Arborea Raises €5 Million to Revolutionize Protein Production

At Impulse Generator Fund, we are all about supporting startups that drive impactful innovations. Today, we’d like to present one more prominent startup called Arborea. They’re an Anglo-Portuguese startup redefining sustainable food production. Arborea has secured €5 million in a funding round led by Indico Capital Partners, with additional backing from Banco Português de Fomento. Such investments are nothing like a step in food system transformation.

Introducing Biosolar Leaf™ Technology

Founded in 2015 and based in London, Arborea has developed the pioneering Biosolar Leaf technology. This system leverages photosynthetic microorganisms like marine microalgae to produce high-value, nutrient-rich proteins and ingredients. Moreover, the process is carbon-negative, using CO2 and sunlight. This creates sustainable alternatives to traditional agriculture without the need for arable land.

Scaling Food Production

The €5 million funding will enable Arborea to build its first commercial-scale production facility. The Biosolar Leaf system also contributes to climate change mitigation by releasing oxygen during photosynthesis and reducing reliance on conventional farming practices.

“This funding is a pivotal step in our mission to revolutionize food production,” shared Julian Melchiorri, Founder and CEO of Arborea. “By producing multifunctional proteins sustainably and carbon-negatively, we’re tackling two global challenges: food security and climate change. Partnering with Indico Capital Partners and BPF allows us to scale nature-positive solutions that reshape the future of food.”

Unlocking the Potential of Microalgae in Food Production

The approach of the startup is about the cultivation of over 50,000 species of photosynthetic microorganisms in diverse settings, including urban environments. Moreover, this approach eliminates the need for ecological restoration of agricultural lands. Also, they enhance the global nutrition.

Partnering for a Greener Future

Stephan de Moraes, Managing General Partner at Indico Capital Partners, remarked, “Arborea’s technology is transformative, offering a sustainable alternative to animal protein production. Their system is a breakthrough in efficiency and sustainability, producing more protein per unit area than any other method.”

At IGF, we are proud to see such startups like Arborea making changes to the industry of startups and changing the world. Their initiative is all about making the world a better place and reducing negative impacts. By connecting startups and investors, we, in turn, create a better environment for sustainable growth and a responsible future.