Berlin-based synthetic biology startup, Cambrium, secured €8M in a seed funding round, led by Essential Capital. The round also saw participation from SNR, Valor Equity Partners, and HOF Capital. This investment comes just eight months post the launch of NovaColl. The latter is a revolutionary micro-molecular, 100 per cent skin-identical collagen tailored for premium personal care formulations. With this new funding, Cambrium’s total capital raised now stands at €11M, inclusive of earlier funding from Merantix.
About Cambrium
Steered by Mitchell Duffy, Cambrium aims to propel the transition towards a bio-based economy employing its distinct molecular design technology. The firm designs, scales, and manufactures innovative, high-performance molecular building blocks for a broad spectrum of applications including personal care and fashion.
At the core of Cambrium’s operations is a technology platform that melds biology with machine learning. Its aim is to generate molecules with new and unique functionalities. This highly data-driven and automated methodology enabled Cambrium to commercialise its maiden molecule in under two years. NovaColl, the first creation, has been scientifically validated through third-party in vitro studies, illustrating a wide array of activities beneficial to the holistic protection, maintenance, and enhancement of native collagen.
Utilisation of Funds
The fresh capital is earmarked for translating the initial success of NovaColl into a lasting impact. Cambrium envisages scaling its manufacturing and commercial activities towards a complete replacement of conventional animal-derived collagen. Additionally, the funds are allocated to ensure the long-term success of NovaColl and to amplify its manufacturing and commercial operations for animal-free collagen production. This infusion of capital is also anticipated to expedite Cambrium’s product pipeline. Over the forthcoming two years, molecules for new applications and industries are slated for launch.
Investor’s perspective
Essential Capital’s Ron Zori, expressing enthusiasm for the funding round, highlighted the transformative synergy of synthetic biology and AI, terming it a game-changer for molecular innovation.
“Cambrium is leading the charge in this broader shift to revamp the building blocks of industry, one molecule at a time. The firm’s computational biology platform, evidenced by the swift development and unveiling of NovaColl, holds the promise of repeatedly converting scientific innovation into high-performance, sustainable molecules catering to a diverse range of sectors,” Zori remarked.
The funding round symbolises robust investor confidence in Cambrium’s mission and its innovative approach towards a bio-based economy.
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