Beta Bugs secures £800,000 to accelerate commercial growth under new leadership
Beta Bugs Ltd, a leader in Black Soldier Fly (BSF) genetics, has secured a further £800,000 of investment led by TRICAPITAL Angels and supported by Scottish Enterprise. The funding marks the beginning of the company’s next phase of commercial growth under new CEO Dr Alan Tinch.
The investment will support Beta Bugs’ strategy to commercialise its HiPer-Fly® genetics, expand its international customer and strategic partner base, and meet growing demand from the commercial insect-farming industry for higher-performing and more consistent BSF genetics.
The new funding follows the company’s £2.1 million investment round announced in March 2025, which was also led by TRICAPITAL Angels with support from Scottish Enterprise.
“This investment reflects the continued confidence of TRICAPITAL Angels, Scottish Enterprise and our other investors in Beta Bugs’ vision and the progress the company has made over the past 12 months.
“We are also delighted to confirm the appointment of Dr Alan Tinch as CEO. Alan has extensive experience of commercialising advanced genetics in species including chickens, pigs and salmon, and understands what is required to build a profitable genetics business. He has already made a significant contribution through his membership of our Science Advisory Board.”
HiPer-Fly® has been developed through a long-term selective breeding programme designed to improve commercially important traits, including growth, yield, survival and production consistency.
Dr Tinch’s appointment marks a strategic shift towards a more focused commercial genetics model. Building on Beta Bugs’ established breeding programme and technical expertise, the company aims to serve a growing global market for improved BSF genetics.
“Beta Bugs has reached a pivotal point in its development. This investment will allow us to accelerate the commercialisation of our outstanding genetics and deliver the critical milestones ahead.
“I am excited to lead the team through this next phase as we work towards establishing Beta Bugs as the global leader in Black Soldier Fly genetics.”
Following successful independent trials in early 2026, Beta Bugs partnered with FreezeM to supply HiPer-Fly® as a suspended neonate product using PauseM®. The partnership supports the wider commercial rollout of improved BSF genetics across Europe.
TRICAPITAL Angels has led the investment in Beta Bugs over successive funding rounds, bringing together capital from its members and working alongside Scottish Enterprise to support the company’s development and commercial ambitions.
“Beta Bugs has established a strong scientific and technical platform and is now firmly focused on converting that capability into commercial growth. The appointment of Alan Tinch brings highly relevant international genetics experience and strengthens our confidence in the company’s ability to execute that strategy.
“TRICAPITAL’s members have supported Beta Bugs over several investment rounds, and their continued backing reflects both the progress already made and the scale of the opportunity ahead. With growing international demand for more productive and consistent insect genetics, Beta Bugs has the potential to become a global leader in this emerging industry.”
“This investment underscores Scottish Enterprise’s commitment to using our world-class innovation capabilities to increase the number of ambitious companies scaling up in Scotland, helping them create quality, high-value jobs and compete and lead in international markets. There are several industries of the future where Scotland has global strengths, including biotechnology, and building on that through support for companies such as Beta Bugs is crucial to their continued growth. The investment will enable Beta Bugs to continue developing its breeding programme, strengthen commercial relationships internationally and expand the availability of HiPer-Fly® genetics to BSF producers worldwide.”
For further information, please contact:
Roslin Innovation Centre
The University of Edinburgh
Easter Bush Campus
Midlothian, EH25 9RG
RIC & Agritech Innovation Director: Val Hughes-White
T: +44 (0)131 651 9000
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