Aqua-Spark

Aqua-Spark stands as the premier global investment fund exclusively focused on transforming aquaculture through sustainable practices. The fund strategically deploys capital across the entire aquaculture value chain, supporting innovative approaches to farming fish, crustaceans, molluscs, and various algae species in diverse environments including oceans, rivers, lakes, ponds, and land-based recirculating systems. With a comprehensive understanding of aquatic farming challenges, Aqua-Spark has positioned itself as a pivotal force in addressing the growing global demand for protein while minimizing environmental impact.

Since its founding in 2014 by Mike Velings and Amy Novogratz, the fund has developed a distinctive investment approach centered on building an interconnected portfolio where companies can collaborate, creating synergistic relationships that strengthen the entire ecosystem. Aqua-Spark typically makes initial investments ranging from $250,000 to $5 million, maintaining long-term partnerships with portfolio companies rather than pursuing quick exits. This patient capital approach allows for meaningful development of technologies and practices that can truly revolutionize aquaculture production methods while maintaining environmental sustainability as a core principle.

The fund's investment thesis targets multiple critical segments within aquaculture, including feed innovations, disease prevention, farming technology, and consumer-facing brands. Notable investments include Calysta (alternative protein producer), Proteon Pharmaceuticals (bacteriophage technology for disease management), and eFishery (smart feeding technology for fish farms). By cultivating a portfolio of 50-60 mature, complementary companies, Aqua-Spark aims to create a comprehensive solution set that addresses the industry's most pressing challenges while demonstrating that profitability and sustainability can successfully coexist in aquaculture.

With a community exceeding 350 investors from around the world, Aqua-Spark has successfully demonstrated that impact investing in aquaculture can deliver competitive financial returns while driving positive environmental and social outcomes. The fund maintains rigorous standards for potential investments, evaluating companies not only on financial metrics but also on their potential to reduce aquaculture's ecological footprint, improve fish welfare, enhance food security, and support coastal communities. Through this holistic approach, Aqua-Spark is pioneering a new model for seafood production that promises to meet growing global demand while preserving marine ecosystems for future generations.