Mara secures US$9.1M investment to scale algae-derived omega-3 production
With around 85% of the global population lacking enough omega-3s, Mara is addressing the gap by bypassing the marine food chain and sourcing directly from microalgae.
CANADA – Mara Renewables, a fish-free Omega-3 supplier, has raised US$9.1 million in funding from S2G Investments to accelerate the global reach of its algae-based omega-3 platform.
The biotech company states that the capital will expand its R&D efforts, strengthen its manufacturing capabilities, and help meet the growing global demand for sustainable docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) alternatives to fish-derived omega-3 fatty acids.
According to Mara, approximately 85% of the global population remains deficient in omega-3 fatty acids.
DHA has traditionally been derived from wild-caught fish, but the supply hasn’t kept pace with demand.
Mara aims to solve this by skipping the marine food chain and going straight to the original source of omega-3: microalgae.
“At Mara, we are committed to transforming the way the world sources vital nutrients like omega-3s,” said Mara CEO Harry Boot.
Unlike conventional omega-3 production, which relies on a chain that begins with algae and ends with fish, Mara’s process uses precision fermentation to cultivate microalgae directly in controlled environments.
This method enables the company to produce a consistent, high-quality omega-3 ingredient while minimising its contribution to the depletion of wild fish stocks.
“Our partnership with S2G strengthens our ability to meet growing global demand with reliable, high-quality alternatives that protect aquatic ecosystems, reduce reliance on wild fisheries, and support the health of people and animals alike. We’re proud to have a values-aligned partner who brings deep experience and shared ambition,” Harry added.
Mara’s algae-based DHA is already used in products like infant formula, supplements, functional foods, animal feed, and aquaculture. In 2024, the company declared that it produced enough to replace the DHA from 6.7 billion anchovies in global supply chains.
Larsen Mettler, Managing Director of S2G’s oceans strategy, said Mara’s model addresses a critical issue in food and nutrition.
“In our view, Mara is solving a fundamental supply chain challenge with precision and scale. They have built an end-to-end platform that delivers consistent, clean, and high-quality omega-3s without relying on depleted fisheries,” he said.
With the new investment, Mara plans to strengthen its manufacturing partnerships and expand commercial collaborations in key markets globally.
It aims to make omega-3 more accessible and convenient for consumers by helping its customers create enjoyable, easy-to-consume products.
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