Yellow-tailed yellow-tailed mackerel maker.
Source: BlueNalu
First, it was lab chicken. Now, it’s seafood.
BlueNalu, the San Diego-based food startup, said Tuesday that it raised $ 60 million in convertible ticket funding as it prepares for a possible market launch later this year.
“This recent funding will allow us to continue to advance our mission and the next phase of our marketing plans, while continuing to develop strategic partnerships that we hope will provide us with global market reach over the coming years,” says Lou Cooperhouse, President by BlueNalu. and CEO, in a statement.
BlueNalu intends to use the funds to complete its regulatory review with the Food and Drug Administration and begin testing its products at various U.S. food service establishments.
There are also plans to open a pilot plant of about 40,000 square meters.
Rage Capital led this round of funding. Also in attendance were Agronomics, Lewis & Clark AgriFood, McWin, KBW Ventures and Siddhi Capital.
Cell-based or culture-based shellfish are created by extracting fish cells and culturing the samples in large bioreactors. The company plans to introduce mahi mahi as its first farmed seafood product, followed by bluefin tuna.
Late last year, the Singapore Food Agency approved the cell-grown chicken made by Eat Just. This was the first laboratory chicken to receive regulatory approval and the company wants to obtain additional approvals to sell its products in other markets, including the US.