YASAI secures investment to boost its growth
25.01.2023
Vertical farming startup YASAI received an undisclosed amount from the Bell Food Group in a convertible loan round. The startup is also welcoming the Group's CEO, Lorenz Wyss, to its board, along with Theo Stolze of the Stolze Group. The investment will help the Venture Kick alum to accelerate its growth.
 YASAI's co-founders: Mark E. Zahran (CEO), Stefani Augstburger (COO), and Philipp Bosshard (CTO)
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The Bell Food Group invested an undisclosed amount in YASAI’s convertible loan round via the Eisberg food company, which is part of the Bell Food Group and has been serving as YASAI's nationwide distribution partner. The investment will fuel the startup's scaling efforts as it strives to strengthen its position in the vertical farming market.
Lorenz Wyss has been overseeing the Bell Food Group as Chief Executive Officer since 2011, leading an international food company with more than 12,000 employees. Initially known for producing meat, the company now offers a wide range of convenience products and plant-based meat alternatives.
The startup also welcomed Theo Stolze from the Stolze Group to its board, whose expertise in novel farming technologies will be of notable benefit to the startup. The Stolze Group specializes in tailored, technical solutions for greenhouse systems and has been in business for over 50 years. As export director of the Stolze Group for over 30 years, Stolze led the Dutch company to international success. Stolze has also invested in the startup.
The Zurich-based startup was founded three years ago and has quickly become Switzerland's leading vertical farming company.
New vertical farming hotspot in Schlieren
Aside from having constructed two new industrial farming locations, YASAI plans to set up another farm integrated into a residential area in the coming years to scale up production. The company wants to transform the residential quarter Lymhof in Schlieren into a vertical farm hotspot, providing residents with hyper-locally grown herbs and leafy greens. Locals will be able to order their customized produce via an app, which is a way for the company to explore a non-traditional sales channel as a new business model.
With the announced developments, the startup anticipates reaching a tenfold increase in its production capacity to meet constantly growing demand and expand its product portfolio with its trade partners.
YASAI was awarded CHF 10,000 by Venture Kick in 2019.
Lorenz Wyss has been overseeing the Bell Food Group as Chief Executive Officer since 2011, leading an international food company with more than 12,000 employees. Initially known for producing meat, the company now offers a wide range of convenience products and plant-based meat alternatives.
The startup also welcomed Theo Stolze from the Stolze Group to its board, whose expertise in novel farming technologies will be of notable benefit to the startup. The Stolze Group specializes in tailored, technical solutions for greenhouse systems and has been in business for over 50 years. As export director of the Stolze Group for over 30 years, Stolze led the Dutch company to international success. Stolze has also invested in the startup.
The Zurich-based startup was founded three years ago and has quickly become Switzerland's leading vertical farming company.
New vertical farming hotspot in Schlieren
Aside from having constructed two new industrial farming locations, YASAI plans to set up another farm integrated into a residential area in the coming years to scale up production. The company wants to transform the residential quarter Lymhof in Schlieren into a vertical farm hotspot, providing residents with hyper-locally grown herbs and leafy greens. Locals will be able to order their customized produce via an app, which is a way for the company to explore a non-traditional sales channel as a new business model.
With the announced developments, the startup anticipates reaching a tenfold increase in its production capacity to meet constantly growing demand and expand its product portfolio with its trade partners.
YASAI was awarded CHF 10,000 by Venture Kick in 2019.