Cascadia Seaweed

About Cascadia Seaweed

Cascadia Seaweed, an ag-tech company established in 2019, operates as a vertically integrated entity focused on the cultivation and processing of seaweed for agricultural applications. The company was founded by Bill Collins, a geologist with a background in economic development, Michael Williamson, a former commander of a Canadian navy base, and Tony Ethier, a mooring design specialist. Their collective experience in maritime operations and economic innovation underpins the company's strategic direction.

The core of Cascadia's business model is the cultivation of native kelp species on low-impact ocean farms. A foundational element of their strategy involves establishing partnerships with coastal First Nations in British Columbia, who own the farms. This collaborative approach aims to generate economic and employment opportunities for these communities while respecting traditional ecological knowledge. For instance, the Tsawout First Nation not only licensed waters for a farm but later became a shareholder in the company, solidifying the partnership model.

Cascadia Seaweed harvests the cultivated kelp and processes it into products for land-based farmers, creating a link between sustainable aquaculture and regenerative agriculture. The company's revenue is generated through the sale of these agricultural products, which include liquid kelp extracts and dried feed additives. The liquid biostimulants are designed to enhance crop yields, improve nutrient uptake, and increase stress tolerance in plants. The dried feed additives for livestock, particularly cattle, aim to improve animal health and reduce enteric methane emissions.

The company has achieved significant milestones, including securing over $18 million in equity and non-dilutive capital since its inception. A notable funding event was the first close of its Series A round, which raised CAD$4 million from investors like WWF Impact and Vere Ventures. This capital is being used to build a commercial-scale biorefinery, increase biomass production, and expand marketing efforts. As a certified B Corp and a registered Benefit Company, Cascadia is committed to social and environmental performance, with a B Impact Score of 90.4, significantly higher than the median for ordinary businesses.