InsectBiotech lands $7.3M funding for olive waste to BSR larvae
In Spain, Arcano Partners’ Asset Management division has invested €3.8 million in a funding round for InsectBiotech, an Andalusia-based biotechnology company. A consortium of U.S. investors completed the round with the remaining €3.4 million, bringing the total funding to €7.2 million.
InsectBiotech develops biotechnology solutions that transform agricultural waste—such as olive pomace (alperujo)—into sustainable proteins and oils for animal nutrition, as well as regenerative products for soil improvement. Following several years of research, testing, and pilot-scale production, the company has successfully validated its technology and is now preparing to scale its manufacturing capacity. This new investment will enable InsectBiotech to expand production and accelerate the development of new research initiatives.
The company’s proprietary patented technology uses Black Soldier Fly larvae to bioconvert agricultural waste into proteins, oils, and regenerative soil products. Developed over years of research in collaboration with the University of Granada, this technology forms the foundation of InsectBiotech’s business model.
At Arcano, a specialized platform has been built for the management of public investment funds, supported by a team with extensive experience in mobilizing European and regional resources through market-based financial instruments. Through Impacto Andalucía Innovación y Desarrollo SICC, S.A.U. (https://arcanofdiandalucia.com/), whose capital is primarily funded by the Andalusia ERDF 2021–2027 Programme and the Regional Government of Andalusia through the Ministry of Economy, Finance, European Funds, and Social Dialogue, Arcano manages €55 million dedicated to projects and companies linked to Andalusia.
The European Investment Bank (EIB), acting as manager of the Andalusia R&D&I and Digital Fund-of-Funds, selected Arcano through an open and competitive process as a financial intermediary to promote investment in research, innovation, and digitalization projects across the region. The fund provides long-term financing through equity investments, quasi-equity instruments (including convertible notes and participating loans), and debt financing of up to €15 million, depending on each project’s financing needs.
This investment will enable InsectBiotech to build a facility capable of processing 7,500 tonnes of agricultural waste annually in Andalusia, transforming olive pomace and other by-products generated by olive mills and agricultural operations across the region. The plant will be located in a rural area close to major agricultural waste sources. InsectBiotech aims to contribute to local and rural economic development through job creation and collaboration with regional suppliers.
Category: Fuels
