Bluefront Equity partners Kjetil Haga and Simen Landmark.
Bluefront Equity
Norwegian seafood investment firm Bluefront Equity has announced an investment in the venture capital firm Builders Vision, founded by Lukas Walton of the Walmart empire, to promote solutions that foster long-term sustainability in the global seafood industry.
This investment is part of the Bluefront Capital II fund, which aims to develop sustainable solutions for the global seafood industry. In its first round, $62 million was raised in 2021. Bluefront Capital II has already surpassed that amount and will continue fundraising until next summer.
In this way, Bluefront supports companies that develop products, services, software, and technology, specifically those working to improve ocean health, promote fish welfare, and enhance resource efficiency.
The first investments made by Bluefront's fund, in which Builders Vision has also collaborated, focus on aquatic gene preservation and biological biodiversity protection through Cryogenetics, and the development of digital solutions that enhance production, led by Horizon Software (formerly FiiZK Digital).
Builders Bridge from Builders Vision aims to invest in unique and rarely spotlighted opportunities within these sectors, as well as transform aquaculture into a key player in the global blue economy.
"From the moment we met with Builders Vision and learned about their focus on advancing the blue economy and transforming food systems, we saw strong synergies between our goals and approach," said Kjetil Haga, partner and CEO at Bluefront.
Additionally, Investment Director at Builders Vision James Lindsay indicated: "By investing in companies tackling critical challenges such as fish welfare, ocean health, and sustainability, they’re improving efficiency, reducing mortality, and addressing issues like lice, disease, and waste—all while driving strong returns and supporting long-term ocean resilience."
Havfonn from the Bergersen family, the Steensland group, the 3S Invest family office, Klaveness Marine, TD Veen, and the Nordic private equity firm Cubera have invested in both Bluefront's first and second funds.
Moreover, among the international investors is the US-based asset management firm Commonfund. The global investment firm Cambridge Associates has also invested.
"We want to make a positive impact in the seafood value chain, and we are experiencing particularly strong interest from international investors who would like to be part of the solution to these challenges," stated Co-founder Simen Landmark.
Finally, among the advisers are former Mowi CEO Alf-Helge Aarskog, former BioMar EVP Jan Sverre Røsstad, founding partner of the venture fund Springbank Jennifer Lee Koss, HitecVision partner Arne Trondsen, and Nova Sea owner Aino Olaisen.