Hermes Sanctorum

TLDR

Hermes Sanctorum is co-founder and CEO of Paleo, a Brussels-based precision fermentation company producing GMO-free myoglobin proteins that give plant-based meat and fish alternatives authentic colour, smell, and taste.

Overview

Hermes Sanctorum is an engineer and PhD who also served as a Member of Parliament and senator in Belgium before founding Paleo. He co-founded the company in October 2020 alongside Andy de Jong. Paleo raised EUR 12 million in a Series A round in 2023.

The company focuses on myoglobin, a key protein responsible for the sensory experience of meat and fish, and produces it without GMOs using precision fermentation. As of recent updates, Paleo has refocused on R&D as the company navigates slower regulatory approvals and reduced investor appetite for high-risk biotech.