Morus Inc., a Japan-based R&D-driven bioingredient manufacturer (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Ryo Sato), has raised $5 million in Series A funding through a third-party allotment of shares. New investors include SPARX Asset Management Co., Ltd. (Mirai Creation Fund III), Mizuho Capital Co., Ltd., U-TOKYO ENTREPRENEUR SUPPORTER’S CLUB INCUBATION FUND, and angel investor Shoji Miyata. Existing investors, DG Daiwa Ventures Inc., SMBC Venture Capital Inc., and Shinkin Capital Co.,Ltd./SHINONOME SHINKIN BANK, also participated in this round.
With this funding, Morus will accelerate clinical trials and establish mass production capabilities for its proprietary silkworm-derived bioingredient, MorSilk® Powder, while expanding into ASEAN markets and the EU.
Toward a $1.6 trillion global bioeconomy
As climate change and resource depletion intensify globally, bio-based materials that are sustainable and functional have gained increasing importance. According to the OECD, the global bioeconomy market is expected to reach $1.6 trillion by 2030 (※1). The Japanese government also launched its “Bioeconomy Strategy” in 2019, aiming to grow the domestic market to $366 million (※2).
Silkworm cultivation began over 5,000 years ago and has deep roots in Japan’s history. Known as “Okaiko-sama,” silkworms were cherished in Japanese households, and Japan led global cocoon production from 1903 to 1969. Although industrial use declined with the rise of synthetic fibers, silkworm research remains a uniquely valuable scientific resource in Japan.
Morus was founded in collaboration with Shinshu University, a globally renowned institution in fiber and material engineering. By integrating advanced nutritional science with traditional sericulture, Morus aims to reinvent silkworms as a new pillar of global bioindustry.
Morus’s vision is: “Crafting through tradition. Thriving with nutrition.”
Going beyond insect-based food or alternative proteins, Morus develops highly functional bioingredients rich in proteins and bioactives, such as DNJ and silk proteins, supported by scientific evidence. The company collaborates with leading domestic and international institutions to drive innovation across sectors including healthcare, food, cosmetics, and functional materials.
| Sector | Applications |
| Functional Food | Health supplements for blood sugar control, digestion, and lipid metabolism |
| Protein Nutrition | Clean-label protein powders and functional shakes |
| Natural Additives | Tea-like natural flavoring ingredients |
| Preventive Medicine | Nutraceutical ingredients with herbal functionality |
| Supplements | Bioactives for lifestyle disease prevention (e.g., diabetes, hyperlipidemia) |
| Cosmetics | Skincare formulations utilizing silk protein’s repair and moisturizing effects |
Global R&D collaboration and market deployment
Morus works with world-class institutions such as Shinshu University (Japan), the University of Illinois (USA), and A*Star (Singapore). The team is further strengthened by nutrition scientist Dr. Aoyagi (formerly Chief Scientific Officer of DNS) and food scientist Ms. Ayu Fujii, a former researcher at Beyond Meat. Morus is also the first Japanese company selected by Singapore’s leading food-tech accelerator, INNOVATE360, further strengthening its global innovation network.
Comment from Dr. Aoyagi Up until now, we have conducted foundational research to uncover the nutritional components and characteristics hidden within MorSilk Powder, revealing many of its properties. In the next phase, we are very excited to move forward with clinical trials in collaboration with A*Star, targeting the primary market of Singaporean citizens, to validate the clinical significance of these findings.
High functionality, premium quality, and EU-aligned safety standard
MorSilk Powder is a 100% natural ingredient produced in Japan from silkworm larvae fed on nutrient-rich mulberry leaves. It features:
Overseas expansion and manufacturing scale-up
In 2023, Morus participated as the only Japanese exhibitor in Agri-Food Tech Expo Asia (AFTEA), the largest agri-food tech event in Southeast Asia. In 2024, the company incorporated its Singapore subsidiary following the country’s deregulation of edible insect imports, launching local product sales shortly thereafter.
With this funding, Morus will:
Morus is actively seeking co-development partners and OEM partners to explore new applications of MorSilk Powder. We welcome interest from companies in food, healthcare, cosmetics, and materials industries seeking next generation bioingredients.
▶︎Contact: https://morus.jp/contact/
Graduated from the University of Tokyo, Faculty of Education. While at university, conducted practical research in protein, amino acids, and sports nutrition as a member of the American football team. Started professional career at Itochu Corporation’s Textile Division, managing raw material sourcing and OEM production. Later joined venture capital firm Samurai Incubate, promoting open innovation between Japanese corporations and global startups, and supporting new business development across the chemical, energy, and trading sectors. Co-founded Morus Inc. in 2021 with Professor Shiomi of Shinshu University, a leading expert in silkworm research.
We recognize the tremendous potential of Morus’s silkworm-derived functional ingredients. Their bold ambition to expand globally as a Japan-originated startup, along with the exceptional team led by CEO Sato, convinced us to invest through the Mirai Creation Fund III. Moving forward, we look forward to working closely with the company to scale its production and accelerate global expansion, contributing to the solution of global health and food challenges.
We made a follow-on investment in Morus, following our participation in the previous round. Since then, the company has achieved significant progress both in business and R&D, including regulatory advancements for silkworm-derived proteins in Singapore, scientific validation of functional compounds, and establishment of overseas sales foundations.
We are deeply aligned with CEO Sato and the Morus team’s exceptional execution capabilities and strong commitment. DG Daiwa Ventures remains a dedicated partner in their journey. We will continue to fully support Morus as a global deep-tech leader from Japan.
We are pleased to participate once again in this funding round, following our previous investment. Morus has taken a rigorous, evidence-based approach to functional components, taste, and processing methods.
This has been made possible by CEO Sato’s strong leadership and ability to build a capable team and collaborate with a range of corporate and academic partners.
As the potential of silkworm-based ingredients becomes increasingly evident—highlighted by Singapore’s recent lifting of the ban on edible silkworm imports—we believe Morus is poised to go global. We will continue to support their challenge using the full resources of the SMBC Group.
Morus is developing products derived from silkworms—a symbol of Japan’s traditional industries. Under the leadership of CEO Sato, the team brings strong execution capabilities and advanced expertise in nutritional science.
They are taking on the global issue of the protein crisis, and we believe Morus is a highly promising deep-tech startup with significant growth potential. We will continue to support their growth in collaboration with companies across the Mizuho Group.
The markets for “diabetic-friendly foods,” “functional foods,” and “alternative proteins” are expected to grow significantly.
Morus’s silkworm-derived products are not only rich in protein but also contain numerous beneficial compounds, offering a unique value proposition that differentiates them from existing products. We believe in the potential of Morus’s business and the passion and expertise of its leadership team, which led us to invest again following our participation in the Pre-A round. We look forward to seeing the company take great strides forward.
We are proud to invest in Morus through the UT Founders Fund. The company is tackling global-scale challenges using technology rooted in Japan’s traditional sericulture—a uniquely positioned startup with high global potential.
We’re also pleased to see the growing success of University of Tokyo American football team (Warriors) alumni entrepreneurs, with CEO Sato among them.
We are excited about Morus’s global journey and look forward to their future evolution.
“Anyone want to try silkworm protein?”
That casual Slack post was my first encounter with Morus. The next day, Sato-san visited our office, gave a business pitch, and let us sample the protein and tea with our team’s gym enthusiasts.
What convinced me wasn’t just the potential as an alternative protein, but also its roots in Japanese tradition, its global scalability, and the punchline:
“Big. Doesn’t escape. Doesn’t eat its own.”
That’s why I decided to invest. Wishing you all the best going forward.
Company：Morus Inc.
CEO：Ryo Sato
Head Office：12KANDA 801, 2-3-12 Kanda-Suda-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 101-0041, Japan
Singapore Subsidiary：Morus SG
20 Anson Rd #11-01, Singapore 079912
Business：Development and R&D of silkworm-derived bioingredients
Website：https://morus.jp
