San Diego, California, U.S.A.-based food tech startup BlueNalu announced it has garnered a USD 11 million (EUR 9.4 million) investment to increase its production and commercialization of cell-cultured Bluefin tuna toro.
The company said this increase matches market demand for the cut of fish which has seen rising popularity in variations of sushi, sashimi, nigiri, negitoro, and poke. By increasing investment into the cellular regeneration of bluefin tuna toro, BlueNalu is targeting an industry concern of meeting the demand for this type of fish without overfishing.
“Bluefin tuna is prized for its marbled texture, buttery flavor, and status as one of the most magnificent fish in the sea,” BlueNalu states on its website. “Due to an unprecedented demand, especially for the fatty belly cut known as toro, this species has been heavily depleted from the wild.”
BlueNalu utilizes cell-cultured seafood, eliminating the need to catch or farm fish. According to a March 2025 report by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, cell-cultured seafood is on the rise with economic incentive to produce. It’s typically a four-step process, starting with a tissue sample of animal cells from a living organism. The sample is placed in a tightly monitored, controlled environment to reproduce. Once the cells have multiplied, different substances can be added; including protein growth factors, new surfaces for cell attachment, and additional nutrients. This builds muscles, fat, and connective tissue, mimicking the existing structures of farmed or caught fish.
The process is completed when cellular material is harvested from the controlled environment into conventional food processing packaging.
The USD 11 million investment was made possible through a new convertible note and preferred stock financing led by Agronomics, Siddhi Capital, and Lewis & Clark Agri Food, alongside a portfolio of 40 other investors.
“BlueNalu stands out in the cultivated protein space for its disciplined, differentiated approach, and clear focus on premium foodservice demand,” Steven Finn, a managing partner at Siddhi Capital and BlueNalu board member, said. “The company has built a strong foundation around culinary quality and market relevance as it prepares for initial commercialization.”
However, the production of this cell-cultured bluefin tuna toro is pending regulatory approval in the United States. If approved, BlueNalu executives said the production will target “premium sushi and fine-dining establishments across the United States, working with chefs, distributors, and strategic partners to provide a consistent, high-quality product with year-round availability.”
“As an industry, cultivated protein has struggled to find its footing, while BlueNalu has clearly differentiated itself,” Dave Taiclet, a managing partner at Lewis & Clark Partners and BlueNalu board member, said. “The company continues to stay focused on making impressive technological progress and significantly reducing the cost to scale into a commercially viable platform. BlueNalu continues to progress with regulatory engagement and strategic partnerships, positioning the company to drive meaningful impact, commercial viability, and business success.”
BlueNalu said it aims to direct remaining funds to improve manufacturing and processing systems and equipment in its next generation production facility. It also plans to increase regulatory engagement in key global regions like Singapore, Saudi Arabia, Japan, Korea, the United Kingdom, and the European Union.
“We greatly appreciate the strong support from our prior investors and our global strategic partners as we advance towards commercialization,” BlueNalu CEO and President Lou Cooperhouse said. “This financing will enable us to move forward with our planned introduction of cultivated bluefin tuna toro, followed by commercialization activities to expand our production and distribution capabilities to premium foodservice operators, initially in the United States and ultimately in markets worldwide.”
