Utham Gowda is Transforming India’s Seafood Supply Chain with Captain Fresh

Business Remedies | Rajshree Upadhyaya |  In India’s buzzing start-up ecosystem, few entrepreneurs stand out for tackling problems that affect millions yet remain overlooked. Utham Gowda, founder and CEO of Captain Fresh, is one such disruptor. By reimagining how seafood is sourced and distributed, he is redefining the supply chain of a fragmented sector. His journey from finance professional to agri-tech innovator reflects the resilience and vision of a new generation of Indian entrepreneurs.

From Finance to Fisheries
Born in Karnataka, Utham Gowda began his career in finance. A graduate of Christ University and a chartered accountant, he worked with global investment firms specializing in mergers and acquisitions. Despite success in the corporate world, he was drawn to entrepreneurship and solving real-world problems in India’s agriculture and fisheries.

His turning point came while studying India’s seafood sector-an industry worth billions but riddled with inefficiencies. Farmers and retailers struggled with inconsistent pricing, middlemen dominated supply chains, and quality control was weak. Gowda saw technology as the key to unlock value for producers and consumers alike.

Launching Captain Fresh
In 2019, Gowda founded Captain Fresh as a B2B marketplace for seafood and animal protein. Unlike consumer-focused start-ups, it connected fisheries and farmers directly with distributors, exporters, and retailers. The model emphasized traceability, quality, and efficient logistics. Farmers accessed fairer prices and wider markets, while retailers gained reliable supply. By removing middlemen and digitizing the chain, Captain Fresh quickly positioned itself as a game-changer in agri-tech.

Scaling Up
Within a few years, Captain Fresh became one of India’s fastest-growing agri-tech ventures. With backing from Tiger Global, Accel, and Prosus Ventures, it raised over \$100 million. The company expanded operations across Indian states and entered international markets in Europe, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia. Today, Captain Fresh exports to over 30 countries.

Technology sits at the heart of this growth. Using artificial intelligence, the platform forecasts demand, ensures cold-chain efficiency, and maintains quality standards. By blending tech with fisheries, Gowda created a model that is scalable and sustainable.

Entrepreneurial Philosophy
Gowda believes supply chains run on trust. Captain Fresh focuses on transparency, ensuring fairness for every stakeholder. His philosophy emphasizes not only business growth but farmer empowerment. The company provides farmers with training, data insights, and market access, helping them improve productivity and income. This inclusive approach has turned Captain Fresh into more than just a start-up-it’s a catalyst for systemic change in Indian agriculture.

Recognition and Impact
Captain Fresh’s success has earned Gowda recognition as an emerging leader in agri-tech. His model has been discussed in entrepreneurship forums worldwide. On the ground, the impact is tangible: thousands of fish farmers now earn better incomes, retailers receive fresher produce, and food wastage has been reduced through efficient logistics. Consumers benefit too, with improved quality and transparency in what reaches their plates.

Beyond Business
For Gowda, entrepreneurship is about more than profits. He mentors young founders and supports innovations in agriculture. His vision is to make India a global hub for protein supply, leveraging both natural resources and technology.

Looking Ahead
As Captain Fresh charts its future, Gowda is focusing on deeper tech adoption, new categories, and further global expansion. Rising consumer demand for transparency and sustainability gives the company a massive opportunity.

For Gowda, the journey is still unfolding. From finance to fisheries, his story shows how courage and vision can transform traditional sectors. In the larger narrative of India’s start-up boom, he represents the emerging entrepreneur-one who builds companies that empower communities while shaping global industries.

Written & Edited By:

Rajshree Upadhyaya