AquaRech secures US$1.7M seed investment for innovative digital fish farming platform

KENYA – AquaRech Ltd, a Kenyan-based startup specializing in digital fish farming, the company has successfully closed a seed round with a substantial investment of US$1.7 million.

The round was led by Aqua-Spark, a global investment fund based in the Netherlands, with participation from notable partners including Katapult, Mercy Corp Ventures, and Acumen.

AquaRech is Kenya’s pioneering digital fish farming platform, aiming to revolutionize the aquaculture sector by connecting smallholder farmers, fish feed manufacturers, and fish buyers through its innovative technology.

With Kenya experiencing a demand for fish that surpasses current supply levels, startups like AquaRech are poised to succeed in addressing this market gap.

“I’m proud of our team who have worked tirelessly to get us to this significant milestone,” James Odede, CTO, and Co-founder of AquaRech stated.

“Grateful to our customers and partners who we continue to collaborate with in creating a sustainable aquaculture value-chain for Africa that is climate-smart and provides value to smallholder farmers.”

He noted that the funding infusion will play a pivotal role in expanding AquaRech’s team and further supporting vertical integration of its technology.

“The company’s commitment to supporting small to medium-sized farmers aligns with Aqua-Spark’s vision of fostering sustainable aquaculture businesses that generate positive social and environmental impact.”

“We look forward to supporting Dave and his team in achieving great things for the industry as one of the few aquaculture start-ups in Africa with a unique combination of field experience and digital tools,” Christiaan Lensvelt, Head of New Deals at Aqua-Spark added.

AquaRech’s platform streamlines interactions among small and medium-sized fish farmers, feed makers, and fish buyers.

The mobile app facilitates the buying and selling of feeds, creating a connected and efficient value chain. Another app from the company focuses on educating fish farmers and enthusiasts about aquaculture best practices to enhance income.

Founded in 2019, AquaRech boasts a team led by CEO Dave Okech, CTO James Odede, and Joseph Okoth, the Director of Operations.

The company had previously received funding from the Google for Startups Black Founders Fund, further underscoring its recognition in the startup ecosystem.

Meanwhile, as AquaRech prepares to leverage this new investment for growth and development, the support from Aqua-Spark and its partners positions the startup to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable aquaculture in Kenya and beyond.