Ace Aquatec Secures £10m Investment for Global Expansion
Deal News | May 01, 2025 | Scottish Enterprise
Ace Aquatec, a company specializing in digital technologies for aquaculture, has secured a £10m investment round, consisting of £7.5m in equity funding and an additional £2.5m debt facility. This funding, led by Stolt Ventures with participation from Scottish Enterprise and Aqua-Spark, will support the company's aim to empower fish farmers through advanced, data-driven insights. The investment is expected to create 15 new jobs in Dundee, Glasgow, and Chile, focusing on AI developments for aquaculture. Axel de Mgille, Head of Stolt Ventures, will join Ace Aquatec’s board as a non-executive director, bringing his expertise in software and blockchain platforms. The capital will be used to expand Ace Aquatec's product offerings, including AI cameras for fish health monitoring, humane slaughter systems, and sea lice removal systems. This move aligns with Stolt Ventures' focus on efficiency and decarbonisation of supply chains. Scottish Enterprise and Aqua-Spark's involvement underscores strong local and long-term support for the business.
Sectors
- Aquaculture
- Venture Capital & Private Equity
- Technology
Geography
- Scotland – Ace Aquatec is based in Dundee, with additional operations in Glasgow, and is supported by Scottish Enterprise, underscoring the geographic relevance.
- Chile – As part of its expansion, Ace Aquatec will create new roles in Chile, reflecting its strategic importance in the aquaculture industry in South America.
- South America – Ace Aquatec plans to expand its operations in South America, indicating the region's importance for their business growth strategy.
Industry
- Aquaculture – The article discusses Ace Aquatec's focus on digital technologies for fish farming, highlighting developments in AI-driven solutions to improve aquaculture operations and fish welfare.
- Venture Capital & Private Equity – The article involves investment activities by Stolt Ventures, Scottish Enterprise, and Aqua-Spark, highlighting the role of these firms in funding Ace Aquatec's expansion.
- Technology – The article emphasizes technology with Ace Aquatec's focus on AI, sensors, cameras, and machine learning to innovate and improve the aquaculture industry.
Financials
- £10m – Total investment secured by Ace Aquatec, consisting of £7.5m equity funding and £2.5m debt facility.
Participants
| Name | Role | Type | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ace Aquatec | Target Company | Company | A company specializing in digital technologies for aquaculture, aiming to empower fish farmers with advanced, data-driven insights. |
| Stolt Ventures | Investor | Company | The corporate investment vehicle from Stolt-Nielsen, focused on efficiency and decarbonisation of global supply chains, led the investment round. |
| Scottish Enterprise | Investor | Company | Scotland's national development agency participating in funding to support ambitious local businesses like Ace Aquatec. |
| Aqua-Spark | Investor | Company | An investment fund with a focus on sustainable aquaculture, providing long-term support for Ace Aquatec. |
| Aquamarine - Impact Capital Partners | Lead Financial Advisor | Company | A specialist blue economy investment banking advisory firm acting as lead financial advisor to Ace Aquatec. |
| Axel de Mgille | Board Member | Person | Head of Stolt Ventures, joining Ace Aquatec's board as a non-exec director, bringing expertise from positions in software and blockchain platforms. |
| Nathan Pyne-Carter | CEO | Person | CEO of Ace Aquatec, emphasizing the company's commitment to customer-centric innovation and global expansion. |