Key Takeaways
- Shinkei’s unique technology reduces fish stress at capture, improving freshness and shelf life.
- The company employs a direct-to-consumer model for its fish products under the brand Seremony.
- Recent funding of $22 million will help Shinkei expand its operations and technology development.
Revolutionizing Fresh Fish Handling
In grocery stores, fresh fish often isn’t as fresh as it should be, particularly in coastal cities renowned for seafood. Shinkei, a startup led by CEO Saif Khawaja, aims to change that by focusing on what happens at the moment fish are caught rather than during their transportation to the market.
Traditional methods used on fishing boats often expose fish to unnecessary stress, which can lead to quality degradation. According to Khawaja, stressed fish release lactic acid, making their flesh more susceptible to bacteria, thereby reducing shelf life and taste.
Shinkei addresses this problem with its innovative machine, Poseidon, which utilizes computer vision and AI to scan fish immediately after they are caught. Upon scanning, the machine performs a quick euthanization followed by a gill cut to drain the blood efficiently. This minimizes stress and ensures a fresher product. Each fish is processed in approximately six seconds, ideally within a minute of being caught.
Speeding up this initial handling process not only enhances taste but also plays a crucial role in minimizing waste. Typically, fish that suffocate may enter rigor mortis within seven hours, but Shinkei’s methods can extend this timeframe to around 60 hours, offering greater flexibility for distribution. For instance, black cod treated through traditional methods may last four to five days, compared to up to two weeks when processed by Shinkei’s technology.
Shinkei’s business model involves placing its machines on fishing boats under a zero-cost lease, maintaining ownership while allowing fishermen to use the technology. This setup ensures Shinkei retains exclusive purchasing rights for the fish processed. The company sells its fish to foodservice channels and retail outlets under the “Seremony” brand, aiming to establish this as a quality certification synonymous with premium seafood.
The startup has successfully supplied top-tier restaurants globally, including several Michelin 3-star locations. Shinkei currently collaborates with eight fishing boats operating along the U.S. West Coast and even in states like Texas and Massachusetts, sourcing species such as black cod and red snapper.
Moreover, Shinkei has developed proprietary AI models for their machines, enhancing tasks like species identification and cutting path generation. They are also working on two new technological projects: Kronos, which estimates fish weight in real-time, and Nira, designed to predict shelf life using sensor data. This technology aims to provide insights throughout the supply chain, improving overall fish quality.
Recently, Shinkei secured $22 million in Series A funding, co-led by Founders Fund and Interlagos. The capital will support expansions in both operations and technology.
While discussions about the potential sale of hardware to independent fishermen have arisen, the company remains focused on enhancing its brand and establishing the “ceremony-grade” certification for quality fish products.
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