Aquaculture firm adds 15 jobs after raising funds – Daily Business

Ace Aquatec, the aquaculture technology company, has raised £10 million to support the creation of 15 jobs and accelerate its ethical solutions for fish farmers.

The round, led by Stolt Ventures, with participation from Scottish Enterprise and Aqua-Spark, was oversubscribed and incorporates a period post close to allow for further investors to participate. 

It comprises £7.5m in equity funding and a £2.5m debt facility which will be used to creare the additional roles in its offices in Dundee, Glasgow and Chile.

Aquamarine – Impact Capital Partners, a specialist blue economy investment banking advisory acted as lead financial adviser to Ace Aquatec.

The newly secured capital will enable the development of data-driven tools that improve both fish welfare and operational performance for farmers worldwide. 

Axel de Mégille, head of Stolt Ventures, is joining the board as a non-execitive director.

Nathan Pyne-Carter, CEO of Ace Aquatec said: “This investment allows us to meet the needs of farmers globally by expanding our portfolio, hiring top talent, and deepening our data capabilities.”

Salmon sales leap

Salmon has kept its crown as the UK’s favourite fish, with new figures revealing sales soared to £1.5 billion last year amid continued strong demand.

Sales leapt by 5.5% in the 12 months to December, accounting for nearly a third of all fish sales in the UK.

The year-on-year growth for salmon outpaced the 2.9% rise recorded across the wider fish category.

Salmon maintained its leading position in the seafood sector, holding 31% of the value share and selling nearly three times more than cod, its closest competitor.

The volume of salmon sold also rose by 5.8%, reaching more than 73,000 tonnes, the highest of any fish in the UK.

That puts it comfortably ahead of tuna and cod, underlining its continued appeal both at the checkout and on the dinner table.

Salmon now accounts for nearly one in five tonnes of fish sold nationwide, reflecting its popularity as a healthy, sustainable option for consumers seeking a low-carbon source of protein

The figures come despite activist campaigns aimed at closing farms. Trade body Salmon Scotland said the results reflect strong demand and consumer confidence in Scottish salmon, raised in the waters off the Highlands and islands.

The sector remains confident in international demand, despite the 10% import tariff on UK goods announced by US President Donald Trump.

Exports increased by 45% to a record £844 million last year – equivalent to £2.31 million per day – cementing its position as the UK’s largest food export.

Massive growth of more than 60% was recorded in Asian markets, particularly China and Taiwan, where Scottish salmon is globally recognised for its superior quality.