Bernard David, the founder and CEO of the ISH Company, had a heart attack three years ago that served as a wake-up call. This life-altering event prompted him to reevaluate his diet and lifestyle. He was advised to consume only plant-based foods for the rest of his life, but this new regime eventually led to cravings for his old favorite meats.
A Newfound Passion for Plant-Based Solutions
Instead of giving in to these cravings, Bernard began searching for a plant-based company that he could invest in. However, he was unable to find one that met his expectations. This sparked an idea – to create a company that would not only offer innovative and sustainable products but also prioritize health.
The ISH Company was born from this vision, with the acronym standing for Innovative, Sustainable, and Healthy. Bernard’s mission is to revolutionize the food industry by introducing plant-based alternatives that are not only good for consumers but also better for the environment.
A Unique Approach to Plant-Based Seafood
ISH started by creating plant-based seafood products, which Bernard believes is a crucial segment of the market. According to him, two-thirds of seafood consumption occurs outside of the home, and traditional seafood production has a significant carbon footprint.
The company’s research revealed that shrimp production alone contributes four times more greenhouse gas emissions than beef. This alarming statistic motivated ISH to create plant-based alternatives that not only taste like traditional seafood but also have a lower environmental impact.
A Whole System Approach
ISH takes a unique "whole system approach" to creating its products. Every ingredient that goes into their food is scrutinized against peer-reviewed scientific literature to ensure it is nutritionally sound. This rigorous process sets ISH apart from other plant-based companies, which often prioritize convenience over nutritional value.
The company’s research and development team identified over 25 different textures to replicate the taste and texture of traditional seafood. ISH uses natural ingredients like coconut and algae to mimic the flavor of shrimp and other seafood products.
A Commitment to Quality
Bernard emphasizes that ISH is not creating "Franken Foods" or highly processed foods. The company is committed to using only high-quality, natural ingredients that are free from gut irritants and other unwanted substances.
Methyl cellulose, a common ingredient in many plant-based products, is a prime example of an additive that ISH avoids. This substance can cause gastrointestinal issues and act as a diuretic, making it unsuitable for consumers with sensitive digestive systems.
A New Seed Round
ISH has just announced over $5 million in seed funding to accelerate the growth and development of its plant-based food products pipeline. The round was led by ACCELR8, with participation from Stray Dog Capital and a group of angel investors.
This new investment brings ISH’s total raised capital to date to over $10 million. The funds will be used to expand the company’s product line, increase production capacity, and further develop its research and development capabilities.
A Growing Market
The demand for plant-based products is on the rise, driven by increasing consumer awareness of environmental sustainability and health benefits. ISH is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend with its innovative and sustainable solutions.
As the company continues to grow and innovate, it remains committed to its core values of innovation, sustainability, and health. By prioritizing quality and nutritional value, ISH is poised to become a leader in the plant-based market.
Conclusion
Bernard David’s wake-up call three years ago served as a catalyst for innovation. The ISH Company was born from his vision to create sustainable and healthy products that are good for consumers and the environment.
With its unique approach to plant-based seafood, commitment to quality, and growing market demand, ISH is poised for success. As the company continues to grow and innovate, it remains dedicated to its core values of innovation, sustainability, and health.
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