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Aqua Spark

Europe, Utrecht, The Netherlands, Utrecht

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
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FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn who this investor regularly partners with—both firms and angels—and explore their latest activity.

Who does Aqua Spark frequently co-invest with?

Argor Capital
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 2
Northstar Group
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 2
Adisseo
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Antony
Co-Investments: 2
PL
Europe, Mazowieckie, Poland, Warszawa
Co-Investments: 2
Seventure Partners
Europe, Ile-de-France, France, Paris
Co-Investments: 4
Wavemaker Partners
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 3
Temasek Holdings
Asia, Central Region, Singapore, Singapore
Co-Investments: 3
Vodia Ventures
North America, Nebraska, United States, Lincoln
Co-Investments: 2
ME
North America, Michigan, United States, Lansing
Co-Investments: 3
Nutreco
Europe, Utrecht, The Netherlands, Amersfoort
Co-Investments: 2

Which angels does Aqua Spark often collaborate with?

Kelvin S. L. Chan
Asia, Singapore
Shared Deals: 1
AP
North America, Oregon, United States, Portland
Shared Deals: 1
LD
North America, California, United States, Los Angeles
Shared Deals: 1
MH
Europe, Lisboa, Portugal, Lisbon
Shared Deals: 1
NB
North America, New York, United States, New York
Shared Deals: 1
BH
North America, California, United States, Palo Alto
Shared Deals: 1

What are some of recent deals done by Aqua Spark?

Ace Aquatec

Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom

Ace Aquatec is specialises in acoustic marine mammal deterrents and humane electrical fish stunning equipment.

AquacultureElectronics
Series UnknownMay 1, 2025
Amount Raised: $9,970,328
Oceano Fresco

Mira, Leiria, Portugal

Oceano Fresco is a pioneer bivalve aquaculture company.

Food Processing
Series UnknownJul 25, 2024
Amount Raised: $18,447,021
Kuehnle Agrosystems

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

Kuehnle Agrosystems is involved in biotech research and development of plant-based systems for producing biologically active compounds.

BiotechnologyDeveloper PlatformGeneticsHealth Care
Series AMar 13, 2024
Amount Raised: $3,000,000
AquaRech

Kisumu, Nyanza, Kenya

AquaRech includes Farm management that enhances fish production, enables access to market & promotes equal trade.

FarmingTrading Platform
SeedNov 22, 2023
Amount Raised: $1,704,586
Wanda Fish Technologies

Tel Aviv, Tel Aviv, Israel

Wanda Fish Technologies is a cell cultured seafood startup that offers cultivated fish filets.

Consumer GoodsFarmingFood and BeverageFood ProcessingSeafood
SeedOct 9, 2023
Amount Raised: $7,000,000
Ace Aquatec

Dundee, Dundee City, United Kingdom

Ace Aquatec is specialises in acoustic marine mammal deterrents and humane electrical fish stunning equipment.

AquacultureElectronics
Series UnknownJun 7, 2023
Amount Raised: $3,111,213
Tepbac

Ho Chi Minh City, NA - Vietnam, Vietnam

Tepbac aims to shake up Vietnam’s aquaculture industry with a comprehensive suite of software and hardware solutions.

Information ServicesInformation TechnologySoftware
SeedApr 20, 2023
Amount Raised: $2,249,825
Enifer

Espoo, Southern Finland, Finland

Enifer is a mycoprotein company that produces a fungal fermentation product to upcycle agrifood industry byproducts.

BiotechnologyFood and BeverageLife Science
Series AApr 18, 2023
Amount Raised: $12,072,496
Sea6 Energy

Bangalore, Karnataka, India

Sea6 Energy is a platform that utilizes the unlimited potential of the oceans in a sustainable and ethical way.

BiofuelBiotechnologyEnergyEnvironmental EngineeringSustainabilityWaste Management
Series BAug 17, 2022
Amount Raised: $9,500,000
Kuehnle Agrosystems

Honolulu, Hawaii, United States

Kuehnle Agrosystems is involved in biotech research and development of plant-based systems for producing biologically active compounds.

BiotechnologyDeveloper PlatformGeneticsHealth Care
Series AApr 1, 2022
Amount Raised: $3,236,092