SMEY, the Europe-based Techbio company pioneering cultivated oils, has been featured in Euronews for its groundbreaking work in creating sustainable, deforestation-free alternatives to conventional ingredients. Using artificial intelligence and its proprietary “Neobank of Yeasts (NOY)” platform, SMEY can develop highly traceable oils in just 30 days—compared to the two years it can take through traditional agricultural methods.
From the company’s inception, SMEY has been supported by SteelRose Legal, which advised on its group structure, investment frameworks, and governance arrangements. This legal foundation has enabled SMEY to scale its operations rapidly and responsibly, ensuring compliance with international standards while attracting the right partners to fuel its growth.
This innovation comes at a crucial moment, as the EU’s Deforestation Regulation will take effect in December 2025. The legislation will require companies to prove their supply chains are deforestation-free or risk fines of up to 4% of their global turnover. SMEY’s approach offers a scalable and ethical solution that reduces pressure on ecosystems, mitigates biodiversity loss, and eliminates risks linked to pesticides and forced labour.
Reflecting on the company’s journey with SteelRose, SMEY said:
“Partnering with SteelRose has been instrumental to SMEY’ journey from idea to industry pioneer. From the outset, their team has been quick to respond, pragmatic, and solution-oriented — ensuring we could move fast without compromising on quality or compliance. They guided us through structuring the group and negotiating complex agreements with a clarity and precision that gave us confidence at every stage.
What truly sets SteelRose apart is how deeply they understand the unique challenges faced by biotech innovators. Instead of off-the-shelf advice, they anticipate hurdles, adapt to our pace of growth, and bring creative solutions that help us stay ahead of evolving regulation. They have been more than legal advisors — they’ve been proactive partners who enabled us to scale responsibly and maintain momentum on our mission to build deforestation-free supply chains.
As we continue to expand and demonstrate the potential of cultivated oils to transform global industries, we are grateful for SteelRose’s unwavering support and their ability to translate a bold vision into practical, actionable steps.”
Advisors:
From the company’s inception, SMEY has been supported by SteelRose Legal, which advised on its group structure, investment frameworks, and governance arrangements. This legal foundation has enabled SMEY to scale its operations rapidly and responsibly, ensuring compliance with international standards while attracting the right partners to fuel its growth.
This innovation comes at a crucial moment, as the EU’s Deforestation Regulation will take effect in December 2025. The legislation will require companies to prove their supply chains are deforestation-free or risk fines of up to 4% of their global turnover. SMEY’s approach offers a scalable and ethical solution that reduces pressure on ecosystems, mitigates biodiversity loss, and eliminates risks linked to pesticides and forced labour.
Reflecting on the company’s journey with SteelRose, SMEY said:
“Partnering with SteelRose has been instrumental to SMEY’ journey from idea to industry pioneer. From the outset, their team has been quick to respond, pragmatic, and solution-oriented — ensuring we could move fast without compromising on quality or compliance. They guided us through structuring the group and negotiating complex agreements with a clarity and precision that gave us confidence at every stage.
What truly sets SteelRose apart is how deeply they understand the unique challenges faced by biotech innovators. Instead of off-the-shelf advice, they anticipate hurdles, adapt to our pace of growth, and bring creative solutions that help us stay ahead of evolving regulation. They have been more than legal advisors — they’ve been proactive partners who enabled us to scale responsibly and maintain momentum on our mission to build deforestation-free supply chains.
As we continue to expand and demonstrate the potential of cultivated oils to transform global industries, we are grateful for SteelRose’s unwavering support and their ability to translate a bold vision into practical, actionable steps.”
Advisors:
- Zu Tohtayeva – Founding Partner
- Lina Abu Sitta – Head of Corporate and Private Client
- Mariam Tapponi – Trainee Solicitor
SteelRose Legal advised SMEY, recognised by Euronews for Pioneering Cultivated Oils
10th September 2025
