Fishfather·Fishscope Operator 'Tidepool' Secures 1.5 Billion KRW Pre-A Funding

FuturePlay and BonAngels Venture Partners Participate in Investment

Tidepool, a tech startup specializing in fisheries and aquaculture that leads sustainable aquaculture and transparent seafood distribution, announced on the 7th that it has secured 1.5 billion KRW in Pre-A funding from FuturePlay and Bon Angels Venture Partners.

Tidepool develops and operates the premium aquaculture seafood distribution and sales brand ‘Fishfather’ and the video recognition-based smart aquaculture AI solution ‘Fishscope.’ This investment round was led by FuturePlay, with Bon Angels Venture Partners participating again following the previous round. Through this, Tidepool has secured a cumulative investment of over 1.8 billion KRW.

Tidepool operates the ‘Fishfather’ brand, which transparently provides consumers with high-quality aquaculture seafood raised properly, and surpassed 5 billion KRW in sales last year, its second year since founding. It offers the smart aquaculture solution ‘Fishscope,’ which quantifies fish growth, behavior, and feeding activities to lead the digitalization of fish farms. The goal is to grow into a comprehensive aquaculture company not only in the domestic aquaculture seafood market, valued at 5 to 6 trillion KRW, but also in the East Asian market.

The global aquaculture industry accounts for about 53% of the total seafood supply, with a market size of approximately 400 trillion KRW. Recently, due to uncertainties in marine aquaculture caused by climate change, environmental pollution issues, and aging labor forces, the shift from traditional marine aquaculture to land-based smart aquaculture is accelerating.

Lee Junho, CEO of Tidepool, stated, “Korean aquaculture has experienced growth stagnation centered on small-scale fishermen, but recently it is facing a new turning point with the enforcement of the Aquaculture Industry Development Act.” He added, “Based on this investment, we will streamline all stages of aquaculture seafood and solve inefficiencies and opacity in distribution through technology and business.” He also emphasized, “Through this, we will enhance transparency and trust across the entire aquaculture seafood industry.”

Aram Jeon, Senior Investment Manager at FuturePlay who led this investment, said, “Climate change, environmental pollution, and labor shortages are causing cracks in the traditional marine aquaculture industry.” He expressed expectations, stating, “Tidepool, which will simultaneously implement AI-based technology development, field sales, and commercialization, has the potential to innovate the entire value chain of the aquaculture industry.”