London-based biotech company Entocycle, which provides insect farming technology, has raised $2.6 million in a funding round to expand its operations in Europe. The investment came from Blue Ledge Capital, Startup Basecamp, and Armajaro Holdings Limited.
- Launched in 2017 by Keiran Olivares Whitaker, Entocycle provides insect farming technology to accelerate the global transition to sustainable protein. The company transforms food waste into local, low-carbon proteins and organic fertilizer.
- The startup offers a range of services, including comprehensive insect farm support, patented insect technology solutions such as machine vision and automation, and expert insect engineering services. Their team, consisting of 18 employees, includes entomologists and engineers who provide specialized expertise to support these offerings.
- In 2023, Entocycle secured $5 million in a Series A funding round to license its technology solutions for insect farms worldwide. The round was led by Climentum Capital, with participation from Lowercarbon Capital, Teampact Ventures, ACE & Company, and several prominent world-class athletes.
Details of the deal
- The investment saw participation from Blue Ledge Capital, a California-based VC firm, Startup Basecamp, and Armajaro Holdings Limited, a London-based investment firm that focuses on agriculture startups.
“I am incredibly enthusiastic about the future of Entocycle, and our investment was an easy decision to make. With its cutting-edge technology and smart strategic partnerships, Entocycle is well-poised to lead the way in sustainable solutions for waste management and animal feed,” founder and CIO at Blue Ledge Capital, Andy Roche, commented.
- Existing investors Climentum Capital, Teampact.ventures, and TVC also participated in the round.
- Alongside the investment, which will help Entocycle expand in Europe, the company has opened a new R&D insect farm in Yorkshire in collaboration with the University of Leeds.
“We’re also extremely proud to have our new investors join us and our existing family of investors on this journey as we take strides in our mission to accelerate sustainable protein using the power of insects and technology,” founder and CEO of Entocycle, Keiran Whitaker, stated.
