LVenture Group SpA is a holding company listed on the Italian Stock Exchange (MTA), operating in the field of Venture Capital. It owns the Startup Accelerator LUISS EnLabs, born from a joint venture with Luiss University, which has grown into a point of reference in Italian innovation ecosystem. We provide a 9,000 sqm Hub in Rome’s Termini Station, in addition to a dedicated office space in Milan, at the Milan LUISS Hub. Today our investment portfolio includes 90+ startups, characterized by high digital innovation and scalability. Our business model is based mainly on capital gains from the exits of our startups.  #investnow

LVenture Group

CDP Venture Capital Sgr - National Innovation Fund aims to make venture capital a cornerstone of the country's economic development and innovation, creating the conditions for an overall and sustainable growth of the venture capital ecosystem.

CDP Venture Capital

We want to build a world in which all humans can thrive. We believe that capital and business can solve the world’s grand challenges. Our impact goals are to make impact investing mainstream and to steward exponential technologies to achieve the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We invest in and support early stage impact tech startups, funds and projects, with a mission to solve the world’s most pressing problems through the use of exponential technologies. We believe that all investing needs to be impact investing. To meet our vision we lead by example and are creating a movement that other investors are following. Through our investment vehicles (Accelerators and Fund), Katapult Future Fest and Katapult Foundation we are building the impact investing field and attracting new capital. We are working on catalyzing HNWI, family offices and foundation capital into impact investing by both giving them opportunities to co-invest and by offering support and education. An important part of our thesis is not only finding businesses that are solving the world’s greatest challenges but also how we can contribute as an impact investor to stewarding technologies as a force for good. Technology can be a catalyst for good but also cause great harm. As the world adopts ever more transformative tech, we believe that maximizing the chance of good outcomes requires responsible stewardship and clear intentionality. We believe that the earlier in the company life-cycle this is made explicit, the greater the chance of positive impact. Active engagement and leveraging all aspects of Katapult supports our investees and cements a multi-stakeholder approach to decision making. We will set the standard for how to operate at the intersection of impact and tech. Through our focus on Ocean, Climate and Africa we take a holistic approach to solving society’s largest challenges. By promoting healthy oceans, a stable climate and sustainable food systems we drive towards building a thriving world for all.

Katapult

Indico Capital Partners is the leading independent Venture Capital firm in Portugal investing in global technology companies. Indico focuses on software as a service, artificial intelligence, internet of things, fintech, cybersecurity and digital companies, targeting investments at Seed to Series A level. Founded in 2017, the team at Indico were previously behind the majority of the Portuguese global tech success stories, as investors and entrepreneurs. Headed by the two most senior former Caixa Capital VC Team members, supported by a successful and experienced entrepreneur and a strong group of advisors, top entrepreneurs, they raised our first fund (authorized by the Portuguese Securities Market Commission - CMVM) from a cornerstone institutional investor (EIF) and international family/multi-family offices from Europe, US, and Australia. In addition to Silicon Valley, London, and Berlin, cities like Lisbon have emerging startup ecosystems. Portugal went through a difficult macro environment years ago which led to a growth in the entrepreneurship culture and investment. We have excellent tech graduates and a global mindset. Highly innovative companies like luxury eCommerce platform Farfetch, YC graduate machine learning translation platform Unbabel or the leading student accommodation marketplace Uniplaces have a strong Portuguese DNA and went to raise international rounds in the UK and the US - we want to back the next success stories of the ecosystem.

Indico Capital Partners

Ittinsect - Feed for the Ocean

Ittinsect is the biotech startup that developed the sustainable alternative to aquaculture feed. Ittinsect produces high performance feeds through the microbiological treatment of novel raw ingredients including insects, microalgae and agricultural by-products, in line with the circular economy principles. With Ittinsect, there is no longer need to catch fish from the marine environment as nutrition for farmed fish. The company’s mission is making aquaculture ocean-impact neutral.

Ittinsect is a Rome-based biotech startup founded in 2021 that develops sustainable alternatives to traditional aquaculture feed. The company produces highly nutritious fish feed through the biotechnological treatment of insects, microalgae, and agricultural by-products, in line with circular economy principles. Ittinsect's patent-pending process improves the bioavailability of nutrients in these ingredients by up to eight times, resulting in feed that promotes faster and more consistent fish growth, stronger immune systems, and lower risk of digestive inflammation compared to traditional feeds. The company's products are designed to replace fishmeal and fish oil in aquaculture feeds, aiming to make the industry independent of marine resources and more sustainable. As of January 2024, Ittinsect was planning to build a pilot plant capable of producing 2,300 tonnes of sustainable proteins for the aquafeed sector at full capacity by 2025. The company operates three research laboratories in the Rome region and has formed strategic partnerships with players in the production sector.

Italian biotech startup Ittinsect secured €750k to develop a sustainable alternative to aquaculture feed

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A sustainable alternative for aquaculture feed

Ittinsect raises €625,000 to commercialise sustainable fish feed, made using insects

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The Biotech Startup ITTINSECT raises €750K pre

Could insects, algae and agri-food by-products be the future building blocks of aquafeeds?

Ittinsect pins down €600,000 for pilot aquafeed facility

Feed for the Ocean

Italian biotech startup raises €750,000 to develop sustainable aquafeeds

Preserving aquatic life for future generations

Sustainable Aquaculture

Ittinsect

Ittinsect - Feed for the Ocean on LinkedIn: Ittinsect demonstrates environmental and economic sustainability by…

Ittinsect is a Rome-based biotech startup founded in 2021 that develops sustainable alternatives to traditional aquaculture feed. The company produces highly nutritious fish feed through the biotechnological treatment of insects, microalgae, and agricultural by-products, in line with circular economy principles. Ittinsect's patent-pending process improves the bioavailability of nutrients in these ingredients by up to eight times, resulting in feed that promotes faster and more consistent fish growth, stronger immune systems, and lower risk of digestive inflammation compared to traditional feeds. The company's products are designed to replace fishmeal and fish oil in aquaculture feeds, aiming to make the industry independent of marine resources and more sustainable. As of January 2024, Ittinsect was planning to build a pilot plant capable of producing 2,300 tonnes of sustainable proteins for the aquafeed sector at full capacity by 2025. The company operates three research laboratories in the Rome region and has formed strategic partnerships with players in the production sector.

Biokind is a company that produces sustainable protein feed for fish and shrimp farming. The company's innovative product is created through a proprietary natural fermentation process that upcycles non-edible agricultural waste. This approach aims to replace traditional fishmeal and soy protein in aquaculture, particularly in shrimp farms, which are known to be significant carbon dioxide polluters in the sector. By utilizing Biokind's product, the company claims it can potentially reduce carbon dioxide emissions by over 5 billion tonnes. The technology addresses the growing demand for protein in aquaculture, which has seen a 60% increase in production in Europe since 1998, while also tackling the issues of overfishing and deforestation associated with conventional protein sources like fishmeal and soybeans. Biokind's solution aims to make agricultural land use more efficient by valorizing waste products, thus contributing to a more sustainable aquaculture industry.

BioKind

Ecto is a digital biology company that develops technology to enhance efficiency and sustainability in aquaculture production. The company's primary offering is a digital decision support platform that leverages advanced molecular tools and digital technologies to streamline production and health management in aquaculture operations. Ecto's platform supports deep integrations with over 100 data sources throughout the aquaculture value chain, using multi-generational data to automatically build models for early detection of patterns associated with biological risks. The software covers multiple environmental factors in key phases of production affecting fish welfare and development, including hatchery, well-boat and truck transport, grow-out, and processing phases.
Founded with offices in the US and Norway, Ecto collaborates with farmers worldwide to optimize their operations. The company's solutions have enabled farmers to create 51 million additional healthy servings of protein. In October 2021, Ecto raised USD 7 million in financing led by the Rabo Food and Agri Innovation Fund and Aqua-Spark, with participation from Seventure Partners and existing investors Yield Lab and Vodia Ventures. The funding was intended to advance Ecto's position in the market for digital decision support tools for aquaculture.
Ecto's platform aims to address the challenge of data fragmentation in the aquaculture industry, where much of the data is still locked in paper records, spreadsheets, and disparate software systems. By pioneering structured data capture across the industry, Ecto enables producers to tap into aquaculture industry data to enhance the efficiency and sustainability of production. The company's technology is designed to increase output, reduce environmental degradation, improve animal welfare, and increase transparency and traceability in the supply chain.

Ecto

Australis Aquaculture is a producer of premium ocean-raised barramundi, operating in Central Vietnam. The company focuses on sustainable aquaculture practices and offers a range of barramundi products under its brand, The Better Fish. Australis utilizes Climate-Smart Ocean Farming techniques in Van Phong Bay, Vietnam, where it nurtures barramundi in pristine tropical waters. The company's barramundi is known for its mild, buttery flavor and is rich in omega-3s, containing half the calories of salmon.
Australis Aquaculture has achieved several certifications for its sustainable practices. It was the first to be certified under the Aquaculture Stewardship Council's Tropical Marine Finfish standard and the first ocean-farmed fish to receive a Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Best Choice rating. The company also holds a Best Aquaculture Practices (BAP) 4-star certification. In December 2021, Australis was awarded the US Secretary of State's Award for Corporate Excellence in Climate Innovation.
The Better Fish product line includes various barramundi offerings such as Lemon Herb Butter Barramundi, Crispy Barramundi Fish Tenders, and Simply Skinless Barramundi Fillets. In January 2024, the company expanded its product range with Barra Barrk, the world's first Fair Trade Certified pet treat made from hand-rolled barramundi fish skins. As of December 2021, Australis exported approximately 10,000 tons of fish annually from its operations in Khánh Hòa province, Vietnam. The company operates four processing factories in the region and has plans to build a modern seafood processing factory in Ninh Thủy Industrial Park.
Key customers and partnerships
Australis Aquaculture has established partnerships with various organizations to promote sustainability and ethical practices. In March 2024, the company celebrated three years of partnership with Fair Trade US, making it one of the first national brands to offer a full line of Fair Trade Certified barramundi products. Through this partnership, Australis supports community-focused programs in Central Vietnam.
The company's products are available in retail and foodservice channels across North America. Australis' Barra Barrk pet treats were being sold at all BJ's Wholesale Club retail locations throughout the eastern US. The company also exports its products to Australia, showcasing its international reach in the seafood market.

Australis Aquaculture

Open Blue is a leading supplier of Cobia, a whitefish species, utilizing deepwater aquaculture to grow fish sustainably. The company operates offshore aquaculture farms in the waters off Panama, focusing on producing Cobia through environmentally responsible practices. Open Blue's approach involves a closed-loop ecosystem that aims to minimize interference with natural marine habitats. The company offers various Cobia products, including whitefish portions, burgers, and strips, which can be prepared through different cooking methods or served as sashimi. Open Blue's business model includes direct-to-consumer sales, with products available for home delivery throughout the US via their website. The company emphasizes the nutritional benefits of Cobia, highlighting its content of essential vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and proteins.

Open Blue

KnipBio, founded in 2013, is a biotechnology company specializing in the development of single-cell protein technologies for aquaculture, animal feeds, and human applications. The company's core product, KnipBio Meal (KBM), is a high-quality feed protein derived from methanol through industrial fermentation of the microorganism Methylorubrum extorquens. KBM is designed to be a sustainable alternative to traditional protein sources like fishmeal and soybean meal in aquaculture feeds. The product offers a complete amino acid profile along with vitamins, inorganic salts, fats, and carbohydrates, positioning it as a viable partial replacement for fishmeal, soybeans, meat, and skimmed milk powder in various applications.
KnipBio's fermentation process is highly efficient, producing a protein-rich biomass with a high dry cell weight of 120 g/liter and a crude protein content of 67.2%. The company claims its method is a thousand times more efficient than traditional farming practices. KBM has gained regulatory approvals in multiple markets, including FDA GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) designation for finfish and shrimp feeds in the US in 2019, and approval from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for use in salmonid feeds up to 10% of the total diet in June 2022.
In addition to its nutritional benefits, KBM is being explored for its potential to reduce off-flavors in recirculating aquaculture systems (RAS), a common issue in fish farming. The company has been conducting trials with RAS facilities to determine if a diet containing five percent of their single-cell protein product can lower levels of geosmin (GSM) and 2-methylisoborneol (MIB), compounds responsible for off-flavors in farmed fish. Initial results have shown significant reductions in off-flavor in RAS-raised trout.
In July 2024, Larry Feinberg, the CEO and founder of KnipBio, stepped down from his position. Caitlin Wege, who had recently joined the company, was appointed as the new CEO to lead KnipBio's future endeavors.

KnipBio

Suppliers of sustainable and responsibly sourced fish meal replacements, fish feed, and fish feed ingredients

Suppliers of monitoring tools, analytics platforms, water management systems, feeding systems, and infrastructure, among others, to aid sustainable aquaculture practices

Farming operators involved in the sustainable breeding of finfish

Farming operators involved in the sustainable cultivation of shellfish and/or aquatic plants

Suppliers of disease diagnostics, treatments, medication, nutritional supplements and biomonitoring, among other services aimed at increasing quality, health, and efficiency of aquaculture.

Ittinsect

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