# Wild Type

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/wild-type

- Industry: Food
- Headquarters: San Francisco, US
- Website: www.wildtypefoods.com
- Total disclosed funding: $116M
- Latest round: Series B (Jan 28, 2022)
- Investors on record: 12

## About

Wild Type Inc. specializes in cultivated seafood, primarily focusing on sushi-grade salmon to provide a sustainable alternative to traditional fish sources, aiming to meet the needs of health-conscious consumers.Founded in 2016, Wild Type Inc. is based in San Francisco, US, where it develops cultivated salmon. The company has closed 4 funding deals, with the most recent occurring on November 24, 2022, when it raised USD 7 mn from investor SK Group. The founders, Aryé Elfenbein, Casey Nzekwe, and Justin Kolbeck, have a history of innovation in the food technology sector. Casey Nzekwe and Justin Kolbeck currently serve as co-CEOs.Wild Type primarily focuses on offering sushi-grade cultivated salmon, which serves as a sustainable alternative to both traditional wild-caught and farmed fish. Their core product provides a clean, nutritious seafood option that maintains the desirable taste and texture of conventional salmon, specifically targeting health-conscious consumers who seek to avoid contaminants such as mercury, parasites, and antibiotics. By utilizing advanced cultivation techniques akin to those used in beer brewing, Wild Type's salmon is grown in a controlled environment that mimics the natural diet of fish, ensuring high-quality end products. The company's offerings are particularly aimed at restaurants and culinary establishments, alongside direct consumers who prioritize sustainability and ethical sourcing of seafood. Wild Type products are currently marketed primarily in North America, with plans for expansion into additional geographic regions as demand grows.Wild Type generates revenue through direct sales of its cultivated salmon products, targeting restaurants, retailers, and individual consumers. The company engages in partnerships with culinary establishments wishing to serve sustainable seafood options, facilitating a business-to-business (B2B) model alongside a direct-to-consumer approach. Transactions involve wholesale agreements with restaurants and retail outlets where bulk quantities of Wild Type salmon are sold. For consumers, an online ordering system allows for direct purchases, possibly including subscription options for regular deliveries. Specific pricing structures for the products are not disclosed, but the emphasis on premium quality and sustainability suggests a pricing strategy that reflects the unique value proposition of Wild Type's cultivated salmon offerings.Following the USD 7 mn investment received on November 24, 2022, Wild Type plans to expand its product line and geographic presence. The company is focused on launching new products aimed at enhancing its offerings and catering to evolving consumer preferences, with specific timelines yet to be announced. Wild Type also aims to enter additional markets outside of North America as demand for sustainable seafood grows, aligning their growth strategy with the increased interest in ethical sourcing and health-conscious eating.

## Funding rounds

- Series B, Jan 28, 2022, $100M — L Catterton, CRV, Spark Capital, Temasek Holdings, Cargill Inc., Root Ventures, Maven, Bezos Expeditions, S2G Ventures, AIIM Partners, FootPrint Coalition
- Series A, Oct 2, 2019, $12M — CRV, Spark Capital, Root Ventures, Maven, AIIM Partners
- Seed, Feb 27, 2018, $3.4M — Spark Capital, Mission Bay Capital, Root Ventures

## Investors

- Spark Capital — Seed, Series A, Series B
- Mission Bay Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/mission-bay-capital) — Seed
- Root Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/root-ventures) — Seed, Series A, Series B
- CRV (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/crv) — Series A, Series B
- Maven (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/maven) — Series A, Series B
- AIIM Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/aiim-partners) — Series A, Series B
- L Catterton (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/l-catterton) — Series B
- Temasek Holdings — Series B
- Cargill Inc. — Series B
- Bezos Expeditions — Series B
- S2G Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/s2g-ventures) — Series B
- FootPrint Coalition (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/footprint-coalition) — Series B