Loopworm Opens Series A to Scale Insect Protein Feed in India
- Bengaluru based Loopworm opens Series A to scale its alt-protein feed for aquaculture, poultry, and pets.
- Its LoopBac system uses modified silkworms to produce high-nutrition proteins.
- Repeat orders from CP Feeds and Ananda Group show strong early market traction.
Bengaluru based Loopworm, a biotech startup focused on alternative animal feed, has launched its Series A funding round to accelerate growth and bring insect based proteins to the mainstream. The company aims to transform how the world feeds its animals, particularly shrimp, fish, poultry, and pets by using sustainable, protein rich ingredients.
The startup previously raised $3.4 million in seed funding, led by Omnivore, and $3.25 million in pre-Series A, led by WaterBridge Ventures and Enrission India Capital. These funds, along with the current Series A raise, will help scale the company’s recombinant protein platform, the LoopBac Protein Expression System.
Unlike traditional protein production methods that rely on yeast or bacteria, Loopworm’s platform genetically enhances living silkworms to produce targeted proteins. These proteins are used in feeds that are already being tested and accepted in India’s commercial aquaculture space, including by CP Feeds and Ananda Group.
Loopworm’s goal is twofold, reduce dependency on marine resources like wild caught fishmeal, and offer cost effective, climate resilient alternatives. The company also produces black soldier fly based feeds, which are gaining traction globally for their sustainability and high nutritional value.
The startup’s products don’t just meet price parity, they offer functional benefits. For example, silkworm pupae oil developed by Loopworm may boost omega-3 levels in poultry and possibly fish, based on ongoing trials.
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Though currently focused on animal nutrition, Loopworm sees long term applications in human healthcare and cosmetics, given the flexibility of its platform.
With India’s growing demand for sustainable agriculture and protein, Loopworm is positioning itself as a leader in next gen bio-manufacturing for animal feed and beyond.
