Whole. Secures Seed Funding to Scale WINX™ Technology for Sustainable Plant-Based Ingredients

Whole., an Australian agrifood technology startup focused on producing nutrient-dense plant-based ingredients, has secured seed funding that will support the commercialisation of its proprietary processing technology and expand its presence in the food ingredients market. The early-stage financing reflects growing investor interest in solutions that address sustainability, waste reduction, and nutritional efficiency across global food systems.

The seed round included participation from GrainInnovate, Artesian VC, and the Grains Research and Development Corporation. These investors are known for backing early-stage ventures that bring innovation to agriculture, food production, and related supply chains. The funding provides Whole. with capital to advance research and development, scale its processing capabilities, and engage with food manufacturers seeking sustainable ingredient solutions.

Whole. is built around its patented WINX™ (Whole Ingredient Nutrient Extraction) technology, a processing method designed to extract and preserve nutrition from grains, pulses, and other plant inputs while minimising waste. Unlike conventional ingredient manufacturing, which often involves chemical processing and the discarding of by-products, WINX™ enables the use of whole inputs to produce functional ingredients with high nutritional value. This approach aligns with increasing industry demand for clean-label, minimally processed food components.

The company is headquartered in Western Australia and was founded by CEO Nick Stamatiou, who has guided the startup from concept through early commercial development. Whole.’s technology has been positioned as a solution to inefficiencies in traditional food processing, particularly in grain-based value chains where large volumes of potential nutrition are lost during refinement. By converting a greater proportion of raw agricultural inputs into usable ingredients, the company aims to deliver economic and environmental benefits simultaneously.

GrainInnovate, which participated in the funding round, is an investment initiative focused on accelerating innovation within the grains sector. Managed by Artesian VC and backed by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, GrainInnovate targets startups that can improve grower returns, enhance sustainability, and unlock new value from agricultural production. Its involvement underscores the relevance of Whole.’s technology to grain producers and downstream food manufacturers.

Artesian VC, an early-stage venture capital firm with a strong presence in agrifood and sustainability-driven investments, brings strategic experience in scaling technology companies. Through its management of GrainInnovate and related funds, Artesian supports businesses that combine commercial potential with positive environmental and industry impact. The firm’s participation signals confidence in Whole.’s ability to translate its technology into scalable products.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation also contributed to the round as part of its mandate to support research, development, and innovation for Australia’s grain industry. GRDC’s investment mechanisms are designed to foster collaboration between growers, researchers, and commercial enterprises, helping new technologies move from development into market adoption.

Whole. plans to use the seed funding to further refine its WINX™ process, expand pilot and production capabilities, and pursue partnerships with established food and ingredient companies. One area of focus has been the processing of oats and other grains into functional ingredients that retain enhanced nutritional properties, offering manufacturers alternatives to conventional refined products.

The funding comes at a time when food companies and consumers are placing greater emphasis on sustainability, nutrition, and transparency. Demand for plant-based ingredients continues to rise, particularly those that can be produced with lower environmental impact and reduced waste. Whole.’s approach addresses these trends by combining efficient processing with a whole-ingredient philosophy.

With backing from GrainInnovate, Artesian VC, and the Grains Research and Development Corporation, Whole. is positioned to advance its technology and strengthen its role in the evolving food innovation landscape. The seed round marks an important milestone as the company moves toward broader commercial deployment and engagement with domestic and international partners.