Rasmal Ventures has announced a significant investment in Aqua Development Ltd., a Tunisia- and Korea-based aquaculture startup pioneering sustainable shrimp farming systems. The deal, led by Rasmal Ventures, highlights the growing appetite for food-tech solutions addressing food security challenges in the GCC and beyond. The investment also underscores the firm’s commitment to supporting startups that combine biotechnology, AI, and engineering to solve pressing environmental and nutritional needs.
Aqua Development’s Vision
Founded with dual headquarters in Tunisia and South Korea, Aqua Development is focused on reshaping the global aquaculture industry through innovation. The company is developing scalable and chemical-free farming systems for shrimp, the world’s most consumed source of animal protein. By integrating biotechnology, artificial intelligence, and engineering, Aqua Development aims to make aquaculture more sustainable, efficient, and environmentally responsible.
Regional Growth and GCC Momentum
The startup has quickly gained traction in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where food security remains a strategic priority. Rising demand for locally produced protein has opened opportunities for Aqua Development to scale its shrimp farming technologies in the region. With its chemical-free systems, the company positions itself as a critical contributor to reducing reliance on imports while meeting consumer demand for healthier and sustainable seafood options.
Investor Perspective
Soumaya Ben Beya Dridje, Venture Capitalist at Rasmal Ventures, emphasized that the investment reflects the firm’s belief in “technology plus nature” as a powerful formula for the future of food. She noted that Aqua Development’s innovative systems address both the supply challenge and the environmental impact of conventional aquaculture. The round, in which Rasmal Ventures led the majority investment, marks a milestone in building a new generation of food-tech companies with global ambitions emerging from the MENA region.
Founders’ Achievement
Co-founders Othman Ben Abbes and Doohyun Lee have been recognized for creating proprietary technologies that directly solve inefficiencies in aquaculture production. Their solution offers a rare combination of scalability, sustainability, and economic viability in a sector long dominated by chemical-intensive and environmentally harmful practices. With the backing of Rasmal Ventures, the founders now face the challenge of meeting growing demand and expanding globally while maintaining their sustainability mission.
Strategic Importance of Food Security
The investment aligns with a broader movement in the GCC and North Africa to secure long-term food resources through innovative technologies. Shrimp farming, given its global consumption levels, represents a key strategic opportunity for enhancing protein security while diversifying regional economies. Aqua Development’s expansion reflects how startups from emerging ecosystems can contribute to solving global sustainability challenges.
Rasmal Ventures’ investment in Aqua Development demonstrates how regional venture capital is backing transformative solutions at the intersection of food, technology, and sustainability. By scaling chemical-free, AI-enhanced aquaculture systems, Aqua Development is positioned to play a vital role in addressing food insecurity while protecting marine ecosystems. The deal sends a strong signal that global innovation can emerge from Tunisia, Korea, and the wider MENA region, with the potential to reshape the future of food worldwide.