The fish processing industry in the US involves companies that catch, process, and distribute seafood products. This sector includes wholesalers, manufacturers, and distributors focused on various types of fish, shellfish, and processed seafood. Players in this industry prioritize not only efficiency but also sustainability, responding to growing consumer demand for environmentally friendly practices. The industry is evolving, with continuous innovation in aquaculture techniques and an increase in plant-based seafood alternatives. As health trends prompt consumers to seek nutritionally beneficial options, fish processing companies are investing in technology and sustainable practices to offer high-quality products.


Within the fish processing investment ecosystem, corporate and venture capital firms play a significant role. Investors range in size from small teams to large corporations, based in major hubs like New York and California. Established between the late 19th and recent years, these firms collectively executed a substantial volume of investments in 2024, indicating a robust interest in this market. Notable investors include Cargill and Lineage, each intertwining traditional methods with modern sustainability initiatives, driving growth and innovation in the sector.


Top 18 Fish Processing Investors in the US


1. 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, particularly in the realm of alternative proteins and sustainable food solutions. Founded in 2018, the firm supports startups in the food technology sector through funding and mentorship. Notably, they have 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 transforming the seafood industry by promoting sustainable practices and innovative food technologies.


2. 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 Atlantic Fish Company, which is developing cultivated seafood from fish cells, and Vertical Oceans, which is involved in sustainable aquaculture. These investments highlight Sosv's engagement in the fish processing industry, particularly in innovative and sustainable seafood production methods.


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 helps entrepreneurs launch and grow their businesses. With over 4,000 startups launched, Y Combinator has established itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Among its diverse portfolio, Y Combinator has invested in companies relevant to the fish processing industry, such as Ordinary Seafood, which focuses on sustainable seafood production, and Current Foods, which specializes in plant-based seafood alternatives. These investments reflect Y Combinator's commitment to supporting innovative solutions in the food sector, particularly in the realm of seafood processing and sustainability.


4. 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 rapidly expanded its operations globally, focusing on providing essential services to the food industry, including cold storage, transportation, and food processing support. Notably, Lineage has made several strategic acquisitions to enhance its capabilities in the cold storage sector, such as the acquisition of Bellingham Cold Storage, which is expected to close in June 2025, and Frigocare Rotterdam in January 2022. These acquisitions strengthen their position in the cold chain logistics necessary for fish processing and other perishable goods. Additionally, their acquisition of Emergent Cold and Preferred Freezer Services further solidifies their status as a leading public refrigerated warehouse operator, which is vital for the fish processing industry. Overall, Lineage's focus on cold storage and logistics makes them a relevant player in the fish processing supply chain.


5. 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 for innovative solutions to ocean-related challenges. SOA operates globally, engaging youth and communities to foster environmental conservation and sustainable practices. Notably, SOA has participated in significant funding rounds for companies like Finless Foods, which raised $34 million in Series B funding to develop plant-based seafood products, and Agriloops, which raised over $13 million in 2024. These investments highlight SOA's commitment to supporting sustainable practices within the seafood industry, particularly in the context of fish processing.


6. 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 serve various customers, including farmers and food manufacturers, with a focus on enhancing food security and sustainability. Cargill has made significant investments in the fish processing sector, including the acquisition of EWOS, a leading Norwegian salmon feed company, for EUR 1.35 billion, which included multiple feed manufacturing facilities and R&D centers. Additionally, Cargill has invested in Wildtype, a company developing cultivated salmon, and participated in funding rounds for Calysta, a sustainable fish and livestock feed innovator. These transactions highlight Cargill's strategic interest in the fish processing industry and its commitment to innovative and sustainable practices.


7. 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 strategic acquisitions in the fish processing industry, including the acquisition of North Star Seafood in 2016, which enhances its seafood offerings. Additionally, Sysco's acquisition of Doerle Food Service and Paragon Foods further demonstrates its commitment to expanding its food distribution capabilities, including fresh produce and seafood. These transactions highlight Sysco's active role in the food supply chain, particularly in sectors that include fish processing.


8. 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 is a corporate investor based in Elgin, Illinois, specializing in the manufacturing of commercial and residential cooking and industrial process equipment. Founded in 1888, the company has a long history of providing innovative solutions aimed at enhancing efficiency and quality in food preparation across various sectors, including restaurants and residential markets. In recent years, The Middleby Corporation has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the food processing equipment sector. Notably, the acquisition of Cozzini Inc.'s Food Equipment Division in 2010 was part of their strategy to enhance their Food Processing Equipment Division, which includes well-known brands like Alkar and RapidPak. This division is crucial for food processing, including fish processing. Other significant acquisitions include Alkar Holdings in 2005 and MP Equipment in 2007, both of which further solidified their capabilities in food processing. The acquisition of Maurer-Atmos and Vemac Srl also reflects their ongoing commitment to expanding their technological offerings in food processing. Overall, The Middleby Corporation's focus on food processing equipment makes them a relevant player in the fish processing industry.


9. 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, with a particular focus on agribusiness, solar projects, and affordable housing. Advantage Capital aims to support entrepreneurs and businesses in underserved communities by offering flexible capital solutions to help them grow and thrive. Notably, they have been involved in several transactions relevant to the fish processing industry, including multiple rounds of debt financing for Lamm Food, a company that operates in the food sector, and SeaFarePacific, which also raised funds through debt financing. Their investment in Twin Rivers Foods further demonstrates their engagement in the food processing industry, highlighting their commitment to supporting businesses that contribute to the agribusiness landscape.


10. 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 founded in 1956, based in Washington, D.C. It focuses on private sector development in emerging markets by providing investment, advisory, and asset management services to businesses and financial institutions. IFC aims to foster economic growth and address poverty challenges in over 100 countries. Among its notable transactions, IFC invested $15 million in eFishery, a company that specializes in aquaculture and fish feed solutions, highlighting its commitment to the fish processing industry. Additionally, IFC has participated in various funding rounds for other companies, such as ProNuvo and Agrocorp International, which, while not directly related to fish processing, demonstrate its broader investment strategy in sectors that support economic development. This diverse portfolio, including direct investments in fish processing, underscores IFC's role as a significant player in promoting sustainable practices within the industry.


11. 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. In recent years, 500 Global has made notable investments in the fish processing sector, including a significant investment in eFishery, which raised $4 million in a Series A round in November 2018. eFishery focuses on innovative solutions for aquaculture, directly impacting fish farming and processing. Additionally, 500 Global has invested in Jala Tech, an agritech startup that empowers shrimp farmers, showcasing their commitment to supporting the fish processing industry. These transactions highlight 500 Global's strategic interest in the aquaculture and fish processing sectors, alongside their broader investment strategy in technology startups.


12. 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 venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2016, that focuses on transforming the global food system through sustainable practices. They invest in startups innovating in plant-based foods and alternative proteins, providing essential support and consulting to entrepreneurs in the food industry. Notably, Unovis has been involved in several significant transactions in the seafood sector, including BlueNalu, which raised $20 million to develop cell-cultured seafood products, and Good Catch, a plant-based seafood brand that has raised over $70 million to expand its market presence. Additionally, they participated in the funding of Plantish, an alternative seafood startup aiming to replicate the taste and texture of whole-cut fish. These investments highlight Unovis's commitment to addressing climate change and promoting animal welfare through innovative food solutions.


13. 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 committed to supporting entrepreneurs who prioritize creating healthier, humane, and sustainable products. Notably, they have invested in BlueNalu, which raised $60 million in a convertible note in January 2021 and $20 million in a Series A round in September 2019, focusing on cell-cultured seafood. Additionally, they have invested in Good Catch, which raised $32 million in a Series B round in January 2020 and has developed a line of plant-based seafood options, tapping into the growing demand for sustainable seafood alternatives. These investments reflect Stray Dog Capital's dedication to fostering significant social impact and commercial success in the food industry, particularly in the realm of seafood alternatives.


14. Endeavor

  • Website: endeavor.org
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1997
  • Headcount: 501-1000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 27
  • LinkedIn: endeavor_2

Endeavor is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1997, based in New York, that supports high-impact entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, education, and investment opportunities. They operate a global network aimed at transforming economies through entrepreneurship, helping businesses scale and create jobs in emerging markets. Among their notable transactions, Endeavor has invested in Aruna, an Indonesia-based fisheries and marine platform that raised $35 million in a Series A round to enhance its supply chain and expand its market presence. Additionally, they participated in the funding of eFishery, which raised $15 million in Series B funding, further emphasizing their engagement in the fish processing sector. These investments highlight Endeavor's role in supporting innovative companies within the fish processing industry, aligning with their mission to empower entrepreneurs.


15. 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, particularly in the fish processing context, including Plantish, an alternative seafood startup that raised $12.45 million to scale operations and replicate whole-cut fish using additive manufacturing technology. Additionally, they participated in Aquabyte, which raised funds to enhance aquaculture practices through technology. These investments highlight the fund's interest in innovative solutions within the fish processing industry.


16. 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 sector. Additionally, they have been involved in other food-related startups such as BioFeyn and Esencia Foods, which further demonstrates their interest in the food technology space. Their model emphasizes facilitating partnerships and providing resources to enhance business development, making them a versatile investor in the food industry, including fish processing.


17. New Crop Capital


New Crop Capital is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in impact investing aimed at transforming the global food system. They focus on alternative proteins and sustainable food technologies, providing funding and consulting services to foster innovation and sustainability in the food industry. Notably, New Crop Capital has invested in several companies relevant to the fish processing context, including BlueNalu, which raised $20 million in a Series A round to develop cell-cultured seafood products, and Ocean Hugger Foods, which focuses on plant-based seafood alternatives. Additionally, they have supported Good Catch, a company that raised $32 million in Series B funding to create plant-based seafood products. These transactions highlight New Crop Capital's commitment to advancing sustainable seafood alternatives, making them a significant player in the fish processing investment landscape.


18. JBT FoodTech

  • Website: jbtc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1894
  • Headcount: 5001-10000
  • LinkedIn: jbt-foodtech

JBT FoodTech, a division of JBT Corporation, is a technology solutions provider based in Chicago, Illinois, specializing in the food and beverage industry. Founded in 1894, the company offers advanced processing solutions and automated systems designed to enhance efficiency, quality, and safety in food preparation. JBT's customer base primarily consists of businesses in the food and beverage sector, seeking innovative technology to improve their operations. Notably, JBT has made several strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the food processing market. In 2017, JBT acquired Schröder Food Processing, which focuses on curing and marination technology, potentially relevant to fish processing. Additionally, JBT's acquisition of A&B Process Systems in 2015 aimed to enhance its protein processing capabilities, which could include fish. These transactions reflect JBT's commitment to expanding its influence in the food processing sector, including areas that may intersect with fish processing.



Fish Processing Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Big Idea VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201810
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
LineageNovi, Michigan, United States (USA)10001+20124
Sustainable Ocean AllianceSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020141
CargillWayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)10001+18657
SyscoHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+19691
The Middleby CorporationElgin, Illinois, United States (USA)5001-1000018885
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
Unovis Asset ManagementNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020162
Stray Dog CapitalLeawood, Kansas, United States (USA)1-1020151
EndeavorNew York, New York, United States (USA)501-1000199727
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258
Plug and Play Tech CenterSunnyvale, California, United States (USA)501-10002006253
New Crop CapitalNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-5020150
JBT FoodTechChicago, Illinois, United States (USA)5001-1000018940


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