Catchfree sees long-term opportunities beyond Switzerland, targeting broader European expansion and ongoing product innovation

Catchfree Raises $1.3M to Scale Production of Plant-Based Seafood Alternatives

SWITZERLAND
Monday, April 21, 2025, 00:10 (GMT + 9)

Swiss startup backed by FortyOne Group and Stiftung Startfeld plans national launch in summer 2025

Zurich – Catchfree, a spin-off from ETH Zurich developing innovative plant-based seafood, has raised CHF 1.2 million (~$1.3 million USD) in a seed funding round co-led by FortyOne Group and Stiftung Startfeld. The funding will be used to scale production and launch the company’s first products across Switzerland’s food service sector by early summer 2025.

Founded in 2024 by Severin Eder and Eduard Müller, Catchfree offers plant-based alternatives to seafood such as vegan prawns, fish burgers, and fish bites. These products are crafted from ingredients like rice, soy protein, and algae, designed to replicate the taste, texture, and visual appeal of real seafood—while providing key nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids through a gentle, nutrient-preserving production process.

“Today’s environmentally conscious consumers are looking for food that’s better for them and for the planet,” says Severin Eder, co-founder of Catchfree. “That’s exactly what we offer: a plant-based alternative that delivers indulgent taste, clean ingredients, and nutritional value—without compromising on the seafood experience.”

Addressing a Global Challenge

The traditional fishing industry is increasingly under scrutiny due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and widespread use of antibiotics in fish farming. Yet consumer demand for healthy, sustainable seafood continues to grow. Catchfree aims to fill this gap with scalable, chef-ready products that can satisfy evolving culinary tastes and ethical preferences.

With its proprietary production technology, Catchfree is uniquely positioned to lead in the underdeveloped plant-based seafood category. While meat alternatives have seen rapid innovation, high-quality fish substitutes remain limited—a challenge the company is determined to tackle head-on.

“There’s a clear gap in the market for premium, plant-based seafood,” says co-founder Eduard Müller. “With Catchfree, we’re not just building a brand—we’re building a category. Our mission is to bring sustainable, delicious seafood alternatives to more plates and more people.”

Strategic Rollout and Expansion Plans

Catchfree plans to introduce its products in select restaurants and chains that have already conducted successful pilot tests. The company will then expand across the food-service sector before entering national wholesale distribution by fall 2025.

This staged go-to-market strategy will be supported by Catchfree’s growing network of culinary partners, retail allies, and industry investors.

Investor Confidence and Vision for Growth

The seed round was led by FortyOne Group and Stiftung Startfeld, with participation from strategic industry investors and business angels. Their support reflects a growing confidence in the market opportunity around plant-based seafood—particularly from companies able to combine technical innovation with strong brand potential.

As interest in sustainable food solutions continues to grow, Catchfree sees long-term opportunities beyond Switzerland, targeting broader European expansion and ongoing product innovation.

“This funding is just the beginning,” says Eder. “With the right partners and continued consumer momentum, we believe Catchfree can help redefine what seafood looks—and tastes—like in a more sustainable future.”

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