Vertical Oceans: Revolutionizing Sustainable Shrimp Farming with Urban Aqua Towers

by Fishery News

John Diener, CEO of an aquaculture company, was troubled by the environmentally unsustainable practices prevalent in shrimp farming. Concerns deepened when he realized his own family’s health was at risk due to shrimp imported from regions known for their use of antibiotics. Determined to make a change, he founded Vertical Oceans, a startup revolutionizing seafood production.

Vertical Oceans grows sustainable shrimp in massive “aqua towers” located within urban settings, potentially even within buildings. These towers incubate shrimp without chemicals or antibiotics, offering a solution to out-of-season production challenges. With the global shrimp market valued at $50 billion annually, the potential impact of Vertical Oceans is substantial.

Securing a $3.5 million seed round led by Khosla Ventures, Vertical Oceans stands out as a pioneer in aquaculture investment. Notably, this marks Silicon Valley’s first direct investment in an aquaculture startup. The startup has already demonstrated success with ten harvests in the past six months from its proof-of-concept facility in Singapore.

While competition exists, Vertical Oceans’ focus on high-quality, fresh shrimp sets it apart. Diener emphasises that their product rivals fresh wild-caught shrimp, commanding higher prices that offset the costs of vertical and urban farming.

Designed to thrive in urban environments, Vertical Oceans’ system is location-agnostic, catering to cities worldwide, including those with cold winters like Chicago. Expansion plans include a full-scale facility adjacent to downtown Singapore to further develop their innovative technologies.

With Diener and co-founder Enzo Acerbi’s experience in scaling agritech, Vertical Oceans is poised for success in transforming the shrimp farming industry. Their commitment to sustainability and quality ensures a brighter future for both consumers and the environment.

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