The aquaculture industry in the U.S. is a dynamic sector focused on breeding, rearing, and harvesting fish, shellfish, and aquatic plants. Companies range from small, innovative startups to large corporations providing seafood alternatives and sustainable feed solutions. The industry aims to meet the increasing demand for seafood while addressing challenges like sustainability and environmental impact. With a growing focus on technology and biotech applications, such as lab-grown seafood and precision farming, aquaculture is witnessing robust growth. Insights show that aquaculture has the potential to be a key player in achieving global food security, providing rich protein sources for the population.


This list highlights 13 prominent investors active in the aquaculture field in the U.S. They vary in type, including venture capital and corporate entities, and are headquartered in regions like California, New York, and Minnesota. Ranging from small firms to large corporations, these investors were established between 1865 and 2023 and have participated in a notable number of deals in 2024, reflecting their commitment to innovation in aquaculture. Their investment strategies are aimed at advancing sustainable practices and technologies, signaling strong growth potential in the aquaculture market.


Top 13 Aquaculture Investors in the US


1. Sosv

  • Website: sosv.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1995
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 170
  • LinkedIn: sosv

SOSV is a venture capital firm founded in 1995, specializing in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a global reach, SOSV connects innovative companies with investors, providing not only venture capital investment but also resources to help startups grow and succeed. In the aquaculture context, SOSV has made notable investments in companies like Vertical Oceans, which raised multiple rounds of funding, including a $3.5 million seed round in 2021 and additional convertible notes. They also invested in Blue Planet Ecosystems, which raised $250,000 in a seed round in 2019. These transactions highlight SOSV's active role in supporting aquaculture innovation and sustainability.


2. Government of Canada

  • Website: canada.ca
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Canada, Kentucky, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1999
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 137
  • LinkedIn: government-of-canada

The Government of Canada is a public entity that provides a wide range of services and information to Canadian citizens and residents, addressing various needs including employment, immigration, health care, and taxation. Founded in 1999, it operates through multiple departments and agencies to ensure access to essential services and support for individuals and businesses across the country. In 2024, the Government of Canada was involved in several transactions relevant to the aquaculture industry, including grants to Industrial Plankton, which raised $666,642, and Gitanyow Fisheries Authority, which raised $191,824. These transactions demonstrate the government's commitment to supporting initiatives that enhance the aquaculture sector, indicating its role as an investor in this field.


3. Big Idea Ventures

  • Website: bigideaventures.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2018
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 10
  • LinkedIn: bigideaventures

Big Idea Ventures is a venture capital fund and startup accelerator based in New York, focused on food innovation. Founded in 2018, the firm invests in and supports startups developing alternative proteins and sustainable food solutions. They operate accelerator programs that provide resources and industry connections to help startups succeed. Notably, Big Idea Ventures has invested in Shiok Meats, a cultured meat startup specializing in seafood, which has raised significant funding to develop its R&D production facility. Additionally, they participated in funding rounds for AQUA Cultured Foods, a company dedicated to creating ultra-realistic seafood alternatives, highlighting their commitment to innovations within the aquaculture sector. Their investments reflect a strategic interest in sustainable food technologies that align with the future of aquaculture.


4. Y Combinator

  • Website: ycombinator.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2005
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 802
  • LinkedIn: y-combinator

Y Combinator is a prominent startup accelerator and venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2005. It provides funding and mentorship to early-stage technology companies through a structured program that includes resources like the Startup School and co-founder matching services. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, Y Combinator has invested in several companies relevant to the aquaculture industry, including Shiok Meats, a cultured meat startup that raised $4.6 million in a seed round, and Ordinary Seafood, which raised funds in a pre-seed round. Additionally, they have invested in Current Foods, which focuses on sustainable seafood alternatives. These transactions highlight Y Combinator's engagement in innovative food technologies, including those that intersect with aquaculture.


5. IndieBio

  • Website: indiebio.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 76
  • LinkedIn: indiebio

IndieBio is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, specializing in biotechnology. Founded in 2015, IndieBio provides investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to biotech entrepreneurs aiming to develop innovative solutions across various sectors, including climate and food. Notably, IndieBio has been active in the aquaculture space, having invested in companies like Vertical Oceans, which raised funds in both 2021 and 2022 to advance sustainable aquaculture practices. Additionally, they have supported Finless Foods, which raised funds in 2024 and previously in 2022, focusing on plant-based seafood alternatives. These transactions highlight IndieBio's engagement with startups that are addressing challenges in the aquaculture industry, making them a relevant player in this field.


6. Sustainable Ocean Alliance


Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2014, based in San Francisco, California. It is dedicated to promoting ocean health and sustainability by activating young leaders and providing resources such as grants and mentorship to develop innovative solutions for ocean-related challenges. SOA operates globally, engaging youth and communities to promote environmental conservation and sustainable practices. In the context of aquaculture, SOA has made notable investments, including participation in the Series B funding round for Finless Foods, which raised $34 million to develop plant-based seafood alternatives. Additionally, SOA was involved in earlier funding rounds for Finless Foods, including a seed round in 2019. These transactions highlight SOA's commitment to supporting sustainable practices within the seafood industry, making it a relevant player in the aquaculture investment landscape.


7. IFC - International Finance Corporation

  • Website: ifc.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1956
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 107
  • LinkedIn: ifclinkedin

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1956, focused on fostering private sector development in emerging markets. Based in Washington, D.C., IFC provides investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions, helping them access capital and expertise to promote economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty challenges and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has invested in eFishery, which raised $15 million in Series B funding in August 2020, highlighting its commitment to the aquaculture sector. Additionally, IFC's diverse portfolio includes investments in various sectors, demonstrating its broad approach to fostering economic development while still engaging in specific industries like aquaculture.


8. AgFunder

  • Website: agfunder.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2013
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 20
  • LinkedIn: agfunder

AgFunder is a venture capital firm based in San Francisco, California, specializing in foodtech and agtech investments. Founded in 2013, AgFunder provides funding and consulting services to startups in the food and agriculture sectors, helping them innovate and grow. They also publish industry news and research, contributing to the knowledge base of the agri-food technology landscape. Notably, AgFunder has been involved in several significant transactions within the aquaculture space, including a $2.25 million pre-Series A investment in Tepbac, a shrimp farming platform, aimed at scaling technologies for shrimp farming operations. Additionally, they participated in a $2.8 million seed round for Wittaya Aqua, further demonstrating their active role in supporting aquaculture ventures. These investments highlight AgFunder's commitment to advancing the aquaculture industry alongside their broader focus on food and agriculture.


9. 500 Global

  • Website: 500.co
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2010
  • Headcount: 201-500
  • Number of deals in 2024: 98
  • LinkedIn: 500-startups

500 Global is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator based in San Francisco, California, founded in 2010. The firm specializes in investing in early-stage technology companies, providing funding, mentorship, and resources to help founders scale their businesses. Among their notable transactions, 500 Global invested in eFishery, which raised $4 million in Series A funding in November 2018, focusing on fish farming technology. Additionally, they supported Jala Tech, an Indonesian agritech startup that empowers shrimp farmers, through seed funding rounds in December 2020 and September 2019. These investments highlight 500 Global's engagement in the aquaculture sector, showcasing their interest in innovative solutions within this industry.


10. U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)

  • Website: energy.gov
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1977
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 597
  • LinkedIn: u-s--department-of-energy

The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) is a public entity established in 1977, responsible for overseeing national energy policy, energy production, and nuclear power research. With a workforce of over 10,000, the DOE serves various stakeholders, including government entities and the public, by providing guidance on energy efficiency, funding opportunities, and conducting research to address energy challenges. In recent years, the DOE has engaged in several grant transactions that are relevant to the aquaculture sector. For instance, they provided a $1,000,000 grant to Maine Ocean Farms in September 2024, which focuses on sustainable aquaculture practices. Additionally, Global Algae Innovations received a $3,600,000 grant in January 2023, which may support algae cultivation, a practice that can be integral to aquaculture. Other transactions include grants to MicroBio Engineering, which could also relate to innovations in aquaculture. These investments highlight the DOE's role in promoting sustainable practices within the aquaculture industry, despite its broader focus on energy.


11. Cargill

  • Website: cargill.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Wayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1865
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 7
  • LinkedIn: cargill

Cargill, Incorporated is a global food production and agricultural solutions company founded in 1865 and headquartered in Wayzata, Minnesota. With over 10,000 employees, Cargill provides a wide range of products and services, including animal nutrition, food ingredients, and risk management. They are dedicated to enhancing food security and sustainability through innovative practices. Cargill has made significant investments in the aquaculture sector, including the acquisition of EWOS, a leading salmon feed company, for EUR 1.35 billion, which underscores their commitment to providing high-quality nutrition for aquaculture. Additionally, Cargill has participated in funding rounds for companies like Calysta, which develops sustainable fish feed, and Innovafeed, which focuses on insect protein for aquaculture. These transactions reflect Cargill's strategic focus on supporting and advancing the aquaculture industry.


12. Plug and Play Tech Center


Plug and Play Tech Center is an innovation hub and venture capital firm based in Sunnyvale, California, founded in 2006. They connect startups with corporations to foster growth and innovation, offering various programs including accelerator initiatives and investment opportunities. In 2024, they have made 253 investments, showcasing their active role in the venture capital landscape. Notably, they have invested in companies relevant to aquaculture, such as Umami Bioworks, which raised $2.4 million for cultivated seafood, and Babylon Micro-Farms, which focuses on sustainable farming solutions. Their involvement in these transactions highlights their interest in supporting innovative solutions within the aquaculture sector, alongside their broader technology investment strategy.


13. Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)

  • Website: av.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2023
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 258
  • LinkedIn: deep-tech-fund-av-focused-fund

Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund) is a venture capital firm based in Manchester, New Hampshire, founded in 2023. It provides accredited investors and institutions with access to professionally-managed, diversified venture portfolios, leveraging a network of over 10,000 investors to connect them with high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. The fund has been involved in several notable transactions in the aquaculture context, including Plantish, which raised $12.45 million to develop alternative seafood products, and Aquabyte, which raised $299,999 to enhance fish farming technology. These investments reflect the fund's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the aquaculture industry.



Aquaculture Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Government of CanadaCanada, Kentucky, United States (USA)10001+1999137
Big Idea VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201810
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
Sustainable Ocean AllianceSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020141
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
AgFunderSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-50201320
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
U.S. Department of Energy (DOE)Washington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)10001+1977597
CargillWayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)10001+18657
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258


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