Captain Fresh: Global seafood supply chain
Year: 2019 Bengaluru, Karnataka
Founders: Utham Gowda
Funding: $28M (Total disclosed funding as of early April 2025)
Investors: Tiger Global, Prosus Ventures, Accel, Matrix Partners
Introduction
Using a state-of-the-art farm-to-retail platform, Captain Fresh is a business-to-business seafood marketplace that connects companies with farmers and suppliers through B2B, B2R (business to retail), and B2B2C channels. The business uses cutting-edge technology to optimize the seafood supply chain, such as satellite-based demand-supply matching, quality control systems, and a bid engine. Founded with the goals of cutting out middlemen, cutting waste, and guaranteeing quality, Captain Fresh uses effective logistics, open pricing, and strong quality control to increase supplier returns and give businesses access to dependable, fresh seafood.
Tackling Agricultural Challenges
Supply chains for seafood have historically been inefficient, with numerous middlemen causing price leaks and reduced farmer profits. The ecosystem is made even more complex by restricted market access, expensive logistics, and difficulties preserving product quality and traceability. In order to alleviate these issues, Captain Fresh has established an open online marketplace that links manufacturers and consumers directly. This marketplace is bolstered by real-time supply chain monitoring and data analytics to maximize distribution, pricing, and inventory. Their emphasis on efficient logistics and end-to-end quality control helps cut waste and guarantees a steady, fresh supply for institutional and retail customers.
Key Offerings
- B2B Marketplace linking seafood farmers, processors, and businesses.
- Efficient Logistics & Distribution network covering pan-India and international export markets.
- Quality Assurance & Processing with modern cleaning and packaging facilities.
- Real-Time Tracking & Data Analytics via proprietary supply chain technology, Captain OS.
- Transparent Pricing through a technology-enabled bid engine to ensure fair market rates.
Real Impact
In order to satisfy strict requirements for freshness and quality, Captain Fresh sources and oversees more than 100 types of seafood and provides contemporary processing, such as cleaning and packaging. The business effectively distributes seafood throughout India and exports to foreign markets thanks to its expanding network of more than 2,500 retail partners. End-to-end visibility and data-driven decision-making are made possible by its proprietary platform, Captain OS, which also ensures supply-demand balance and cuts waste. Captain Fresh gives companies dependable access to high-quality seafood products while increasing supplier returns by removing middlemen and increasing market transparency.
Success Story
Through Captain Fresh’s marketplace, a coastal seafood farmer who was previously reliant on regional middlemen now supplies directly, enjoying the advantages of clear pricing and prompt payments. Because of the improved quality control and efficient logistics, spoilage has been greatly decreased, enabling the farmer to raise revenue and sustainably expand production. This change exemplifies how digital platforms can empower producers and meet consumer demand for fresh seafood by reshaping traditional supply chains.
Lessons for Agri-Startups
Captain Fresh’s experience highlights several key insights:
- Technology-Enabled Transparency is crucial to building trust in perishable commodity markets.
- Integrated Logistics and Quality Control improve supply chain efficiency and product value.
- Direct Market Linkages empower producers by removing unnecessary intermediaries.
- Data Analytics and Real-Time Tracking enhance forecasting and inventory management for all stakeholders.
These principles can guide agritech startups aiming to digitize and optimize fresh produce supply chains across diverse sectors.
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