Prefer Raises $4.2M to Scale Cocoa Flavor Technology

Singapore-based food tech startup Prefer has secured an oversubscribed US$4.2 million pre-series A funding round, co-led by At One Ventures and Chancery Hill Capital, with participation from Forge Ventures. This latest round brings Prefer’s total equity raised to US$6.2 million.

A spin-off from the Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Prefer specializes in creating flavors and ingredients from food manufacturing byproducts like rice and soy through fermentation technology. The fresh capital will be used to increase production capacity, further develop its proprietary cocoa flavor technology, and expand global partnerships — with a strong focus on Asia.

Key Highlights

• Raised US$4.2M in oversubscribed pre-series A funding
• Launched soluble coffee and cocoa powders for commercial sale
• Formed global partnerships in Thailand, Australia, and New Zealand

Prefer also announced the commercial launch of its soluble coffee and cocoa powders, aiming to tap into growing demand for sustainable and flavor-rich ingredients. The company currently supplies its products to FMCG brands, food manufacturers, private label retailers, and flavor houses.

To strengthen international reach, Prefer has partnered with Ajinomoto in Thailand and The Coffee Ferm in Australia and New Zealand. These partnerships are expected to accelerate entry into new markets and scale its sustainable flavor solutions globally.

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With the food industry facing increasing pressure for sustainable production and innovative upcycled ingredients, Prefer’s technology offers both environmental and commercial advantages, positioning it as a key player in the alternative cocoa and coffee ingredient market.