start-up already scored a distribution deal with foodservice provider Sysco in the US and has partnered with a number of foodservice providers and manufacturers in India.

© High Time Foods

Its solutions are designed for institutional kitchens, with food manufacturing efficiency in mind. The company’s flagship product works as a B2B-first protein ingredient solution that does not require refrigeration, and can be used across popular Indian and global formats like samosas, kebabs, momos and gravies.

Commenting on the announcement, co-founder and CEO Aakash Shah said: “With Avaana Capital backing us, my co-founder, Damian [Felchlin] and I are doubling down on our mission to deliver delicious and versatile plant-based protein to our B2B partners – restaurants, hotels, caterers, institutions and manufacturers – across India and beyond”.

He added: “We’re launching at a very affordable price point, and as we scale, we’ll be cheaper than conventional protein, including meat. We aim to build from India the largest plant-based food company in the world – ensuring everyone everywhere can access quality protein.”