Entocycle

Based in London, the United Kingdom, Entocycle develops AI-powered automation technology and modular infrastructure for commercial insect farming, specializing in black soldier flies that convert food waste into sustainable protein for animal feed. The company provides computer vision and robotics systems to agricultural producers across Europe, Africa, and Asia, enabling the scalable production of low-carbon protein and organic fertilizer. Entocycle operates with 21 employees and is currently developing a commercial facility designed to process 500 tonnes of organic waste per day, alongside a new facility expected to produce 2,200 tonnes of larvae annually. The enterprise has raised $16 million in total funding to date, including a $5 million Series A round backed by institutional investors such as Y Combinator, Climentum Capital, Lowercarbon Capital, and ACE & Company. Entocycle was founded in 2015 by Keiran Olivares Whitaker.

High-Level Overview

Entocycle is a UK-based company that builds automated, modular insect farming systems designed to produce sustainable insect protein, primarily from black soldier fly larvae, for use in animal feed. Their technology enables the conversion of food waste into high-value, low-carbon protein and organic fertilizer, serving insect protein companies, farmers, waste management firms, and entrepreneurs entering the insect farming industry. Entocycle’s mission is to accelerate the global transition to sustainable protein by leveraging insects, innovation, and technology to reduce the environmental impact of traditional protein sources in agriculture[1][2][3][5].

For an investment firm, Entocycle represents a cutting-edge player in the sustainable agriculture and circular economy sectors, focusing on innovative bio-conversion technologies that address food waste and protein sustainability challenges. Their impact on the startup ecosystem includes advancing insect farming as a scalable, environmentally friendly protein source, fostering new market opportunities in alternative proteins and waste valorization.

For a portfolio company, Entocycle builds automated insect farming modules that serve farmers, waste managers, and protein producers by solving the problem of unsustainable protein production and organic waste disposal. The company has demonstrated growth momentum through partnerships (e.g., with Bühler), funding rounds, and the development of the UK’s first large-scale insect farm capable of processing tens of thousands of tonnes of food waste annually[1][4][5].

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Origin Story

Entocycle was founded in 2014 in London, United Kingdom, by Keiran Whitaker, who serves as CEO. The idea emerged from the recognition of the climate crisis and the unsustainable nature of conventional animal feed protein sources, such as soy and fishmeal, which contribute to deforestation, overfishing, and biodiversity loss. The founders combined expertise in entomology, engineering, automation, and animal nutrition to develop a scalable insect farming technology that transforms food waste into sustainable protein. Early traction included pilot projects and securing funding to build the UK’s first large-scale insect farm, marking pivotal moments in demonstrating the commercial viability of insect protein production[1][3][4][5].

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Core Differentiators

• Product Differentiators: Automated, modular insect farming systems that enable precision breeding and rearing of black soldier fly larvae at commercial scale, converting food waste into protein and organic fertilizer.
• Technology: Proprietary insect farming technology offering environmental control, automation, and optical dosing solutions that improve production accuracy and efficiency.
• Developer Experience: End-to-end solutions including site permitting, farm design, and operational support tailored for entrepreneurs and companies entering the insect protein market.
• Sustainability Focus: Strong emphasis on reducing greenhouse gas emissions by replacing traditional protein sources and diverting food waste from landfills.
• Partnerships: Collaborations with industry leaders like Bühler to scale insect farming technology globally.
• Community Ecosystem: Support for a growing network of insect protein producers, waste management companies, and agricultural innovators[1][2][3][4].

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Role in the Broader Tech Landscape

Entocycle rides the rising global trend toward sustainable agriculture, circular economy, and alternative protein sources driven by climate change concerns and resource scarcity. The timing is critical as governments and industries seek solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and food waste. Market forces favor innovations that can produce protein with a lower environmental footprint and create value from organic waste streams. Entocycle influences the broader ecosystem by demonstrating the commercial scalability of insect protein, encouraging regulatory acceptance, and fostering a new supply chain for sustainable animal feed ingredients[3][4][5].

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Quick Take & Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Entocycle is poised to expand its insect farming technology deployment, scaling operations to process more food waste and produce greater volumes of sustainable protein. Trends shaping their journey include increasing regulatory support for insect protein in animal feed, growing demand for sustainable agriculture inputs, and technological advances in automation and bio-conversion. Their influence may evolve from a technology provider to a key enabler of a global insect protein industry, contributing significantly to food security and environmental sustainability. This aligns with their mission to restore the natural world by revolutionizing animal feed production through insects and innovation[3][4][5].