Seafood robotics firm Shinkei Systems raises US$22 million in Series A funding

USA – Shinkei Systems, a United States-based seafood robotics company, has raised US$22 million (about KSh 3.4 billion) in a Series A funding round co-led by Founders Fund and Interlagos.

The financing will support the company’s plan to scale its operations and further integrate robotics and artificial intelligence into commercial seafood processing.

Founded in 2021, Shinkei Systems focuses on automating fish harvesting through a proprietary system that combines robotics, supply chain tracking and temperature-controlled logistics.

Its main product, branded as Seremoni Grade seafood, uses methods adapted from the Japanese ike jime technique, a process that reduces stress in fish before death to maintain meat quality.

While ike jime has traditionally been reserved for small-scale or artisanal fisheries, Shinkei’s technology aims to make the practice viable on a commercial scale.

The company’s co-founders, Saif Khawaja and Reed Ginsberg, said the new funding will enable them to expand their distribution network to reach more restaurants and retailers in the United States and abroad.

They added that the firm intends to diversify its product range by including species such as red snapper and salmon in the coming months.

Sustainable model for local fishermen

Shinkei’s approach involves working directly with independent fishermen, allowing each catch to be digitally tracked while ensuring producers receive higher prices for their fish.

This partnership model, according to the company, encourages sustainable fishing practices and supports coastal livelihoods.

The firm also collaborates with Yamato Transport for product distribution, which allows its seafood to reach major markets, including Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market.

Chefs and restaurants have shown increasing interest in the company’s products, citing quality and traceability as key selling points.

High-end establishments such as Blue Hill at Stone Barns and Atomix have already included Seremoni Grade seafood on their menus.

Delian Asparouhov, a partner at Founders Fund, said Shinkei’s approach could reshape the seafood sector by linking advanced automation with traditional quality standards.

Expanding reach and market potential

With this latest investment, Shinkei Systems has now secured a total of US$30 million (about KSh 4.7 billion) in funding since its founding.

The company plans to continue using technology to modernize seafood handling and distribution while maintaining a focus on humane harvesting and transparency across the supply chain.

Its leadership believes that by improving efficiency and quality, Shinkei can strengthen the position of American fishermen in both domestic and global seafood markets.

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