The seafood distributors industry in the US plays a crucial role in connecting fisheries and consumers. Companies in this sector vary from large food distributors providing a range of seafood products to specialized firms focusing solely on sustainable fish and shellfish. With increasing consumer awareness around sustainability, businesses are pivoting towards eco-friendly practices, sourcing responsibly, and introducing plant-based substitutes. This transition is fostering innovation and shaping future offerings, responding to consumer demands for healthier and more sustainable seafood options. As the sector evolves, it is expected to embrace technology and value-added services that elevate the seafood supply chain.


Among the investors detailed in this list are corporations, venture capital firms, and private equity entities, predominantly based in major cities like San Francisco and New York. Ranging in size from small teams to large corporations, these investors bring significant experience and financial backing to the seafood distributors industry, with a notable total of 1,052 investments made in 2024. Each investor’s focus reflects a trend towards sustainability, technology, and innovation, signaling strong future growth potential in this sector.


Top 19 Seafood Distributors Investors in the US


1. 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, establishing itself as a key player in the technology startup ecosystem. Notably, 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 raised $3 million in a Seed round in April 2021. These investments highlight Y Combinator's engagement in the seafood distribution industry, particularly in innovative and sustainable seafood solutions.


2. 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 to enhance its seafood distribution capabilities, including the acquisition of North Star Seafood in 2016, which underscores its commitment to the seafood market. Additionally, Sysco has expanded its offerings through other acquisitions, such as Paragon Foods and Appert's Foodservice, further solidifying its position in the food distribution industry. These transactions reflect Sysco's strategy to diversify its product range and strengthen its market presence, particularly in the seafood sector.


3. 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 venture capital investment and resources to help startups grow and succeed. Notably, SOSV has invested in Vertical Oceans, a company focused on sustainable seafood production, raising funds through multiple rounds including seed and convertible notes. Additionally, they have supported Atlantic Fish Company, which is developing cultivated seafood from fish cells, specifically targeting premium wild-caught species. These transactions highlight SOSV's involvement in the seafood industry, particularly in innovative and sustainable practices.


4. 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 within the seafood industry, such as providing debt financing to SeaFarePacific in 2013 and multiple rounds of financing to Allen Brothers between 2009 and 2011. These transactions highlight their active role in supporting seafood distributors, reinforcing their commitment to investing in sectors that contribute to local economies and communities.


5. GrubMarket Inc.

  • Website: grubmarket.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: San Francisco, California, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2014
  • Headcount: 1001-5000
  • Number of deals in 2024: 9
  • LinkedIn: grubmarket-inc-

GrubMarket Inc. is a food technology company based in San Francisco, California, specializing in eCommerce and the food supply chain. Founded in 2014, the company offers farm-fresh food delivery services and AI-powered software solutions to improve efficiency in food distribution. GrubMarket serves a diverse clientele, including grocers, restaurants, and consumers seeking high-quality food products. Notably, GrubMarket has made strategic acquisitions to bolster its position in the food industry. Among these, the acquisition of Terminal Produce in July 2021 stands out, as it is a wholesale provider of fruits, vegetables, and seafood. This acquisition aims to enhance GrubMarket's presence in the national food supply chain, indicating a commitment to the seafood sector. Additionally, GrubMarket has acquired other food-related companies, such as Grand Food, Chasin Foods, Daylight Foods, and Rainfield Marketing Group, further solidifying its role in the broader food distribution landscape.


6. 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, founded in 2018. The firm specializes in food innovation, investing in startups that are developing alternative proteins and sustainable food solutions. They operate accelerator programs that provide resources and mentorship to help startups scale their operations. Notably, Big Idea Ventures has been involved in significant transactions within the seafood alternative sector, including investments in Good Catch, a plant-based seafood brand, and AQUA Cultured Foods, which focuses on ultra-realistic seafood alternatives. Their investments support the development of innovative products aimed at transforming the seafood industry towards more sustainable practices.


7. Sustainable Ocean Alliance


Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 2014, based in San Francisco, California. The organization 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. Among its notable transactions, SOA invested in Finless Foods, which raised $34 million in Series B funding to develop plant-based seafood products, highlighting its commitment to sustainable seafood alternatives. Additionally, SOA has been involved in funding Agriloops, which focuses on sustainable aquaculture practices, further emphasizing its interest in the seafood sector. These investments reflect SOA's alignment with the seafood distributors industry, particularly in the context of sustainability and innovation.


8. 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 been involved in a diverse range of sectors. Notably, they invested in eFishery, which raised $4 million in a Series A round in November 2018, highlighting their engagement in the seafood industry. Additionally, they have participated in various other transactions, such as FIFOplus and ReserveOut, which, while not directly related to seafood, showcase their active investment strategy across different sectors.


9. FJ Labs

  • Website: fjlabs.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 169
  • LinkedIn: fj-labs

FJ Labs is a venture capital firm based in New York, founded in 2015, that specializes in investing in marketplace and network effect businesses. With a portfolio of over 1,000 companies, many achieving unicorn status, FJ Labs provides capital and strategic guidance to entrepreneurs across various industries, including e-commerce and logistics. Notably, they have invested in Frubana, a Colombian startup that connects farm products with restaurants and businesses, and FoodByUs, an Australian hospitality supply marketplace. These investments highlight their engagement in the food supply chain, which is relevant to seafood distribution, as they focus on enhancing efficiency and scaling operations in the food sector.


10. 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, New York, that supports high-impact entrepreneurs by providing mentorship, education, and investment opportunities. It operates a global network aimed at transforming economies through entrepreneurship, helping businesses scale and create jobs in emerging markets. Endeavor has been involved in several notable transactions in the seafood sector, including a Series A investment in Aruna, an Indonesia-based fisheries and marine platform, which raised US$35 million to enhance its supply chain and expand its market presence. Additionally, Endeavor participated in a Series B funding round for eFishery, which raised $15 million to support its aquaculture initiatives. These investments highlight Endeavor's commitment to fostering growth in the seafood distribution industry, alongside its broader mission of supporting diverse entrepreneurial ventures.


11. 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, a company that raised $15 million in Series B funding in 2020, which is directly involved in the aquaculture sector. Additionally, IFC participated in a £240 million funding round for Westfalia Fruit, which, while primarily focused on fruit, is part of the broader agricultural sector that includes seafood distribution. Their investment in OLAM International, which raised $176 million in Post-IPO Debt, also highlights their engagement in food production and distribution. These transactions illustrate IFC's active role in sectors that intersect with seafood distribution, making them a relevant investor in this space.


12. 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. They serve various customers, including farmers and food manufacturers, by enhancing food security and sustainability through innovative practices and solutions. Notably, Cargill has made significant investments in the seafood sector, 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 and development centers, emphasizing Cargill's commitment to the aquaculture industry. Additionally, Cargill participated in a $100 million Series B funding round for Wildtype, a company focused on cultivating sushi-grade salmon, further demonstrating their engagement in seafood innovation and distribution.


13. 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. The firm invests in startups innovating in plant-based foods and alternative proteins, providing essential support and consulting to entrepreneurs in the food industry. Notably, Unovis has participated in several significant transactions within the seafood sector, including Plantish, an alternative seafood startup that raised $12.45 million to scale operations and replicate the taste and texture of whole-cut fish. Additionally, they have been involved with BlueNalu, which focuses on cell-cultured seafood, and Good Catch, a plant-based seafood brand that has raised substantial funding to expand its market presence. These investments highlight Unovis's commitment to promoting sustainable seafood alternatives, making them a relevant investor in the seafood distributors industry.


14. Performance Food Group

  • Website: pfgc.com
  • Type: Corporate
  • Headquarters: Richmond, Virginia, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 1885
  • Headcount: 10001+
  • Number of deals in 2024: 3
  • LinkedIn: performancefoodgroup

Performance Food Group Company is a food distributor based in Richmond, Virginia, specializing in delivering a wide range of food products and services to customers in the foodservice, vending, and convenience sectors. Founded in 1885, PFG caters to independent restaurants, national chains, and convenience stores, ensuring efficient sourcing and distribution of food items. Notably, PFG has made significant acquisitions in the seafood distribution sector, including the acquisition of Bar Harbor Seafood in 2017, which aimed to enhance its seafood offerings and strengthen its focus on independent street business and specialty customers in Florida. This move reflects PFG's strategy to expand its seafood distribution capabilities. Furthermore, PFG's recent acquisitions, such as José Santiago Inc. and Cheney Brothers, further demonstrate its active role in the food distribution industry, which includes seafood as a key component of its product offerings.


15. 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, they have invested in companies like BlueNalu, which raised $60 million in a convertible note in January 2021 and focuses on cell-cultured seafood, and Good Catch, which raised $32 million in Series B funding in January 2020 and specializes in plant-based seafood alternatives. Additionally, they have invested in The ISH Food Company, which is developing plant-based food products. Through these investments, Stray Dog Capital aims to foster significant social impact and commercial success for its portfolio companies, particularly in the context of sustainable food production.


16. Tiger Global

  • Website: tigerglobal.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: New York, New York, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2001
  • Headcount: 51-200
  • Number of deals in 2024: 25
  • LinkedIn: tiger-global-management

Tiger Global Management, LLC is a prominent investment firm based in New York, specializing in both public and private equity investments. Founded in 2001, the firm manages approximately $50 billion and focuses on innovative companies that leverage technology across various sectors. Notably, Tiger Global has been actively investing in Captain Fresh, a seafood distribution company, participating in multiple funding rounds including a Series C round in March 2022 for $57.3 million, a Series B round in December 2021 for $40 million, and subsequent rounds in 2023 and 2025. This consistent investment in Captain Fresh highlights their commitment to the seafood distribution industry, making them a significant player in this sector.


17. Clear Current Capital


Clear Current Capital is a venture capital firm based in Vero Beach, Florida, founded in 2017. The firm specializes in sustainable investments within the food system, providing both venture capital and consulting services to innovative companies aiming to improve food sustainability. Notably, Clear Current Capital has invested in several companies within the seafood sector, including BlueNalu, which focuses on cell-cultured seafood products, and Ocean Hugger Foods, known for its plant-based seafood alternatives. Additionally, they have been involved with Good Catch, a brand that offers plant-based seafood products. These investments highlight Clear Current Capital's commitment to supporting sustainable seafood solutions and their role in transforming the seafood distribution landscape.


18. Gaingels

  • Website: gaingels.com
  • Type: Venture Capital
  • Headquarters: Burlington, Vermont, United States (USA)
  • Founded year: 2015
  • Headcount: 11-50
  • Number of deals in 2024: 60
  • LinkedIn: gaingels

Gaingels is a venture capital firm founded in 2015, based in Burlington, Vermont, dedicated to investing in companies with diverse leadership. The firm provides capital and support to startups, particularly those led by underrepresented groups, to foster diversity and inclusion in the innovation economy. Gaingels has been involved in various transactions, including a notable investment in Finless Foods, which raised $34 million in Series B funding to develop plant-based seafood products. This investment aligns with their mission to support innovative companies, including those in the seafood distribution sector. Additionally, Gaingels has participated in other funding rounds for startups across various industries, showcasing their broad investment strategy while maintaining a commitment to diversity and inclusion.


19. 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

The 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 seafood sector, including a $12.45 million investment in Plantish, an alternative seafood startup aiming to replicate the taste and texture of fish, and a $6 million investment in Loliware, which focuses on seaweed-based materials. These investments highlight the fund's commitment to supporting innovative solutions within the seafood industry, alongside its broader investment strategy.



Seafood Distributors Insights: Key Investors in the US


InvestorHeadquarterSizeFoundedDeals 2024
Y CombinatorSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)51-2002005802
SyscoHouston, Texas, United States (USA)10001+19691
SosvUnited States (USA)51-2001995170
Advantage CapitalNew Orleans, Louisiana, United States (USA)51-20019925
GrubMarket Inc.San Francisco, California, United States (USA)1001-500020149
Big Idea VenturesNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-50201810
Sustainable Ocean AllianceSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)11-5020141
500 GlobalSan Francisco, California, United States (USA)201-500201098
FJ LabsNew York, New York, United States (USA)11-502015169
EndeavorNew York, New York, United States (USA)501-1000199727
IFC - International Finance CorporationWashington, D.C., District Of Columbia, United States (USA)1001-50001956107
CargillWayzata, Minnesota, United States (USA)10001+18657
Unovis Asset ManagementNew York, New York, United States (USA)1-1020162
Performance Food GroupRichmond, Virginia, United States (USA)10001+18853
Stray Dog CapitalLeawood, Kansas, United States (USA)1-1020151
Tiger GlobalNew York, New York, United States (USA)51-200200125
Clear Current CapitalVero Beach, Florida, United States (USA)1-1020173
GaingelsBurlington, Vermont, United States (USA)11-50201560
Deep Tech Fund (an Alumni Ventures Fund)Manchester, New Hampshire, United States (USA)51-2002023258


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