The Circle, the largest aquaponic farm in Europe located in Rome, Italy, has secured a 2.1 million euro investment. This latest funding round is led by Opes Italia, a venture capital fund specializing in impact investing, with a minority involvement from Sparviero Holding.
Previously, the company secured 1.5 million euros in financing from Invitalia through the Smart & Start Italy program. The Circle will use the new funds to construct two additional facilities for salad and aromatic herb production aimed at the restaurant industry.
The expansion plan includes increased production of processed products and the development of a state-of-the-art technological transformation center. The investments will bolster aquaponic product production and facilitate advancements in cultivation systems and processing operations, leveraging intellectual property developed over the years.
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Valerio Ciotola, Co-founder and CEO of The Circle emphasizes their dedication to addressing global resource efficiency needs, particularly regarding water and soil in the food production chain.
Elena Casolari, Partner and CEO of Opes Italia, praises The Circle’s innovative circular production approach and potential to bring sustainable food to Italian and European tables. The funding will accelerate business development, strengthen market presence in Italy, and prepare The Circle for international markets, affirms Thomas Marino, Co-founder and CMO of The Circle.
The Circle was established in 2017 by a group of young entrepreneurs. Their main focus is combining aquaponics with soilless cultivation and fish farming to reduce water and soil waste in agriculture. Over the years, they have grown into Europe’s largest aquaponic facility. Additionally, they have started constructing Italy’s first biomimetic transformation center for aquaponic-origin pesto, oils, and flavored salts.
With plans for expanding internationally in the next 18-24 months, The Circle is moving forward, supported by a strong network and vision for sustainable agri-food innovation.
Editor’s Note: The opinions expressed here by the authors are their own, not those of Impakter.com — In the Featured Photo: The Circle Team. Featured Photo Credit: The Circle.
