KAS patented its process to produce natural algae astaxanthin.
Alexander Demyanenko - Adobe Stock
Kuehnle AgroSystems (KAS) has raised a $3 million Series A2 funding round led by S2G Ventures. KAS produces natural astaxanthin from microalgae and this investment will accelerate the commercialization of it for sustainable aquaculture systems.
The microalgal innovation and production company patented its process that uses dark fermentation in closed vertical tank systems to produce natural algae astaxanthin. This procedure involves lower production costs, higher yields, faster growth times, and less water and energy consumption, according to KAS.
In more detail, the majority of aquaculture systems incorporate synthetic astaxanthin derived from petrochemicals, and KAS aims to change this situation. This market is estimated to be valued at around $3.7 billion.
Regarding this fact, KAS CEO Claude Kaplan said: "With our ability to generate greater astaxanthin output volumes, quicker and at a reduced cost compared to light-dependent methods, this funding strongly positions KAS to respond to the rapidly expanding needs of the market."
Aqua-Spark, Hatch, and Cavallo Ventures also collaborate in promoting the KAS portfolio. "We need more companies like KAS that are solving core challenges in the value chain to ensure our food system is healthier and more sustainable for consumers and the planet," Aqua-Spark CEO Lissy Smit noted.
"We continue to be impressed by the KAS team's capacity to leverage their scientific and commercial knowledge to produce a truly innovative solution for replacing synthetic with natural astaxanthin," she added.
Through these collaborations, KAS will be able to distribute its systems in Europe and globally. Furthermore, the optimization of its standard fermentation equipment will allow the company to sign more manufacturing contracts and accelerate production.
