Protifly

Protifly operates within the AgTech and Climate Tech sectors, focusing on creating sustainable animal feed and soil fertilizers from insects. The company was founded in 2016 by Maxime Baptistan and Bastien Quinnez, who are both graduates of the Toulouse Business School. The idea originated in 2015 when Baptistan, then working for the FAO in Colombia, recognized the mounting pressure on traditional protein sources like soy and fishmeal due to global population growth. He partnered with his former classmate Quinnez to develop a business model centered on the bioconversion capabilities of the Black Soldier Fly (Hermetia illucens).

The company's core business involves rearing Black Soldier Fly larvae on low-value agricultural and agro-industrial co-products, such as residue from sweet corn processing. This process transforms organic residues into high-value outputs. Once the larvae reach the required size, they are processed to extract proteins and oils. This results in three main products: a protein meal primarily for the aquaculture market (fish feed), insect oil for piglet and duck feed, and a natural organic fertilizer, known as frass, derived from the larvae's dejections. This circular model aims to minimize waste, as every part of the process yields a usable product.

Protifly's business model emphasizes a localized, circular approach, establishing modest-sized production units near sources of agricultural byproducts and aquaculture customers to create short supply chains. This strategy is designed to be less energy-intensive and more cost-effective than competitors who operate larger, centralized factories. The company's clients are primarily in the animal feed manufacturing sector. After an initial R&D phase, Protifly received early support from incubator Redstart and advisory firm Theano. The company secured €1.3 million in 2018 after winning the Famae innovation contest and later launched a pilot plant in the Landes region of France in late 2019. In July 2023, Protifly was acquired by La Compagnie des Insectes, a move intended to consolidate expertise in insect bioconversion and strengthen their collective capacity to meet future food demands. However, by November 2023, the company entered into bankruptcy and liquidation.

Keywords: insect protein, Black Soldier Fly, animal feed, aquaculture feed, bioconversion, organic waste valorization, circular economy, AgTech, sustainable agriculture, frass, insect oil, protein meal, Hermetia illucens, co-products, fish feed, livestock feed, soil fertilizer, agricultural technology, sustainable protein, La Compagnie des Insectes