Gothenburg-based biotech startup Seaqure Labs has secured €470K in pre-seed funding to advance its development of mycelium-based feed ingredients designed for aquaculture and animal nutrition.
The round saw backing from Chalmers Ventures, Almi Väst, VASTAF, Propel Capital, SLU Holding AB, and several angel investors. The fresh capital will be used to refine Seaqure’s fermentation technology and expand partnerships with industrial players supplying sidestream materials.
Tackling sustainability in protein production
Founded in 2023 by Johan Henriksson, Sajjad Karimi, and Albin Frick, Seaqure Labs leverages fungi to upcycle industrial sidestreams into high-quality protein ingredients. Compared to traditional soymeal, the company claims its feed cuts carbon emissions by at least 50%, uses six times less water, and requires five times less land per kilogram of protein produced.
Its mycelium-based feed contains essential amino acids, beta-glucan, and minerals, with early trials showing high digestibility in fish and positive prebiotic effects that could boost yields.
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Fermentation-driven local production
Seaqure Labs uses solid-state fermentation, a method rooted in ancient food practices, adapted to produce dried mycelium ingredients approved for human consumption (GRAS-certified strains). By setting up fermentation near feed production sites, the company enables localized, circular protein production.
Initial trials have been completed with rainbow trout, with further testing underway for poultry. Seaqure also plans to expand into the pet 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 noted.
With this funding, Seaqure Labs is positioning itself to address both the global protein challenge and the environmental footprint of aquaculture by turning food waste into sustainable feed solutions.
