PRTN, the Korean startup behind high-protein fast food brand PROTEINER, has secured seed funding. The investment round was led by Schmidt, with participation from Mark & Company, Bass Ventures, BA Partners, and Xquared.

The funding will support the company’s supply chain optimization and store expansion strategy as it works to bring protein-centric dining into the daily routines of more customers.

Since opening its first location in Seolleung in 2021, PROTEINER has grown to operate five company-owned stores across Seoul’s major office districts. The brand has carved out a niche by offering high-protein meals that anyone can enjoy regularly without financial strain. Every menu item features sous vide cooking technology, which standardizes quality by ensuring even lean cuts remain tender and consistent. Each meal delivers over 40 grams of protein on average, with sugar-free formulations that provide balanced nutrition.

PROTEINER’s menu ranges from $5 to $7 (7,500-10,000 KRW), positioning the brand as an accessible option for daily healthy eating. Company-owned stores average approximately $8 (12,000 KRW) per transaction, with a significant portion of first-time customers returning for repeat visits. The brand has cultivated strong loyalty among consumers in their 20s and 30s. In 2025, all stores are showing year-over-year revenue growth, with one compact 14-pyeong (approximately 460 square feet) location generating monthly sales exceeding $82,000 (120 million KRW).

With franchise inquiries on the rise, PRTN plans to leverage its direct-operation experience for stable expansion. The company is enhancing its supply chain and operational processes while building management systems to minimize quality variation across locations, creating a foundation for sustainable growth. Long-term strategy calls for developing a structure where company-owned and franchise locations grow together, broadening the brand’s reach.

As demand for high-protein and healthy meal options continues to climb, PROTEINER has earned recognition for its consistent performance and brand visibility. Investors view this funding round as validation of the operating experience and brand competitiveness PROTEINER has built within the health food market.

“PROTEINER has established a proprietary sous vide-based raw meat distribution and processing system that’s unprecedented in Korea, systematically standardizing the high-protein convenience food market,” said Joong-yoon Kim, associate at Schmidt. “Through the supply chain optimization this investment will enable, we expect PROTEINER to move beyond being just a restaurant brand and elevate operational standards across the entire market.”

Doo-hwan Bae, CEO of PRTN, stated, “PROTEINER is creating a healthy protein dining experience that everyone can enjoy daily with great taste and without burden. With this investment, we’ll refine our supply chain and operational systems even further, establishing a stable expansion foundation that encompasses both company-owned and franchise locations to accelerate brand growth.”