Beta Bugs
11 Jun 2025
- Biotechnology Research
Beta Bugs is unlocking the genetic potential of the Black Soldier Fly in insect farming for more sustainable protein production.
Beta Bugs have developed the UK’s first comprehensive selective breeding programme and egg production site for the Black Soldier Fly, which is farmed as an alternative protein source for use in aquaculture, pork, and poultry feed and can be reared on various waste streams, including agricultural and food waste. Black Soldier Fly farming provides a green, circular, and regionally produced alternative to the environmentally damaging production of soy meal and fishmeal, one of the prime causes of deforestation, biodiversity loss, and overfishing.
Beta Bugs secured £1.72 million in funding to scale up its sustainable insect farming operations. The company specialized in breeding Black Soldier Flies, which were used as an alternative protein source for animal feed. This method offered a green and circular solution to the environmental issues caused by conventional protein sources like soy meal and fishmeal. The funding helped Beta Bugs expand its production capacity, improve the genetic performance of the flies, and strengthen its market position. The company aimed to address the growing global protein demand sustainably and had plans to recruit additional staff and enhance its breeding program.
In 2023, SIS Ventures invested in a funding round led by TRICAPITAL Syndicate LLP, with Scottish Enterprise, Beeches Group, Climate.vc, together with existing shareholders in the business and InnovateUK.
This investment will allow Beta Bugs to expand production capacity, drive to profitability over the coming 18-24 months and further strengthen their market leadership position in the strategically important insect farming industry.