Shinkei Systems has raised $22 million in Series A funding to scale its robotic fish processing operations across the U.S. and Japan. The round was co-led by Founders Fund and Interlagos, with participation from Cantos, Overwater Ventures, and Voyager. The company has now raised $30 million to date.
Founded in 2021, the New York-based startup combines robotics, AI, and a traditional Japanese slaughter technique known as ikejime to improve fish quality and reduce waste. Shinkei’s machines are designed for use on fishing boats and in seafood plants, automating humane slaughter and storage to preserve freshness and flavor.
“Our aim is to make Michelin-quality seafood widely available while preserving the integrity of each catch,” said co-founder and CEO Saif Khawaja. He added that Shinkei’s technology is already in use in Japan and expanding into U.S. fisheries, driven by demand from chefs and restaurants seeking more sustainable, traceable sourcing.
The company’s premium “Seremoni Grade” label is backed by Yamato Transport’s distribution network and has gained traction in high-end markets such as Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market and restaurants like Atomix and Blue Hill at Stone Barns.
Shinkei’s platform supports traceability by linking each fish to its origin and catch method, while offering fishermen premium pricing. “We’re combining automation and tradition to empower independent fishing communities and reduce global seafood waste,” said Khawaja.
With the new capital, Shinkei plans to expand its species offerings, including red snapper and salmon, and scale manufacturing to meet rising demand. The company is also investing in machine learning to further optimize its processing systems.
According to the UN FAO, nearly 35% of global fish harvests are lost to spoilage. Shinkei aims to change that—by merging robotics, AI, and culinary precision at the source.
