The Ocean 14 Capital fund will invest over €10 million in Tilabras. Tilapia is one of the world's most sustainable animal protein sources. The family-owned company has developed a planet-friendly model for farming by focusing on its local impact and sustainable feeds.
To sum up, Tilabras location and production model, allow the fish to be fed on a fully sustainable, vegan diet while minimising the CO2 footprint. Further, Tilapia is also more affordable than other commonly farmed fish, such as salmon, making it an extremely viable protein source for the growing global population.
"Our partnership with Tilabras continues Ocean 14 Capital's direct focus on the intersection of sustainability and finance. Creating impactful, industrial platforms enabling measured, sustainable growth of one of the most efficient forms of protein production on the planet. Ocean 14 Capital is proud to partner with a group that is aligned with our convergent approach to both financial and natural capital," said Francisco Saraiva Gomes, founding partner, and chief investment officer at Ocean 14 Capital.
"The funds capital will be used to expand Tilabras' farming base. Increasing capacity and efficiency of production. As well as continuing the vertical integration of the group to a new processing plant and hatchery. Tilapia farmed inland in high-carrying capacity man-made sites is the most sustainable alternative to whitefish caught from the ocean. The fund's investment supports the Company's vision to become the lowest natural-cost, at-scale producer, of white fish in the world," Saraiva Gomes continues.
In addition, Nicolas Landolt, founder of Tilabras said: "Ocean 14 Capital's expertise, knowledge, and the fund's ability to execute will help us enhance growth while improving resource efficiency. The period ahead of us is one of great expansion and development. We must do so with an ever-stronger commitment to sustainability. We are looking forward to building our hatchery and breeding operations. As well as the expansion of our farming and processing plants."
Besides, Chris Gorell Barnes, the founding partner of Ocean 14 Capital, said: "Our partnership with Tilabras focuses on enabling this transition to large-scale, low-impact fish farming, harnessing the best of modern technology. Tilapia is set to grow to a $9.2 billion industry by 2027. It is the future in terms of how we can feed the world."
SyAqua, a shrimp breeding technology specialist was among the first beneficiaries of the fund along with AION, a Norwegian plastic management platform that uses proprietary technology to offer Circularity As A Service to large-scale industries. Also, MITO, is a clam hatchery and breeding Italian company.
The Ocean 14 Capital fund focuses primarily on investing in growth-stage businesses. Apparently, two-thirds of the fund will go to companies based in Europe.
This month, the Ocean 14 Capital fund received a commitment of €10 million from the Constitutional Reserve Fund of Monaco. The mission is to fund sustainable solutions to improve ocean health.
Finally, the Ocean 14 Capital €150, impact fund is on track to invest in 8 companies this year. It will grow its portfolio to between 20 and 25 businesses within three years.
Tilabras Aquaculture Ltda. is the leading vertically integrated white fish farming producer in the South of Brazil. They have come to Três Lagoas in Mato Grosso do Sul to create a better, more sustainable tilapia.
Tilapia fillets from Tilabras contain nutritional value, quality, and superior taste. It's just the world's finest tilapia – 100% natural, healthy, and delicious.