
Aqua Spark
Description
Aqua-Spark is a pioneering investment fund based in Utrecht, The Netherlands, established in 2015 with a singular focus on transforming the global aquaculture industry. The fund is dedicated to investing in sustainable aquaculture businesses across the entire value chain, ranging from innovative feed ingredients and disease management technologies to advanced farming practices and efficient processing and distribution solutions. Their core mission is to foster a more sustainable, healthy, and accessible global food system by supporting companies that demonstrate both strong commercial viability and significant environmental and social impact.
The fund's investment thesis is rooted in the belief that aquaculture, when practiced sustainably, can play a crucial role in meeting the world's growing demand for protein while alleviating pressure on wild fish stocks and reducing environmental footprints. Aqua-Spark seeks out businesses that are not only profitable but also contribute positively to ecological balance, animal welfare, and community development. They emphasize a long-term partnership approach with their portfolio companies, often taking a lead investor role and providing strategic support beyond capital.
Aqua-Spark typically deploys initial investments ranging from €1 million to €10 million, with the potential for substantial follow-on funding as their portfolio companies scale. As of early 2023, their portfolio comprised over 30 companies operating across various segments of the aquaculture ecosystem, showcasing their broad reach and commitment to diverse solutions. This strategic deployment of capital aims to accelerate the development and adoption of technologies and practices that enhance efficiency, reduce waste, and improve the overall sustainability of aquatic food production worldwide.
Investor Profile
Aqua Spark has backed more than 42 startups, with 2 new investments in the last 12 months alone. The firm has led 22 rounds, about 52% of its total and boasts 2 exits across its portfolio.
Investment Focus Highlights
- Concentrates on Series Unknown, Series A, Seed rounds (top funding stages).
- Majority of deals are located in United States, Indonesia, The Netherlands.
- Strong thematic focus on Biotechnology, Aquaculture, AgTech.
- Typical check size: $1.1M – $10.8M.
Stage Focus
- Series Unknown (38%)
- Series A (24%)
- Seed (14%)
- Series B (10%)
- Series D (7%)
- Post Ipo Equity (2%)
- Private Equity (2%)
- Series C (2%)
Country Focus
- United States (24%)
- Indonesia (12%)
- The Netherlands (7%)
- United Kingdom (7%)
- Norway (7%)
- Canada (5%)
- Israel (5%)
- India (5%)
- Poland (5%)
- Kenya (2%)
Industry Focus
- Biotechnology
- Aquaculture
- Agtech
- Farming
- Sustainability
- Food And Beverage
- Alternative Protein
- Information Technology
- Food Processing
- Seafood
Frequently Asked Questions
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