The Gothenburg biotech startup will use the funding to advance its fungi-based protein ingredients for sustainable fish farming.
Gothenburg-based Seaqure Labs has raised €470,000 in pre-seed funding to develop and scale its mycelium-based feed ingredients for aquaculture. Investors in the round include Chalmers Ventures, Almi Väst, VASTAF (Västkustens Affärsänglar), Propel Capital, SLU Holding AB, and other angels.
Founded in 2023 by Johan Henriksson, Sajjad Karimi, and Albin Frick, the biotech startup is developing feed ingredients from fungi and industrial sidestreams. The approach follows circular economy principles, aiming to reduce reliance on soymeal and animal protein.
Mycelium—the root structure of fungi—offers a high-protein, low-impact alternative to conventional feed. Seaqure Labs says its process cuts carbon emissions by at least 50%, uses six times less water, and requires at least five times less land than soymeal production.
Laboratory and pilot tests show the feed is highly digestible for fish and may provide prebiotic benefits that boost yields. The company’s ingredients contain a balanced amino acid profile, beta-glucan, and essential minerals.
“Our technology allows us to turn food and agrifood sidestreams into sustainable protein ingredients, produced locally through solid-state fermentation” said the Seaqure Labs founders in a joint statement. “This enables aquaculture to grow without increasing environmental costs.”
Seaqure Labs has completed feed trials with rainbow trout and is running additional tests for poultry. The startup says its technology can adapt to produce ingredients for aquaculture, pet, and animal feed markets, using strains already approved for human consumption.