Company case study
Wild Type
Wild Type is a startup focused on cultivating sustainable sushi-grade salmon in a lab, aiming to provide an alternative to traditional fishing and farming. It came up on My First Million, hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri, in the episode "Ocean is the new space" - 7 Wild Ideas for the $3 Trillion Dollar Frontier" (aired April 7, 2025).
At a glance
| Podcast | My First Million |
|---|---|
| Hosted by | Sam Parr and Shaan Puri |
| Episode | "Ocean is the new space" - 7 Wild Ideas for the $3 Trillion Dollar Frontier |
| Aired | April 7, 2025 |
| Revenue and traction | $100 million Series B funding in 2022. |
| Category | E-commerce |
Figures and claims are as told on the episode, summarized from the transcript. Check the date: they describe the company at the time it aired.
What the episode said
"Ocean is the new space" - 7 Wild Ideas for the $3 Trillion Dollar Frontier · aired April 7, 2025 · hosted by Sam Parr and Shaan Puri
Why it works
The business addresses environmental concerns related to overfishing and industrial farming by offering a sustainable seafood alternative.
The playbook
Wild Type utilizes biotechnology to create seafood that is free from heavy metals, microplastics, and parasites.
Also mentioned
The product is currently undergoing FDA approval and is seen as a promising solution to seafood sustainability.
Why this works now (our analysis)
Most sushi lovers don’t realize that lab-grown salmon can meet high culinary standards without depleting ocean resources. Wild Type utilizes cellular agriculture to produce sushi-grade salmon, catering to an increasing demand for sustainable seafood. To generate initial revenue, the company could partner with upscale restaurants like Nobu to feature its product, tapping into a customer base that prioritizes sustainability. A significant challenge is the high capital required for scaling production facilities, which could strain cash flow and delay market entry.