Via an Indiegogo campaign, it hopes to raise awareness of its operation with the public by inviting them to make financial donations or sign up to its newsletter. It has already raised $54,140 of its $100,000 target, with 23 days to go.
“Right now, consumers eat meat despite how it’s produced. Once we have a better way of bringing meat to the table, with a transparent production process, we’re convinced that consumers and the meat industry will make this inevitable shift towards a sustainable food system,” said Memphis Meats CEO Uma Valeti. “This is absolutely the future of meat, and we need a groundswell movement to help spread the word and engage our global audience.”
The business hit the headlines earlier this year, when it unveiled its first product, a meat-free meatball. It said it was developing a way to produce meat directly from animal cells, without the need to feed, breed or slaughter actual animals. Its team predicts it will have products available for purchase within five years, and has accelerated its progress significantly in the last six months, having doubled the size of its California-based team of scientists, health experts and foodies, tested five additional products and reduced both production cost and timeline.
The company said that all Indiegogo contributions would go directly towards public education and product development efforts, focused on laying the foundation for the mainstream adoption of clean meat. Contributors will receive “thank you gifts” in response for contributing, as well as name recognition and opportunities to provide feedback as Memphis Meats progresses.