A Danish startup has secured seed funding to turn a growing ecological problem into a business opportunity. Decameal, based in Grindsted, is developing a patent-pending process to convert invasive shore crabs into sustainable protein and lipid ingredients for the animal feed industry. The company announced a seed funding round led by Delphinus Venture Capital and Rockstart, with Aller Aqua as a strategic co-investor. The total amount raised was not disclosed.
The project addresses two issues at once. First, the rapid spread of Carcinus maenas, an invasive crab species damaging marine ecosystems in Danish waters. Second, the need for alternative protein sources in animal feed to reduce reliance on soy and fishmeal. Decameal’s process involves cleaning, processing, and drying the crabs to extract usable components, which are then formulated into feed ingredients.
Aller Aqua, a global aquaculture feed producer, sees potential in the solution. The company has agreed to test Decameal’s ingredients in its feed production. This collaboration could open doors for commercial adoption if trials prove successful.
The funding round brings new expertise into the company. Delphinus Venture Capital, a Nordic venture fund, focuses on sustainable food systems. Rockstart, a Dutch accelerator, specializes in early-stage startups. Their involvement signals confidence in Decameal’s technology and market potential.
Decameal now plans to scale its operations and refine its production process. The company aims to supply feed producers with a locally sourced, sustainable ingredient that also helps control an invasive species. If successful, this model could be replicated in other regions facing similar ecological challenges.
Source: eu-startups.com