catchfree raises CHF1.2 million in seed round to launch plant-based seafood in Switzerland

Zurich-based food technology start-up catchfree has raised CHF1.2 million (approximately US$1.3 million) in seed funding to support the scaling of its production operations and the commercial launch of its plant-based seafood alternatives in Switzerland. The round was led by FortyOne Group and Stiftung Startfeld, with additional participation from private investors, industry stakeholders, and business angels.

Founded in 2024 and spun out of ETH Zurich, catchfree develops fish and seafood alternatives made entirely from plant-based ingredients, offering consumers a more sustainable and health-conscious option. The company plans to launch its initial product range – including plant-based shrimp, fish burgers, and fish bites – in Swiss restaurants beginning in early summer 2025.

“With overfishing and the use of antibiotics in aquaculture raising major environmental and health concerns, catchfree offers a clean, delicious, and ethical alternative,” said Severin Eder, Co-founder of catchfree (picture left in the main image). “Today’s environmentally conscious consumers want food that’s healthier for them and better for the planet. That’s exactly what we deliver.”

The startup’s formulations rely on a short list of ingredients, including rice, soy protein, and algae. Eder noted that the company uses a gentle manufacturing process designed to retain the nutritional integrity of the raw materials, including valuable compounds such as omega-3 fatty acids.

As the global appetite for fish and seafood continues to rise, the market for alternatives is becoming increasingly relevant—not only from a sustainability perspective but also as a way to support more diverse, mindful eating habits. According to catchfree, its goal is to provide products that replicate the taste and texture of traditional seafood without requiring consumers to compromise on flavor or culinary experience.

“The plant-based seafood category is still in its infancy,” said Eduard Müller, Co-founder of catchfree. “While there are already numerous meat alternatives on the market, high-quality plant-based seafood products are still relatively limited. With catchfree, we’re closing that gap.”

The seed funding will initially support the company’s expansion within the Swiss food-service market. Restaurants and restaurant chains that have already conducted pilot tests of catchfree products will be among the first to roll them out to customers. Broader distribution within the food-service sector is planned for later in 2025, followed by national wholesale entry in the fall.

The founders believe that the company’s focus on clean ingredients, nutritional value, and gastronomic appeal positions it well for long-term success in the alternative protein space. catchfree’s development aligns with a broader shift toward more sustainable eating patterns, as consumers and institutions alike seek alternatives that address environmental pressures without sacrificing quality or enjoyment.

“Our long-term goal is to meet growing demand for sustainable and flavorful seafood alternatives by building a trusted brand and continuously expanding our product range,” said Müller.