The Asian family-owned company’s impact investing mandate is focused on tackling the biodiversity crisis. It aims for systems-level investment solutions that accelerate the widescale restoration and conservation of natural ecosystems.
Aqua-Spark, with over 300 investors in over 25 countries, has grown the amount under their management (AUM) to over €450m since its inception in 2013. The fund’s portfolio comprises companies such as eFishery and Calysta, among other notable organizations in the space. Through those investments, Aqua-Spark claims it has signficantly reduced the use of wild resources in feed, upcycled tons of industry waste, and improved the traceability of food.
Silverstrand first invested in the Dutch fund in 2020. The investor firm’s founder and principal, Kelvin Chiu, will take a seat on Aqua-Spark’s advisory board, while Patti Chu, Silverstrand’s head of impact, will join its investment committee.
“Aqua-Spark is a leader in sustainable aquaculture with a proven track record. [It has] a strong team with deep expertise and [is] transforming [its] vision of a better food system into reality. Silverstrand is very much aligned with [its] values and mission,” commented Chiu.
Feed innovation
In terms of notable feed investments this year, Aqua-Spark renewed its commitment to tropical red seaweed cultivation pioneer, Sea6 Energy Pvt Ltd, in August. It first invested in Sea6 Energy in June 2021.
Founded in 2010 in Bangalore, India. Sea6 Energy has also set up a fully owned subsidiary in Bali, Indonesia that carries out commercial seaweed farming. Biomass from the fast-growing red seaweed is suitable as a raw material for a variety of applications including animal feed and crop protection products.
April this year saw the Dutch fund support algae-derived astaxanthin producer, Kuehnle AgroSystems (KAS), which is based in Hawaii. Astaxanthin is commonly used as a pigment and antioxidant in feed for salmonids and shrimp.
And, as an existing shareholder, Aqua-Spark also contributed to the €50m fundraising exercise in February by the Netherlands-based insect feed producer, Protix.
