Seaweed dye startup receives £200,000 in funding

SeaDyes, a Scotland-based startup, has received £200,000 (around $266,780) in funding after entering the company creation phase of Scottish Enterprise’s High Growth Spinout Programme.

The startup is developing a seaweed-based alternative to petroleum-based synthetic dyes for textiles. So far, the company has created dye prototypes and engaged with potential customers.

SeaDyes was founded in July 2023 by marine scientist Jessica Giannotti. Giannotti originally developed the concept through the Scottish Association for Marine Science before spinning it out as a dedicated company. Since early 2025, SeaDyes has been based at The James Hutton Institute’s Invergowrie campus in Scotland, where it has access to specialist equipment, workspaces and commercial support through Hutton Scientific Services.

“This company creation funding marks a pivotal step for SeaDyes, providing the capital and structured support needed to accelerate the journey to spinout. It will enable the team to build a robust commercial proposition, position the business for investment, and establish SeaDyes as a high‑growth company capable of driving more sustainable practices across the textile industry while strengthening Scotland’s industrial biotechnology ecosystem,” says Leah Pape, head of high growth services at Scottish Enterprise.

Those interested in learning more about SeaDyes can contact Giannotti at jessica@seadyes.com.