The seafood processing industry in the US plays a crucial role in the economy, focusing on converting raw fish and shellfish into value-added products. This sector comprises various companies, from small family-owned businesses to large corporations, specializing in processing, packaging, and distributing seafood. Innovative trends include the rise of plant-based alternatives and sustainable practices aimed at reducing environmental impact. The industry is also responding to increasing consumer demand for transparency and health-conscious options. As technology improves and sustainability becomes priority, the future seems promising for firms willing to adapt and invest in advanced processing techniques.


This list features 17 prominent seafood processing investors based in the US, ranging from venture capital firms like Big Idea Ventures to corporate giants such as Cargill. Firms include those with founding years stretching from 1865 to 2023, showcasing a mix of established and emerging players. The investors collectively operated on significant scales, and their 2024 deal counts reflect active engagements; for instance, Y Combinator led the way with 802 investments in various sectors, highlighting their commitment to innovation in seafood processing.


Top 17 Seafood Processing 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, based in the United States, that specializes in funding and supporting deep tech startups through its development programs. With a focus on sectors like health and climate technology, Sosv operates globally, connecting innovative companies with investors. Notably, Sosv has invested in Blue Planet Ecosystems and Vertical Oceans, both of which are involved in sustainable seafood practices. Vertical Oceans, in particular, has received multiple rounds of funding from Sosv, including seed rounds and convertible notes, highlighting their commitment to advancing seafood processing technologies and sustainable aquaculture solutions.


2. 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 that are 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 companies like Good Catch, a plant-based seafood brand, and AQUA Cultured Foods, which aims to bring ultra-realistic seafood alternatives to market. Their investments in these companies highlight their commitment to advancing sustainable seafood processing through innovative food technology.


3. 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. Y Combinator has successfully launched over 4,000 startups, making it a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has invested in seafood-related companies such as Ordinary Seafood, which raised funds in a Pre-Seed round in May 2022, and Current Foods, which has completed multiple seed funding rounds, raising significant amounts to develop alternative seafood products. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the seafood processing industry, particularly in innovative and sustainable approaches to seafood production.


4. The Middleby Corporation

  • Website: middleby.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Elgin, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1888
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 5
  • LinkedIn: middleby-corporation

The Middleby Corporation, founded in 1888 and based in Elgin, Illinois, is a leading manufacturer of commercial and residential cooking and industrial process equipment. They focus on innovative solutions for foodservice operators and consumers, enhancing efficiency and quality in food preparation. The company has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its capabilities in food processing equipment. Notably, they acquired Cozzini Inc.'s Food Equipment Division, which is part of their strategy to enhance their Food Processing Equipment Division, including well-known brands like Alkar and RapidPak. Other acquisitions, such as Alkar Holdings and MP Equipment, further demonstrate their commitment to expanding their footprint in the food processing sector, which can encompass seafood processing equipment. Their diverse product range serves various sectors, including restaurants and residential markets, indicating a broad engagement with the food industry.


5. 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. With a global focus, 500 Global has made significant investments across various sectors. Notably, they invested in eFishery, which raised $4 million in a Series A round in November 2018. eFishery is a company that develops technology for aquaculture, directly impacting seafood production and processing. This investment highlights 500 Global's engagement in the seafood industry, alongside their other investments in diverse sectors such as FIFOplus and ReserveOut, showcasing their broad investment strategy while still touching on the seafood processing domain.


6. Lineage

  • Website: onelineage.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Novi, Michigan, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2012
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 4
  • LinkedIn: lineage-logistics

Lineage, Inc. is a corporate investor based in Novi, Michigan, specializing in logistics, particularly in temperature-controlled warehousing and supply chain solutions. Founded in 2012, Lineage has grown to become a major player in the food logistics sector, with over 10,000 employees and operations spanning multiple countries. Their services include cold storage, transportation, and food processing support, which are essential for maintaining the integrity of perishable goods, including seafood. Notable transactions include the acquisition of Bellingham Cold Storage, which is expected to enhance their cold storage capabilities, and Frigocare Rotterdam, further expanding their reach in the cold storage market. These acquisitions demonstrate Lineage's commitment to strengthening the cold chain logistics that are vital for seafood processing and distribution.


7. 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, founded in 2015. It specializes in biotechnology and supports startups by providing investment, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help them develop innovative solutions across various sectors, including climate and food. Notably, IndieBio has invested in several companies relevant to the seafood processing industry, such as Finless Foods, which focuses on plant-based seafood alternatives, and Vertical Oceans, which is involved in sustainable aquaculture. In 2022, Finless Foods raised significant funding to launch its plant-based tuna, showcasing IndieBio's commitment to supporting innovative seafood solutions. Overall, IndieBio's investments reflect a strategic interest in advancing the seafood processing industry through biotechnology and sustainability.


8. Unovis Asset Management

  • Website: unovis.vc
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2016
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 2
  • LinkedIn: unovisvc

Unovis Asset Management is a New York-based venture capital firm founded in 2016, dedicated to transforming the global food system through sustainable practices. They invest in startups that innovate in plant-based foods and alternative proteins, providing essential support and consulting to entrepreneurs in the food industry. Notably, Unovis has been involved in significant transactions within the seafood processing context, such as their investment in BlueNalu, which focuses on cell-cultured seafood, and Good Catch, a plant-based seafood brand that has raised substantial funding to expand its product offerings. Additionally, their investment in Plantish, which aims to replicate the taste and texture of whole-cut fish, further emphasizes their commitment to sustainable seafood alternatives. Unovis's mission aligns with addressing climate change and promoting animal welfare, making them a key player in the seafood processing investment landscape.


9. Sustainable Ocean Alliance


Sustainable Ocean Alliance 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 for innovative solutions to ocean-related challenges. The organization operates globally, engaging youth and communities to foster environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Notably, Sustainable Ocean Alliance has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Finless Foods, which raised $34 million in Series B funding to develop plant-based seafood alternatives, and Agriloops, which raised over $13 million in 2024. These transactions highlight their active role in supporting sustainable seafood innovations, making them a relevant player in the seafood processing investment landscape.


10. Advantage Capital


Advantage Capital is a venture capital firm based in New Orleans, Louisiana, founded in 1992. The firm specializes in providing equity and debt financing to small businesses across various sectors, including agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. Advantage Capital is particularly focused on supporting entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities, offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, Advantage Capital has been involved in several transactions relevant to the seafood processing industry, such as providing debt financing to SeaFarePacific and Lamm Food, both of which are engaged in seafood processing. These transactions demonstrate Advantage Capital's commitment to investing in the seafood sector, alongside their broader investment strategy.


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, USA. With over 10,000 employees, Cargill provides a wide range of products and services, including animal nutrition, food ingredients, and risk management. The company is dedicated to enhancing food security and sustainability through innovative practices. Notably, Cargill has made significant investments in the seafood processing industry, including the acquisition of EWOS, a leading Norwegian salmon feed company, for EUR 1.35 billion. This acquisition included multiple feed manufacturing facilities and research centers, highlighting Cargill's commitment to the seafood sector. Additionally, Cargill participated in a Series B funding round for Wildtype, a company developing cultivated salmon, showcasing their interest in sustainable seafood alternatives. Furthermore, Cargill has invested in Calysta, a company focused on sustainable fish feed, indicating their ongoing engagement in the seafood processing and supply chain.


12. 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. The fund is part of Alumni Ventures, which connects accredited investors with diversified venture portfolios. With a network of over 10,000 investors, the firm focuses on high-quality investment opportunities in the startup ecosystem. Notably, the Deep Tech Fund has been involved in several transactions relevant to the seafood processing industry, including Plantish, an alternative seafood startup that raised $12.45 million to scale operations and replicate the taste and texture of fish. They also participated in the seed round for Akua, a company developing kelp-based products, showcasing their commitment to innovative solutions in the seafood sector. These investments highlight the fund's interest in sustainable and alternative seafood products, aligning with the goals of the seafood processing industry.


13. 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, dedicated to 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, facilitating access to capital and expertise to promote economic growth. IFC operates in over 100 countries, addressing poverty challenges and promoting sustainable development. Notably, IFC has been involved in transactions relevant to the seafood processing context, such as its investment in eFishery, which raised $15 million in Series B funding in August 2020. This investment highlights IFC's engagement in the aquaculture sector, which is integral to seafood processing. Additionally, IFC's broader investment strategy includes supporting companies like ProNuvo and Agrocorp International, which, while not exclusively focused on seafood, contribute to the food supply chain and may intersect with seafood processing activities.


14. 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 2022, they participated in a funding round for Umami Bioworks, a Singapore-based food tech startup that focuses on cultivated seafood, highlighting their engagement in the seafood processing industry. Additionally, they have been involved in other food technology investments, such as BioFeyn and MicroHarvest, which further illustrates their commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the food sector. Their model emphasizes facilitating partnerships and providing resources to enhance business development, making them a versatile player in the venture capital landscape.


15. Sysco

  • Website: sysco.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Houston, Texas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1969
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: sysco

Sysco Corporation, founded in 1969 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, is a leading food distributor that provides a wide range of food products, kitchen equipment, and culinary solutions to various sectors including restaurants, healthcare, and educational institutions. With a vast distribution network, Sysco ensures that its customers receive high-quality products and services tailored to their operational needs. Notably, Sysco has made several strategic acquisitions in the seafood processing sector, including the acquisition of North Star Seafood in 2016, which enhances their seafood offerings. Additionally, Sysco's acquisition of Paragon Foods in 2021, a fresh produce processor and distributor, further demonstrates their commitment to expanding their food processing capabilities. These transactions highlight Sysco's active role in the seafood processing industry, alongside their broader food distribution operations.


16. Kkr

  • Website: kkr.com
  • Type: Private Equity
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1976
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 74
  • LinkedIn: kkr

KKR & Co. Inc. is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in private equity, credit, infrastructure, and real estate. Founded in 1976, KKR has established itself as a global leader in asset management, providing tailored solutions to institutional investors and individual clients. Among its diverse investment portfolio, KKR has made significant transactions in the seafood processing context, including a notable investment in Yuehai Feed Group, a Chinese aquatic feed company. This investment aims to support the expansion of operations in the freshwater fish feed sector, highlighting KKR's strategic interest in the seafood supply chain. Additionally, KKR has been involved in other sectors, such as agriculture and grocery chains, but its engagement in the aquatic feed industry positions it as a relevant player in the seafood processing landscape.


17. Stray Dog Capital

  • Website: straydogcapital.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Leawood, Kansas, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 1-10
  • Number of deals in 2024: 1
  • LinkedIn: stray-dog-capital

Stray Dog Capital is a venture capital firm based in Leawood, Kansas, founded in 2015. The firm specializes in investing in innovative early-stage companies within the food, beverage, and biotechnology sectors. Stray Dog Capital is dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs who are committed to creating healthier, humane, and sustainable products. Notably, the firm has made significant investments in the seafood processing context, including a $60 million convertible note and a $20 million Series A investment in BlueNalu, a company focused on cell-cultured seafood. Additionally, they invested $32 million in Good Catch, a company that provides plant-based seafood alternatives, further emphasizing their commitment to sustainable seafood solutions. Through these investments, Stray Dog Capital aims to foster both social impact and commercial success for its portfolio companies.



Seafood Processing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Big Idea VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201810
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
The Middleby CorporationElgin, Illinois, United States (USA)5001-1000018885
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
LineageNovi, Michigan, United States (USA)10001+20124
IndieBioSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)1-10201576
Unovis Asset ManagementNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020162
Sustainable Ocean AllianceSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020141
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
CargillWayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)10001+18657
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
SyscoHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+19691
KkrNew York, New York, United States (USA)1001-5000197674
Stray Dog CapitalLeawood, Kansas, United States (USA)1-1020151


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