AlgaeCytes
AlgaeCytes is a UK biotechnology company that uses enclosed photobioreactors and proprietary freshwater microalgae strains to produce vegan Omega-3 EPA oils, agricultural biostimulants, and algal biomass ingredients for B2B customers in nutraceuticals, sports nutrition, personal care, pharmaceutical, and agricultural markets.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2010
- HeadquartersSandwich, United Kingdom
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What AlgaeCytes does
AlgaeCytes is a UK-based biotechnology company founded in 2010 that cultivates freshwater microalgae in enclosed photobioreactor systems to produce sustainable, vegan-friendly ingredients for B2B customers. The company operates from its headquarters at Discovery Park in Sandwich, Kent, with a wholly owned German subsidiary (AlgaeCytes Germany GmbH) running a 100,000 square meter commercial-scale plant in Dessau-Roßlau, Saxony-Anhalt, that commenced operations in 2024. AlgaeCytes' core technology consists of rows of enclosed glass tubing with LED-stimulated photosynthesis, controlled temperature, and regulated nutrient supply, enabling year-round 24/7 production independent of weather and protection against heavy metals, PCBs, and pesticides. Its product portfolio centers on the proprietary ALG01 microalgae strain and includes AVEPADaily (Omega-3 EPA algal oil for nutraceuticals and dietary supplements), ALG01 Grow (an agricultural biostimulant for organic crop cultivation), and ALG01 Origin (versatile algal biomass for personal care, functional food, and pharmaceutical applications).
The company sells ingredients under a one-time/license B2B model to nutraceutical, sports nutrition, personal care and cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and agricultural customers globally, going to market primarily through enterprise field sales and industry event participation (SupplySide West 2023/2024, GOED Exchange 2024). Pricing is not publicly disclosed, and no anchor customer logos or revenue figures are reported. Since 2013, Deepbridge Capital LLP has been the principal financial backer via the Deepbridge Technology Growth EIS fund, with additional support from Kent County Council and approximately $12.5M from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWi) in 2022 toward the Dessau build. AlgaeCytes is transitioning from pilot-scale operations (Kent, since November 2017) to commercial-scale production (Dessau, since 2024) and maintains R&D partnerships with KAUST, Fraunhofer Institute, University of Manchester, University of Nottingham, and Anhalt University of Applied Sciences.
AlgaeCytes firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- AlgaeCytes
- Legal name
- AlgaeCytes Limited
- Website
- https://algaecytes.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2010
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- AlgaeCytes is a UK biotechnology company that uses enclosed photobioreactors and proprietary freshwater microalgae strains to produce vegan Omega-3 EPA oils, agricultural biostimulants, and algal biomass ingredients for B2B customers in nutraceuticals, sports nutrition, personal care, pharmaceutical, and agricultural markets.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
AlgaeCytes industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Microalgae-derived ingredients
- NAICS
- Aquaculture (1125), Other Aquaculture (112519), Pesticide, Fertilizer, and Other Agricultural Chemical Manufacturing (3253)
- SIC
- Medicinal Chemicals & Botanical Products (2833), Biological Products, (No Disgnostic Substances) (2836)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Seaweed & Algae Aquaculture (incl. microalgae) (AFAEAAAE)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Biostimulants & Plant Health Biologicals (Microbial/Non-microbial) (AFABAEAK), Algae & Seaweed Proteins (Microalgae/Spirulina, Macroalgae) (AFAJAHAF)
Keywords
Where AlgaeCytes is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Sandwich
- HQ country
- United Kingdom
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices2 records
Markets served
AlgaeCytes business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Personnel, Operations, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Omega-3 EPA Algal Oil Sales: AlgaeCytes produces and sells AVEPADaily, a premium Omega-3 EPA algal oil to B2B customers in dietary supplements, sports nutrition, personal care & cosmetics, and pharmaceutical markets. The product is positioned as a natural, vegan-friendly, non-GMO alternative to fish oil.
- Agricultural Biostimulant Sales: ALG01 Grow, a sustainable algal-based agricultural crop biostimulant sold to the agricultural sector for organic crop cultivation, promoting healthier plant growth and soil health.
- Algal Biomass Ingredients: Sale of ALG01 Origin versatile algal biomass to various industries including nutraceuticals, personal care, functional food, and pharmaceuticals.
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels1 record
Marketing channels3 records
AlgaeCytes product offering
Product offeringCore offering
AlgaeCytes cultivates microalgae in enclosed photobioreactor systems to produce and sell B2B ingredients including AVEPADaily Omega-3 EPA algal oil, ALG01 Grow agricultural biostimulant, and ALG01 Origin versatile algal biomass. The company supplies these all-natural, vegan-friendly, non-GMO ingredients to dietary supplement, sports nutrition, personal care & cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and agricultural customers globally. Production occurs in fully enclosed facilities using proprietary freshwater microalgae strains and patented processes that enable year-round, contaminant-free manufacturing.
Product overview
AlgaeCytes is a biotechnology company that cultivates microalgae to produce high-value natural ingredients for B2B customers. The company offers two core product lines: (1) AVEPADaily, a premium Omega-3 EPA algal oil derived from the proprietary ALG01 strain - the first vegan and non-GMO alternative to traditional fish oils; and (2) ALG01 Grow, an agricultural biostimulant made from nutrient-rich algal biomass for organic crop cultivation. The company also produces ALG01 Origin, a versatile algal biomass ingredient. All products are cultivated in enclosed photobioreactor facilities ensuring traceability, purity, and year-round production.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- AVEPADaily: Premium range of Omega-3 EPA algal oil - a natural, vegan-friendly, and non-GMO source of Omega-3 EPAs for nutraceuticals and wellness products.
- ALG01 Grow
- ALG01 Origin
Products and services
- AVEPADaily Omega-3 EPA Algal Oil Premium Omega-3 EPA algal oil produced from the proprietary ALG01 freshwater microalgae strain, cultivated in fully enclosed photobioreactor facilities ensuring complete traceability and contaminant-free production. Marketed to B2B customers in nutraceutical, sports nutrition, personal care and cosmetics, and pharmaceutical markets as a sustainable, vegan, and non-GMO alternative to traditional fish oil.
- ALG01 Grow Agricultural Biostimulant
- ALG01 Origin Algal Biomass Versatile algal biomass product derived from proprietary freshwater microalgae strains, sold as a sustainable ingredient source for various applications including nutraceuticals, personal care, functional food, and pharmaceuticals.
Quantifiable outcome
- Contaminant-free: No heavy metals, PCBs, pesticides, or environmental pollutants in products
- +3 more outcomes
Companies that use AlgaeCytes
Customer profileSegments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
AlgaeCytes technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature6 records
AlgaeCytes partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.
- City of Dessau-RosslaucoreSold 100,000 sq meter property in Flugplatz Dessau industrial area to AlgaeCytes Germany GmbH for commercial plant construction. Lord Mayor Dr. Reck and city council unanimously approved the sale, marking major milestone for company's commercial expansion.
- GOLDBECK Nordost GmbHminorConstruction and design consultant for the Dessau commercial plant project in Germany.
- Fichtner Consulting Engineers Ltd.minorDesign consultant for the Dessau commercial plant project, providing engineering expertise.
- Anhalt University of Applied SciencescoreLocated in Saxony-Anhalt region, provides intellectual resources in Algae Biotechnology through its Competence Center Algal Biotechnology. Key research partner supporting company's sustainable operations.
- Hochschule Anhalt University of Applied SciencescoreR&D and network partnership for algae biotechnology research and development.
- KAUSTcoreKing Abdullah University of Science and Technology - R&D and network partnership for microalgae research.
- University of ManchestercoreR&D and network partnership for algae cultivation research and development.
- Fraunhofer InstitutecoreR&D and network partnership for microalgae technology development.
- University of NottinghamcoreR&D and network partnership for algae biotechnology research.
- BSI GroupminorR&D and network partnership for standards and compliance in algae production.
- AlgaeUKcoreUK national algae industry association - R&D and network partnership for algae biotechnology sector development.
- UK Research and Innovation (UKRI)minorUK government research and innovation body - R&D and network partnership for algae research funding.
- European Algae Biomass AssociationcoreEuropean industry association for algae biomass - R&D and network partnership for sector advancement.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights6 records
AlgaeCytes competitors and assessment
Company assessmentEmerging players
- Heliae Development: US-based microalgae technology company producing algae-derived agricultural biostimulants, soil health products, and nutraceutical ingredients via proprietary cultivation platforms. Comparable on microalgae cultivation and biostimulant product overlap with AlgaeCytes’ agricultural line.
- Photonz Corporation: New Zealand-based company focused on producing ultrapure EPA from fermentation of microalgae for pharmaceutical applications. Comparable in strain specialization and high-purity positioning; emerging stage with similar technology pathway to AlgaeCytes’ ALG01 EPA platform.
- Kuehnle AgroSystem: Hawaii/Germany-based producer of microalgae-based agricultural biostimulants and crop inputs using proprietary dark fermentation and cultivation technology. Direct overlap with AlgaeCytes’ ALG01 Grow biostimulant line and similar sustainability positioning, but earlier commercial stage.
Broad incumbents
- ADM (Biopolis / Dextra): Global nutrition major with algae and fermentation-derived ingredients capabilities through Biopolis and other units, supplying nutraceutical, food, and personal-care customers. Comparable end-market exposure (nutraceuticals, personal care) and B2B distribution model, with substantially larger scale.
- Corbion (AlgaPrime): Corbion-led AlgaPrime DHA is a whole-algae DHA ingredient produced via fermentation in partnership with Bunge, used primarily in aquaculture feed. Comparable as a producer of microalgae-derived Omega-3, but at much larger scale and focused on feed rather than direct human nutraceutical.
- DSM-firmenich (Martek life’s Omega-3): Global nutrition and ingredients major producing life's DHA/EPA from microalgae via its Martek legacy franchise, sold across nutraceutical, infant nutrition, and food applications. Directly comparable as a commercial-scale algae-derived Omega-3 supplier, but with a much broader portfolio and longer customer track record than AlgaeCytes.
- Roquette (Algae Ingredients): Global ingredient manufacturer with algae-derived nutritional and specialty ingredients programs (e.g., NUTRALYS, algae-based proteins and lipids). Comparable as a B2B supplier of plant/microbe-derived nutraceutical ingredients, though broader in scope and far larger scale than AlgaeCytes.
Regional players
- Ecogreen Oleochemicals: Asia-based supplier of specialty oleochemicals and natural ingredients including Omega-3 oils and algae-derived products to nutraceutical and personal care markets. Comparable as an alternative supplier of vegan Omega-3 and natural oils, with stronger APAC distribution than AlgaeCytes.
Direct peers
- Algalif: Iceland-based producer of high-quality astaxanthin and Omega-3 oils from Haematococcus pluvialis and other microalgae using proprietary photobioreactor cultivation. Directly comparable on cultivation technology, ingredient category, and B2B nutraceutical positioning, but with a more mature commercial footprint.
- Veramaris: DSM/Evonik joint venture producing algae-based EPA and DHA oils (Veramaris) from natural marine microalgae, targeting pet food, aquaculture, and human nutrition. Closely comparable on technology (algae cultivation, Omega-3 oil) and end markets, with established commercial volumes supplying major aquafeed customers.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat4 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
AlgaeCytes social profiles
Digital presenceAlgaeCytes financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
AlgaeCytes leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
AlgaeCytes subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
AlgaeCytes funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds3 records
Investors2 records
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
AlgaeCytes M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about AlgaeCytes
What does AlgaeCytes do?
AlgaeCytes cultivates microalgae in enclosed photobioreactor systems to produce and sell B2B ingredients including AVEPADaily Omega-3 EPA algal oil, ALG01 Grow agricultural biostimulant, and ALG01 Origin versatile algal biomass. The company supplies these all-natural, vegan-friendly, non-GMO ingredients to dietary supplement, sports nutrition, personal care & cosmetics, pharmaceutical, and agricultural customers globally. Production occurs in fully enclosed facilities using proprietary freshwater microalgae strains and patented processes that enable year-round, contaminant-free manufacturing.
Is AlgaeCytes a public or private company?
AlgaeCytes is a private company. It is classified as venture growth investor backed and is currently operating.
When was AlgaeCytes founded?
AlgaeCytes was founded in 2010. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is AlgaeCytes based?
AlgaeCytes is headquartered in Sandwich, United Kingdom, in the Europe region.
How does AlgaeCytes make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Omega-3 EPA Algal Oil Sales are the primary driver. The others are agricultural Biostimulant Sales and algal Biomass Ingredients.
Who are AlgaeCytes's main competitors?
Emerging players on record are Heliae Development, Photonz Corporation and Kuehnle AgroSystem. Broad incumbents are ADM (Biopolis / Dextra), Corbion (AlgaPrime), DSM-firmenich (Martek life’s Omega-3) and Roquette (Algae Ingredients). Ecogreen Oleochemicals is listed as a regional player. Direct peers are Algalif and Veramaris.
Does AlgaeCytes have an API?
No public API is recorded for AlgaeCytes.
What industry is AlgaeCytes in?
AlgaeCytes's product category is Microalgae-derived ingredients. Its primary akta.pro industry code is AFAEAAAE, Seaweed & Algae Aquaculture (incl. microalgae), with a secondary code of AFABAEAK, Biostimulants & Plant Health Biologicals (Microbial/Non-microbial). Its NAICS code is 1125 and its SIC code is 2833.