The couple co-founded Aqua-Spark in 2013 and the VC now has €450 million in assets under management
As a family office with a mandate focused on combating the biodiversity crisis, Silverstrand
is focused on advancing regenerative food systems and natural climate solutions. It first invested in Aqua-Spark
in 2020 and the increased funding means brings its total investment in the VC to €25 million. It also means that Silverstrand’s principal, Kelvin Chiu, will take a seat on Aqua-Spark’s advisory board while Patti Chu, Silverstrand’s head of impact, will join the investment committee.
The largest sustainable aquaculture fund globally, with over 300 investors in over 25 countries, Aqua-Spark has grown their assets under management (AUM) to over €450 million since its inception in 2013. The fund’s portfolio comprises companies such as eFishery and Calysta, among other notable leaders in the space. With the help of these companies, Aqua-Spark has reduced the use of wild resources in feed by the equivalent of 58.6 million fish, upcycled 49.3 million kg of industry waste, and improved the traceability for 40.4 million kg of food.
“With the global population having passed 8 billion people, smarter and more efficient methods for growing nutrient-rich food are needed,” said Amy Novogratz and Mike Velings, co-founders of Aqua-Spark, in a press release.
“Fish supply 17 percent of the world’s protein, and by 2030 the planet is expected to eat nearly 20 percent more fish. With our ocean approaching the brink of species collapse, this increase must come from sustainable sources: namely aquaculture. With its initial investment, Silverstrand Capital had already committed to a better future for responsible aquaculture and with this next round they are doubling down. We are honored to work with them and to keep advancing a commercial aquaculture system that puts our planet and its population’s health first.”
“As the global demand for protein continues to grow, our ocean’s health and marine biodiversity are increasingly under threat. Innovative solutions are needed to both feed the world and ease overfishing pressures on wild populations,” explained Kelvin Chiu, founder and principal of Silverstrand Capital. “Aqua-Spark is a leader in sustainable aquaculture with a proven track record. Amy and Mike lead a strong team with deep expertise and are transforming their vision of a better food system into reality. Silverstrand is very much aligned with their values and mission and proud to be long-term partners of Aqua-Spark.”
*Hatch is part of Aqua-Spark's investment portfolio, but The Fish Site retains editorial independence.
