The first global accelerator programme dedicated to the aquaculture industry will have the opportunity to grow with investment from the first investment fund focused exclusively on sustainable aquaculture.
Aqua-Spark’s investment in Hatch Accelerator 1.0 will be used to accelerate a group of eight companies between April and June.
Mike Velings and Amy Novogratz, cofounders of Aqua-Spark, stated: “it is imperative that we develop a way to finance early stage aquaculture ventures, which Hatch is doing. Between Aqua-Spark and Hatch, there is a clear opportunity for a symbiotic partnership that will improve collective deal flow.
“We can direct smart, early-phase companies to Hatch, and as Hatch actively finds and grows early stage startups, Aqua-Spark can absorb those that have progressed beyond accelerator. It is a holistic win for the aquaculture industry as a whole.”
On hand Expertise
Hatch, located in Bergen, Norway, was created with the mission of investing in early stage aquaculture opportunities. The accelerator comprises an intensive three-month programme that provides top teams with aquaculture expertise from across the world -- along with industry and investor connections and the facilities required to fast track product development.
It was founded in 2017 by Dr Carsten Krome, Georg Baunach and Wayne Murphy, with support from Alimentos Ventures, which was created by Mr Krome, who previously worked for Aqua-Spark.
Mr Krome said: “Aqua-Spark has an extensive network and hands-on approach that will help propel Hatch, and syncs nicely with the incubator concept. Together, we cover a major part of the financial value chain – improving resources and opportunities for startups from early stage onward.”
