Young Startups Invests in MUCHgroup – Redefining Meat Alternatives with Shiitake Innovation

On Monday, April 28th, 2025, Young Startups officially signed a new loan agreement with MUCHgroup, marking an exciting addition to our portfolio of innovative startups.

MUCHgroup, founded in December 2022, has developed a unique meat alternative product crafted from shiitake mushroom stems — an underutilised by-product in mushroom production. Their ingredient offers a superior meat-like texture and flavor compared to traditional plant-based options, addressing a key gap in the alternative protein market.

The company is tapping into a growing sector: the alternative protein market is expected to expand at a 10.4% CAGR, reaching $30 billion by 2030. Just within the first 3 weeks of April, MUCHgroup sold more than 500 kilograms of their product in the Utrecht region only, with 17 more regions to come soon. Targeting B2B sales to catering companies, hospitals, hotels, and schools, MUCHgroup’s primary clients are some of the largest food suppliers and distributors in the Netherlands.

What sets MUCHgroup apart:

• Unique Product: No competitor uses shiitake stems, providing a distinct advantage in a market crowded with soy and pea-based products.
• Sustainability: They purchase raw materials that would otherwise be wasted.
• Vertical Integration: Control over sourcing and supply chain strengthens margins and stability.Young Startups is proud to be the debt-financing lender, allowing MUCHgroup to grow without diluting ownership or bringing in competing claims on repayment.

  At Young Startups, we empower ambitious companies through flexible debt financing, enabling founders to stay in control while scaling up with confidence.

  If you are a founder ready to take the next step, we’re here to help you succeed. Learn more about our funding options here: https://www.youngstartups.nl/