SeaForester is a Portugal and Norway-based environmental impact company pioneering large-scale kelp forest restoration and Seaweed Solutions supplies premium seaweed seed lines and cultures to cultivators worldwide, as well as operating a flagship farm near Trondheim © SeaForester
The newly established entity aims to become the primary platform for restoring marine ecosystems while providing a source of regenerative biomass to meet the growing global demand for seaweed products. In parallel, SFG will shortly be launching a capital raising process to facilitate its further growth.
The merger combines SeaForester’s expertise in large-scale restoration with SES’s leadership in genetics, seed propagation and cultivation, creating an integrated model that spans the entire value chain – from biotechnology and seed development to restoration, cultivation and supply of seaweed.
“SFG represents a new and powerful formula in the world of seaweed” said Pål Bakken, chief executive of SeaForester, in a press release. “Two of the biggest challenges in the world are loss of nature and lack of sustainable biomass. Our new SFG platform is a direct response to that. By combining seaweed restoration and excellence in seaweed genetics we can restore the forgotten forests and establish future-proof biomass production at scale, proving that restoration and cultivation go hand-in-hand.”
“As an existing investor in both Seaweed Solutions and SeaForester we’re very excited to see SFG emerge. By bringing together ocean restoration, commercial cultivation, and seed genetics under one platform, SeaForester is uniquely positioned to deliver both ecological recovery and economic value. WWF's investment in both organizations reflected our belief in their complementary strengths – seeing them unite is a validation of the enormous potential at the intersection of ocean health and sustainable industry," added Paul Dobbins of WWF Ventures.
A restorative business model
Seaweed forests cover an area twice the size of the Amazon rainforest but have declined by over 60 percent since the 1950s. SFG intends to address this by developing climate-resilient seaweed strains capable of thriving in warming oceans. The group’s model will combine ecosystem restoration and biomass production, offering corporations and governments a scalable, measurable, and verifiable pathway to ocean restoration while also supplying high-quality seaweed biomass and ingredients for humans, animals and plants.
The organisation is structured around three core business lines:
- Seeds & Genetics: Development of high-yield, climate-resilient seed varieties and supply of seeds at scale
- Restoration: Tech-enabled, large-scale seaweed reforestation with permits targeting 10,000 hectares, using proprietary seeding technology and nursery systems.
- Regenerative Biomass: A flagship farm paired with a growing network of farms and partnerships across Europe, supplying regenerative biomass for industrial clients and supporting buy-back programs with coastal farmers
Strategic growth
The new group has launched a capital raise to scale impact and innovation across seeds & genetics, restoration and cultivation.
“Seaforester Group is an exciting new platform that will deliver the scale of regenerative seaweed practice that the planet needs by leveraging the core excellences of seeds & genetics from Seaweed Solutions alongside restoration at Seaforester,” said Jon Funderud, Seaweed Solutions.
Michael White, who advised and facilitated the agreement, and is Seaforester Group’s incoming Chairman said: “Our model allows investors, corporations, and policymakers to participate in ocean restoration with measurable, high-integrity outcomes, and to build an industry where regeneration and profitability go hand-in-hand.”
