The Circle

Based in Rome, Italy, The Circle is an agricultural technology firm established in 2017 with a mission to redefine sustainable food production. The company was brought to life by four entrepreneurs—Valerio Ciotola (CEO), Simone Cofini, Lorenzo Garreffa, and Thomas Marino (CMO)—who shared a vision to create a farming model with a positive environmental impact. Three of the co-founders, Ciotola, Cofini, and Garreffa, hold doctorates in Industrial Biotechnology, providing a strong scientific foundation for the company's technical approach to agriculture.

The Circle operates what has become Europe's largest commercial aquaponics farm. This closed-loop system represents the core of their business, integrating fish farming (aquaculture) with soil-less plant cultivation (hydroponics). In this symbiotic cycle, waste from the fish is converted by a biofilter into nutrient-rich water that feeds the plants. The plants, in turn, purify the water, which is then returned to the fish tanks. This method results in significant resource efficiency, most notably a water saving of over 90% compared to traditional agriculture, while completely eliminating the use of herbicides and synthetic pesticides.

The company's business model is centered on supplying high-quality produce to the restaurant industry, with over 200 restaurants across Italy using their products. Their primary offerings include aromatic herbs and baby-leaf salads grown in vertical farming towers, which maximize yield per square meter. Expanding its revenue streams, The Circle has developed a line of processed goods derived from its own produce, such as pestos, flavored oils, and salts. The firm has secured significant funding to fuel its growth, including €1.5 million from Invitalia and a subsequent €2.1 million round led by Opes Italia, aimed at constructing new facilities in Rome and Milan and a dedicated processing center.

Keywords: aquaponics, vertical farming, sustainable agriculture, agritech, food technology, circular economy, soil-less cultivation, controlled environment agriculture, hydroponics, urban farming, Italian startup, food production, herbs, salad, pesto, water conservation, sustainable food systems, zero-impact agriculture, restaurant supply, food supply chain