Seprify Raises €13.4 Million in Series A Funding
Seprify, a Switzerland-based company specializing in delivering high-performing sustainable products for industry, has successfully raised €13.4 million in a Series A funding round. The company, which focuses on developing cellulose-based materials to replace traditional synthetic or mineral ingredients, aims to scale its operations with this new capital.
Investors and Leadership
The funding round was led by Una Terra Early Growth Fund, with participation from notable investors including Inter IKEA Group, Zürcher Kantonalbank, Cambridge Enterprise Ventures, and Kickfund. Seprify was co-founded by Lukas Schertel, who currently serves as the CEO.
Company Innovations
Seprify is at the forefront of innovation in bio-materials, engineering microscopic cellulose particles that serve as alternatives to substances like titanium dioxide. These cellulose-based materials can be used in various industrial applications, including cosmetics, food, coatings, and inks. The company draws inspiration from the natural optical properties found in certain beetles, utilizing plant-derived cellulose to achieve similar effects.
Strategic Use of Funds
The funds from this round are earmarked for scaling the commercial production of Seprify's cellulose-based materials to hundreds of tonnes annually. This expansion will be facilitated through collaborations with manufacturing partners. Additionally, the company plans to broaden its market presence across sectors such as cosmetics, personal care, food, pet food, and coatings.
Seprify will also focus on supplier qualification and procurement processes to enhance its industrial customer base. Furthermore, the financing will support the engineering of larger-scale production capacities to meet increasing demand.
Industry Impact
Seprify's innovative approach aligns with current industry trends towards sustainability and reducing reliance on conventional high-impact materials. By providing biodegradable alternatives, Seprify contributes to a more sustainable industrial landscape, potentially influencing future material choices in various sectors.
In summary, Seprify's successful funding round positions it well to expand its sustainable material solutions, opening new avenues for growth and innovation in the industrial sector.