Holo Bio, a leader in aquaculture tech using fish gut microbiota, announced on the 25th that it raised 240 million yen in seed funding. This investment round had both old and new investors. Existing shareholders included Kyoto University Innovation Capital and Chushin Venture Capital. New investors were Genesia Ventures, Senshu Ikeda Capital, and Will Capital Management. With this latest funding, Holo Bio’s total capital has reached 290 million yen.
Holo Bio was founded in April 2020 by Professor Emeritus Masato Umeda from Kyoto University. The company creates innovative technology that uses fish gut bacteria. This technology helps fish grow better. It boosts their immunity and allows for better diets. The company has applied for patents on its new approach. It calls this a “new biological breeding technology.””
Global population growth means more people need protein. So, aquaculture is becoming popular as a sustainable way to produce it. The rising need for fishmeal and fish oil, which are key for compound feed, is draining resources. This is especially true for anchovies, which are used as raw materials. Holo Bio has isolated over 2,000 strains of gut bacteria from various fish species to tackle this challenge. These include yellowtail, tuna, red sea bream, salmon, and rainbow trout. The company has created a unique library of these bacteria. For the first time ever, it has modified the gut microbiota of farmed fish. This change boosts growth, increases EPA production, and improves disease resistance in tests.
A defining feature of Holo Bio’s technology is its ability to alter fish feeding habits without genetic modification. The company found gut bacteria that help fish digest and absorb plant fibers. This allows farmed fish to use plant-based feed that was once indigestible. This breakthrough helps shift from expensive fishmeal diets to 100% plant-based feed. This change cuts costs and supports eco-friendly aquaculture.
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Holo Bio currently offers three core services. “Aquaculture Consulting” offers detailed gut bacteria analysis and tailored “gut bacteria cocktails” to improve fish health and growth. The “Land-based Aquaculture Package” focuses on cultivating rare, high-end fish and regionally significant species that have traditionally been difficult to farm. “Branded Fish Development” uses advanced lipid analysis to measure fish taste. It applies AI to find and provide the best gut bacteria combinations.
The new funding will help us do several things. First, we will advance fish gut microbiota technology. Then, we will improve aquaculture techniques with better diets. Finally, we will expand our team to boost business growth.
