Bangkok-headquartered Thai Union has confirmed that its Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) Fund has joined other strategic and financial partners investing in France-based Algama’s €13 million Series A fundraising round.
Founded in 2013, with presence now across France, the US, and Belgium, Algama leverages its algae innovation platform to offer co-development and industrialisation of algae-based ingredients for F&B players looking to replace animal protein and/or fortify their products.
Algama’s flagship product, the Tamalga range of ingredients, replaces eggs in many industrial applications, particularly in bakery and pastry. The funding in this round will be used to accelerate commercialization of innovations, development of new applications, and setup of a new 10,000-square metre bio-refinery in Liege, Belgium.
Algama’s Co-founder and CEO Alvyn Severien, Algama’s said the French start-up is excited to work with Thai Union to create the next generation of seafood ingredients that are sustainably sourced and health-promoting.
“By exploring the untapped potential of algae, we aim to push the boundaries and develop innovative products for the future,” he said.
Thai Union said the investment in Algama, and further collaboration, will support the future growth of its Alternative Protein business, coupled with exploration of other specialised ingredients, especially for marine products.
“At Thai Union, we are committed to “Healthy Living, Healthy Oceans”, and algae, as a sustainable marine ingredient, is aligned with our goals,” said Thiraphong Chansiri, President and CEO of Thai Union. “Algama and its experienced team have strong tech and commercial capabilities to create a positive impact on the protein industry. We are excited to work with them and explore further collaboration opportunities.”
Thai Union’s CVC fund was established in 2019. It has identified alternative proteins, functional nutrition and biotechnology, in addition to new technologies along the food value chain, as strategic areas for investment.
The fund invests in, and partners with, early-stage, entrepreneurial companies working in these areas.
