Arborea Secures €5M Investment to Advance Carbon-Negative Protein Production
Arborea, an Anglo-Portuguese company specializing in the production of multifunctional proteins and nutrient-rich ingredients using innovative microalgae technology, has raised €5 million in a funding round. The round was led by Indico Capital Partners, with additional support from Banco Portugues de Fomento (BPF). The investment aims to support the establishment of Arborea’s first commercial-scale protein production facility, which will utilize the company’s proprietary Biosolar Leaf™ technology.

Arborea, an Anglo-Portuguese company specializing in the production of multifunctional proteins and nutrient-rich ingredients using innovative microalgae technology, has raised €5 million in a funding round. The round was led by Indico Capital Partners, with additional support from Banco Portugues de Fomento (BPF). The investment aims to support the establishment of Arborea’s first commercial-scale protein production facility, which will utilize the company’s proprietary Biosolar Leaf™ technology. This groundbreaking method provides a sustainable solution to food production challenges while actively contributing to climate change mitigation through a carbon-negative process.
The Biosolar Leaf™ system stands out for its ability to cultivate over 50,000 species of photosynthetic microorganisms, including marine microalgae, as well as other microscopic plants. This process does not rely on agricultural land or feedstock derived from farming, significantly reducing pressure on limited arable land resources. Furthermore, the system’s flexibility allows it to be deployed in various environments, including urban areas, making it a versatile solution for global food production. By capturing CO2 and utilizing sunlight as an unlimited raw material, the technology not only contributes to reducing greenhouse gases but also releases oxygen during photosynthesis, creating additional environmental benefits.
Through its innovative approach, Arborea is paving the way for the development of natural and sustainable products, including net-zero protein ingredients that address the nutritional needs of a growing population without further straining the planet’s resources. The technology also has the potential to revolutionize agricultural practices by enabling lands currently used for food production to be restored to natural ecosystems, promoting biodiversity and ecological balance.
Commenting on the investment, Julian Melchiorri, Founder and CEO of Arborea, highlighted the significance of this funding: “This funding marks a pivotal step in our mission to revolutionize food production through our Biosolar Leaf™ technology. By sustainably and carbon-negatively producing multifunctional protein—clean in taste, color, and adaptable to diverse food applications—we are tackling two of the world’s most pressing challenges: food security and climate change.”
Stephan de Moraes, Managing General Partner at Indico Capital Partners, emphasized the transformative potential of the technology: “We believe that the investment in Arborea will have a transformative impact on the food industry, particularly in replacing animal protein. The Biosolar Leaf™ cultivation system from microalgae enables the production of a higher quantity of protein compared to any other food production method, including agriculture and animal production.”
The €5 million investment is expected to bolster Arborea’s position as a leader in sustainable food production, while also helping to address the environmental challenges posed by traditional agricultural systems. As the company scales its operations, it aims to deliver innovative solutions that not only improve global food security but also contribute to restoring ecological harmony. With its cutting-edge approach, Arborea continues to make strides towards a future where food systems are more sustainable and resilient.