Banyu lands US$1.25m to unlock global market potential for ID's seaweed industry

Banyu, a technology-enabled, integrated seaweed company, has completed a US$1.25 million seed round of financing led by Intudo Ventures, which will allow the company to expand its seedling production capabilities and grow its operations.

Founded in December 2023, Banyu has been striving to revolutionise and rejuvenate Indonesia’s seaweed industry, supporting local farmers through high quality seedlings, advanced farming techniques, and access to stable income. 

In fact, in the thriving waters of Indonesia, seaweed has long been a vital lifeline for local coastal communities. Yet, despite its importance, the industry faces challenges of inefficiency and low productivity. With this new funding, Banyu aims to elevate both the quality of the crop and the livelihoods of the farmers who depend on it.

Banyu's approach focuses on improving the seaweed value chain through innovative farming techniques and high-quality seedling cultivation, resulting in up to 20% higher yields compared to traditional methods. By offering farmers access to modern farming practices, stable income, and expanded global market opportunities, Banyu wants to transform Indonesia's seaweed sector into a global powerhouse.

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Banyu's plans include establishing a seedling cultivation laboratory and nursery, making it the largest producer of high-quality seaweed seedlings in Indonesia. The company will also focus on scaling its presence in Sulawesi, the country's seaweed production hub, and eventually expanding to other major producing regions.

As a company committed to sustainability and responsibility, Banyu collaborates with farmers, traders, and processors to create a more transparent and efficient market for seaweed and its by-products. From biofertilisers to bioplastics, Banyu's seaweed is finding its way into a wide range of industries, including food production and pharmaceuticals.

"With Banyu's groundbreaking seedling cultivation and innovative farming methodologies, we are reimagining Indonesia's seaweed industry to be more competitive, transparent, and sustainable," said Dodon Yamin, co-founder and CEO of Banyu, in a press release. "This funding enables us to accelerate our vision of transforming seaweed into a high-value, sustainable resource for industries worldwide."

Banyu's goal is not only to boost Indonesia's position as the world's largest producer of tropical seaweed but also to ensure that the communities that rely on this vital industry benefit from sustainable and profitable practices.

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