Oceano Fresco Secures €17 Million Funding Round to Expand Sustainable Clam Farming Operations in Portugal – Oceano Fresco, a Portugal-based company specializing in clam farming, has successfully closed a €17 million (USD 18.3 million) funding round. This investment will support the expansion of its sales and production capacity, strengthening its position in sustainable aquaculture.
Sustainable Clam Farming in the Pristine Waters of Portugal
Oceano Fresco farms native European clams, including Venerupis corrugata and Ruditapes decussatus, at its BioMarine Center hatchery and in open-sea farms located off the coast of Lagos, Portugal. These clams thrive in the clean waters of the Atlantic Ocean, where they are suspended in vertical lanterns along longlines. This innovative method provides ideal growth conditions, such as constant water renewal, abundant natural food (microalgae), and mild ocean temperatures, resulting in premium-quality open-sea clams.
The company’s vertically integrated operations ensure a reliable, year-round supply of clams to meet rising demand, particularly in Spain and Portugal, with plans to expand into additional European markets.
Addressing Sustainability and Global Protein Demand
Oceano Fresco is tackling the global protein shortage with sustainable clam farming practices. By avoiding the use of artificial feed and antibiotics, the company minimizes the negative environmental impacts commonly associated with other forms of food production. Its clam farms contribute positively to the marine ecosystem by promoting biodiversity and carbon capture. The increasing demand for clams far surpasses the available supply, and Oceano Fresco is poised to meet this need through sustainable and systematic aquaculture.
Strategic Investment Partners for Long-Term Growth
The latest funding round was led by Indico Capital Partners, a Portugal-based venture capital firm focused on sustainability-focused technology companies. Other key participants include BlueCrow, FdCR (a fund managed by Banco Português de Fomento), and Aqua-Spark, which previously invested in Oceano Fresco during its €6.1 million (USD 6.9 million) Series B round.
Indico Capital Partners’ Managing General Partner Stephan de Moraes expressed excitement about partnering with Oceano Fresco, stating, “We are thrilled to support Oceano Fresco’s vision of creating a new sustainable aquaculture vertical that meets the growing global demand for protein.” He emphasized that the sustainable and scalable production of clams aligns with global environmental and economic priorities.
Banco Português de Fomento (BPF) also sees Oceano Fresco as a key player in advancing the blue economy in Portugal. Ana Carvalho, CEO of BPF, highlighted the investment as a first step toward greater support for sustainable initiatives in the blue economy, with Oceano Fresco positioned at the forefront of high-quality shellfish cultivation.
A Vision for the Future of Regenerative Aquaculture
Oceano Fresco CEO Bernardo Carvalho welcomed the participation of new and existing investors, stating, “Having knowledgeable partners who share our values and vision is as important as raising money. With their support, we continue on our path to become world leaders in regenerative bivalve aquaculture.”
As Oceano Fresco scales its operations, it remains committed to sustainability, high-quality production, and enhancing the environmental health of the marine ecosystems in which it operates.
Conclusion
With a focus on sustainable aquaculture and meeting the increasing demand for high-quality European clams, Oceano Fresco is set to lead the industry in regenerative farming practices. The new €17 million funding round will accelerate the company’s growth, enabling it to expand its reach across European markets while maintaining its commitment to environmentally friendly and sustainable practices.
Oceano Fresco Secures €17 Million Funding Round to Expand Sustainable Clam Farming Operations in Portugal
