Funding Round attributes
Colombian startup Koji was founded in 2020 by Juan Rubiano and Laura Pérez to transform the food system through biotechnology. The company works with a model based on the fermentation of the fungus Aspergillus oryzae, known as “koji”, which has been traditionally used in Asian cuisine, but which they apply to local ingredients to develop functional food solutions. In June 2025, Koji was selected to participate in the Roots program, powered by Eatable Adventures, and received a $107,000 investment, aimed at accelerating its development. This investment represents the first public round of funding on record for the company.
With these funds, Koji plans to scale its production model and expand its commercial presence. Part of the capital will be used to implement commercial protocols already developed in Colombia and to expand into other markets, particularly in Europe, where the startup seeks to validate its technology and establish alliances. The company will also invest in strengthening its current production plant and acquiring new equipment that will enable it to operate at a higher capacity. Additionally, it is expected that a portion of the resources will contribute to further developing its research and development area, advancing the technological maturity of its products, and enriching its portfolio.
Eatable Adventures' participation is significant not only for the capital invested, but also for the strategic support it provides as an accelerator. Through the Raíces program, which was created specifically to support Latin American startups in the agri-food sector, Eatable Adventures offers technical support, mentoring, and connections to global innovation networks. This type of support is particularly important for startups like Koji, which work in a highly regulated sector with technical and commercial barriers to entry.
Koji focuses on the application of biotechnological tools based on solid fermentation processes, taking advantage of local ingredients from Latin America. Its technology makes it possible to transform natural raw materials into functional products that improve the flavor, texture, and nutritional profile of foods, without resorting to artificial additives. The company also uses data science to optimize the design of new ingredients, to offer sustainable solutions for both consumers and food manufacturers.
“The experience we have acquired over the years in the Foodtech sector gives us a complete and accurate view of the ecosystem, which has allowed us to select and invest in the startups with the greatest development potential and that fit the needs of the sector,” commented José Luis Cabañero, founder and CEO of Eatable Adventures. “Incorporating technology and innovation is essential to increase production, optimize resources, and reduce the environmental footprint of the food system.”
The backing of a player such as Eatable Adventures strengthens Koji's position in the food innovation ecosystem and enables it to project itself as a company capable of integrating biotechnological knowledge with sustainable production systems. This investment marks a starting point for its growth at the regional and international level, and contributes to the development of safer, traceable food solutions adapted to the current challenges of the agri-food sector.
