Aquatic Ecosystem Challenges: A Silent Crisis Across Industries
The world’s blue economy, spanning industries such as fisheries, aquaculture, energy, water, tourism, and transport, generates $1.5 trillion annually. Despite its importance, this sector faces significant losses caused by aquatic ecosystem problems like red tides, algal blooms, invasive species, and aquatic pests and diseases. Ironically, many of these problems were created or exacerbated by human activities in these industries, and traditional solutions—when available—have often relied on crude, toxic, and environmentally destructive chemicals.
Aquatic ecosystem challenges are not just local or industry-specific; they have global implications. Methane emissions from anoxic aquaculture ponds contribute to climate change, nutrient runoffs lead to biodiversity loss, and food production systems are increasingly stressed by threats to aquatic health. The result is a cascading impact on climate, biodiversity, and food security, exacerbating the challenges faced by communities reliant on the blue economy.
Modern biology offers a transformative opportunity to address these challenges with effective, affordable, and environmentally benign solutions. Sundew is pioneering this approach by developing products that are targeted, non-persistent, and sustainable. These solutions not only help customers reduce losses but also deliver significant environmental and societal benefits:
- Improved climate and carbon footprint: Sundew’s products reduce methane emissions by addressing anoxia in aquaculture ponds and enhance the efficiency of energy-intensive operations such as aquaculture and power plants.
- Enhanced biodiversity and ecosystem resilience: By removing damaging chemicals and nutrient runoffs, Sundew protects aquatic ecosystems, controls algal blooms, and mitigates the spread of invasive species.
- Strengthened food security and public health: Sundew supports the UN’s goal of expanding aquaculture to boost food security, particularly in Africa, while eliminating harmful toxins and pathogens from food systems, ensuring safer and healthier food for communities worldwide.
Greenbackers is pleased to introduce Sundew: By harnessing the power of modern biology, Sundew is solving some of the most pressing problems in aquatic ecosystem management, paving the way for sustainable practices across industries.
Why Sundew:
- Innovative technology: Sundew develops, produces, and sells products that combat aquatic ecosystem challenges without the harmful side effects of traditional chemicals. Their solutions are:
- Targeted: Designed to affect only the intended problem (e.g., pests, algae, invasive species).
- Environmentally benign: Non-persistent and safe for surrounding ecosystems.
- Practical and scalable: Products are available as tablets, powders, or feed additives, making them simple and cost-effective for customers to use.
- Commercial traction: Sundew has demonstrated global demand for its solutions, with sales across multiple countries and a growing base of distributors. Achievements include: Built in-house production to scale their first product, secured in-vivo efficacy for microalgal vaccines, collaborated with the U.S. Government on invasive species control, received positive progress toward FDA approval, expected by the first half of 2025, raised €6.3 million to date, validating market confidence in their approach.
- Market potential: Sundew targets distributors and large end-user customers in the fish farming, breeding, and ornamental fish sectors. With 12 active distributors in Asia, Europe, North America, and Oceania—and approximately 150 more in the pipeline—the company is poised for rapid growth. Their grey-label and own-label product strategies enable flexibility and scalability to meet diverse market needs.
Investment Snapshot:
- Type: Series A
- Target amount: £5m
- Minimum contribution: £200k
For further information or to speak with Sundew directly contact Anton Themen at [email protected]
