Swedish land-based fish farming company Gårdsfisk has successfully closed a SEK 50 million Series A funding round, with the investment co-led by Hatch Blue’s Blue Revolution Fund and Industrifonden.
Novax and LRF Ventures, Gårdsfisk’s largest current external investors also supported the round.
Founded in 2013 by Johan Ljungquist and Mikael Olenmark, Gårdsfisk has developed a vertically integrated recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) that enables land-based fish farming with minimal environmental impact. By working with partner farmers, Gårdsfisk ensures that its high-quality fish, including catfish and trout, are farmed locally and sustainably, providing Swedish consumers with a responsible protein alternative.
“This investment comes at a critical time when the demand for sustainable seafood is growing rapidly,” Gårdsfisk CEO Johan Ljungquist said. “With the support of Hatch Blue and Industrifonden, we can scale our operations, develop new products, and bring locally farmed fish to even more consumers. This is a significant step toward reshaping the seafood industry.”
The new funding will enable Gårdsfisk to accelerate growth by expanding production capacity, increasing brand awareness and launching new consumer-focused products. The company is looking to double its revenues by 2026.
“Gårdsfisk has impressed us with the high quality of their farming system and their product. It is a truly mission-driven organisation and their commitment to creating a positive environmental impact aligns perfectly with our mission to change the aquaculture food system,” Hatch Blue Managing Partner Georg Baunach said. “I’m very excited to work with Johan, Mikael and the team to support the next phase of commercial growth.”
“Gårdsfisk is tackling one of the most pressing challenges in food production today: how to meet protein demand without depleting natural resources,” said Karolina Bjurehed, Investment Manager at Industrifonden. “Their innovative approach to land-based aquaculture makes them a strong fit for our investment portfolio.”
Gårdsfisk’s range of products – including smoked catfish, fish meatballs and trout – has been gaining traction in Sweden as a sustainable alternative to imported seafood.
Looking ahead, the company plans to strengthen its presence in Sweden and explore opportunities for international expansion.
