Gothenburg-based biotech startup Seaqure Labs has raised €470,000 in pre-seed funding to accelerate the development of its mycelium-based feed ingredients for aquaculture and animal nutrition.
The round attracted support from Chalmers Ventures, Almi Väst, VASTAF, Propel Capital, SLU Holding AB, and a group of angel investors. The new capital will be directed toward refining Seaqure’s fermentation technology and building partnerships with industrial suppliers of sidestream materials.
Founded in 2023 by Johan Henriksson, Sajjad Karimi, and Albin Frick, Seaqure Labs transforms industrial sidestreams into high-quality protein using fungi. Compared to soymeal, the company’s feed reportedly cuts carbon emissions by 50%, requires six times less water, and uses five times less land per kilogram of protein produced.
The resulting mycelium-based feed contains essential amino acids, beta-glucan, and minerals. Early trials indicate it is highly digestible in fish and provides prebiotic benefits that could enhance yields.
Seaqure employs solid-state fermentation — an approach inspired by ancient food techniques — to produce dried mycelium ingredients using GRAS-certified strains. By locating production close to feed sites, the company aims to enable localized, circular protein supply chains.
Initial trials with rainbow trout have shown promising results, and further testing is underway in poultry. Seaqure also plans to expand into the pet food and livestock feed markets.
“Our approach not only reduces dependence on soy and fishmeal but also helps the industry move toward a truly circular economy,” the founders said.
With this investment, Seaqure Labs is positioning itself as a player in addressing the global protein challenge while reducing the environmental footprint of aquaculture and animal farming.
