3.3 million dollars in pre-seed round for Pacifico Biolabs

The German biotech start-up focuses on the development of sustainable protein alternatives, starting with alternative seafood. The funds are intended to enable the scaling of its innovative fermentation technology.

Berlin-based biotech startup Pacifico Biolabs has successfully closed a pre-seed financing round of 3.3 million dollars. The round was led by Simon Capital and FoodLabs, with participation from Exceptional Ventures and Sprout & About Ventures. The fresh capital will enable Pacifico to further scale its fermentation technology and bring its first products to the European market.

Our technology is designed to solve many of the challenges facing both plant-based and fermentation-based companies in the alternative protein space.

Zac Austin, CEO Pacifico Biolabs

The young company, founded in November 2022 by Washington Logrono and Zac Austin, is focused on developing sustainable and nutritious alternatives to traditional fish products. Their focus is on cultivating microorganisms to create 'whole muscle' structures. This innovative approach has already earned Pacifico Biolabs the first prize in the Net-Zero Food System Mission at the EIT FOOD Summit in Lisbon.

Supporting Pacifico Biolabs in their mission to transform the marine food industry is a commitment we are happy to make.

Patrick Noller, General Partner at FoodLabs

The funding round was led by investors including Simon Capital and FoodLabs, who recognize Pacifico's potential to transform the food industry through sustainable innovation. The initial focus is on the alternative seafood market, driven by the high opportunity for positive impact, strong commercial feasibility and scientific compatibility. However, the startup's versatile biomass also promises potential for other food products, from meat alternatives to functional food applications.

Their innovative technical approach to alternative marine food addresses important environmental and ethical issues and fits perfectly with the growing demand for sustainable food options

Dr. Friedrich Droste, Managing Partner of Simon Capital

The transition to alternative marine products is of particular importance as traditional fisheries and aquaculture cause significant environmental problems. The annual CO2 emissions from bottom trawling are equivalent to those of the entire aviation industry. Aquaculture not only contributes to CO2 emissions, but also causes pollution and the overuse of antibiotics. Although alternative marine products have great potential, they lag behind meat alternatives in sales.

Pacifico Biolabs has already established a strong presence in Leipzig, forged partnerships with research institutions and recruited experts to its team. The focus on solving challenges in the alternative protein industry should help not only to increase sales, but also to raise capital.