catchfree
Overview
Catchfree is an innovative food tech startup based in Appenzell, Switzerland. Established in 2023 by co-founders Severin Eder and Eduard Müller, the company focuses on producing plant-based seafood alternatives. Utilizing ingredients like rice, soy protein, and algae, Catchfree aims to provide sustainable and nutritious options to traditional seafood, addressing environmental and ethical concerns linked to conventional fishing industries. As of April 2025, the company has raised CHF 1.2 million in a seed funding round led by FortyOne Group and Stiftung Startfeld, with plans to scale production and expand its market presence.
Recent Developments
- April 2025: Catchfree successfully secured CHF 1.2 million in seed funding, which will support the expansion of its production facilities and the launch of its products in the Swiss market by early summer 2025.
- March 2025: The company participated in several strategic partnerships to introduce its innovative plant-based seafood products to new culinary markets.
- October 2024: Catchfree developed a shrimp alternative using microalgae and plant proteins, aiming to replicate the taste, texture, and nutritional value of conventional shrimp without using fish.
- August 2024: Catchfree expanded its research and development team by incorporating additional expertise from ETH Zurich, enhancing its product development capabilities.
- January 2024: The startup launched a pilot program in select Swiss restaurants and received significant positive feedback, affirming its product-market fit.
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2023 |
| Headquarters | Appenzell, Switzerland |
| Founders | Severin Eder, Eduard Müller |
| Revenue | Not publicly disclosed |
| Profits | Not publicly disclosed |
| Key Investors | FortyOne Group, Stiftung Startfeld |
| Industry | Food Technology |
| Number of Employees | 2-10 |
| Website | catchfree.ch |
Early History
Catchfree was inspired by the increasing global demand for sustainable and healthy seafood alternatives. Severin Eder and Eduard Müller, both food scientists with deep expertise from ETH Zurich, recognized the environmental challenges posed by traditional seafood consumption, such as overfishing and the impact of aquaculture chemicals. They set out to create a product that could mimic the taste and texture of seafood without using animal products. Their initial success was bolstered by collaborations with culinary experts and extensive product testing in local Swiss eateries.
Company Profile and Achievements
Catchfree operates on a business model that emphasizes sustainability and health. The company has made significant strides since its inception, focusing on disciplined research and development. With a proprietary process, they produce seafood alternatives like vegan shrimp, fish burgers, and bites, using natural ingredients. Key achievements include:
- Product Innovation: Developed plant-based shrimp using microalgae, praised for its realistic taste and texture, setting a benchmark in the plant-based seafood category.
- Funding Milestones: Secured CHF 1.2 million in seed financing to bolster production capabilities and enter the retail sector.
- Strategic Partnerships: Established collaborations with Swiss culinary professionals, enhancing recipe development and expanding their culinary footprint.
- Sustainability Commitment: Pledged to reduce carbon footprints by offering products that require fewer resources and have less environmental impact compared to traditional seafood.
Current Operations and Market Position
Currently, Catchfree is in the process of scaling up production capabilities to meet increasing consumer demand for its products. The company is strategically positioned to capture market share in the blooming plant-based seafood industry, which is still at an embryonic stage. Catchfree plans to target the food service sector initially, before moving into wholesale distribution by fall 2025. Its competitive advantages include a minimalistic ingredient profile and a gentle production process that preserves nutrients, setting it apart from its limited competitors.
Conclusion
Catchfree stands out as a promising player in the plant-based food technology sector by leveraging scientific expertise and strategic partnerships. Its innovative approach to sustainable seafood alternatives presents a compelling solution to the environmental and health challenges associated with traditional seafood consumption. With recent funding and a clear roadmap for expansion, Catchfree is well-poised to redefine seafood consumption patterns, providing not only culinary satisfaction but also contributing to a healthier planet. Its future trajectory appears optimistic as it continues to innovate and grow within the sector.