Thai Union Corporate Venture Fund Expands Into Biotechnology; Invests in RNA-based Aquaculture Health Platform

Thai Union Group PCL has invested in biotechnology company ViAqua Therapeutics through its venture fund, joining other industry-leading strategic and financial partners in backing the start-up.

ViAqua, based in Haifa, Israel, is a biotechnology company and developer of an orally administered RNA-particle platform to promote and improve animal health in aquaculture. ViAqua’s first product is a feed supplement for enhanced health management in shrimp, including prevalent and devastating diseases which pose major challenges and are widespread in shrimp. 

Thiraphong Chansiri, President and CEO of Thai Union said, “Disease prevention is a primary concern in the aquaculture sector and ViAqua has a promising technology platform to help manage the health of shrimp and other species. Thai Union is looking forward to supporting ViAqua as they help the global aquaculture industry address this challenge.”  

Shai Ufaz, CEO at ViAqua, commented: “We are honored and thrilled to add Thai Union, a leading seafood company, to our team of investors. Thai Union’s firm foundations, entrepreneurial spirit and deep understanding of the food industry are a great fit to our goals and values.  

“With the investment in ViAqua we are expanding the scope of our venture activities into the adjacent area of biotechnology,” said Patrick Bertalanffy, Group Strategy Director of Thai Union. “We are looking forward to exploring more opportunities in that space in the future.”

Thai Union’s venture fund focuses its investments on three strategic areas: alternative protein, functional nutrition and biotechnology as well as new technologies along the food value chain. Thai Union is investing in early-stage entrepreneurial companies operating in these areas and will actively partner with those companies to support and accelerate their development.