Abolis Biotechnologies, a pioneering French startup specializing in microbial solutions for industrial applications, has successfully raised €35 million in a new funding round. This investment is led by a consortium of prominent international investors, including BOLD, L’Oréal’s venture capital fund, Evonik Venture Capital, and several impact-focused funds such as DeepTech & Climate Fonds, Clay Capital, ICOS Capital, and Liberset.
Utilization of Funds
The newly secured capital will be pivotal in accelerating Abolis Biotechnologies’ growth and expanding its global footprint. The investment will primarily focus on:
- Scaling Biomanufacturing Operations: Enhancing production capabilities to meet the increasing demand for sustainable microbial solutions.
- Research and Development: Advancing R&D efforts to innovate and refine biomanufacturing and microbiome technologies.
- Business Development: Expanding market reach and forming new business partnerships.
- Developing a Product Line: Creating and industrializing a portfolio of innovative ingredients in collaboration with industry partners.
- Microbiome Studio Expansion: Growing its business unit dedicated to understanding and engineering microbial ecosystems.
About Abolis Biotechnologies
Founded in 2014 by Cyrille Pauthenier and Valerie Brunel, Abolis Biotechnologies has been at the forefront of sustainable biotechnological innovation. The company specializes in developing industrial solutions using natural and modified microorganisms. These solutions provide environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional petrochemical-based products and plant extracts, contributing to a more sustainable production model.
Statement from Abolis Biotechnologies
Cyrille Pauthenier, CEO of Abolis Biotechnologies, expressed enthusiasm about the funding: “We are delighted to announce the successful closing of our fundraise with leading industrial partners and industry-focused investors. This strategic funding will fuel our continued growth trajectory, strengthening our position as a European leader in biomanufacturing and microbiome solutions.”
Investor Perspectives
1. BOLD (L’Oréal’s Venture Capital Fund)
Samantha Etienne, CEO of BOLD, commented, “We are delighted to strengthen L’Oréal’s collaboration with Abolis, which started in 2019. This investment highlights our belief in Abolis’ potential to create a more sustainable future across various industries, including beauty. We look forward to supporting their continued growth and success.”
2. Evonik Venture Capital
Bernhard Mohr, Managing Director at Evonik Venture Capital, noted, “Biotechnology as a lever for sustainable transformation is a key component of Evonik’s growth strategy. Abolis’ expertise in strain development and metabolic engineering complements Evonik’s capabilities in fermentation processes and commercial production, facilitating access to diverse markets such as cosmetics, nutrition, and healthcare.”
3. DeepTech & Climate Fonds
Tobias Faupel, Managing Director at DeepTech & Climate Fonds, shared, “Our investment in Abolis marks an important milestone — it’s our first step into biotechnology and outside of Germany. We’re excited to support the remarkable work of Cyrille and his team and to facilitate their growth across Europe and into Asia.”
4. Clay Capital
Matthieu Vermersch, co-founder of Clay Capital, added, “The appetite and commercial buying power for biobased ingredients are strong. Abolis has demonstrated significant traction with key players across various sectors. We are thrilled to support their expansion and help them tap into the robust demand in Asia.”
5. ICOS Capital
Peter van Gelderen, Managing Partner at ICOS Capital, said, “Abolis is a major success story in European industrial biotech. We are proud to support their growth journey and look forward to helping them become a global leader in green ingredients.”
6. Liberset
Damien Bourel, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Liberset, concluded, “This strategic investment underscores our commitment to supporting sustainable innovation. We are excited to partner with Abolis as they expand their operations across the Atlantic.”
The Future of Sustainable Biotechnology
The significant investment in Abolis Biotechnologies underscores a growing global interest in sustainable and innovative biotechnological solutions. As industries worldwide seek to reduce their environmental impact, Abolis is well-positioned to lead the transition toward greener alternatives. The company’s advancements in microbial technology not only promise to enhance industrial processes but also contribute to broader sustainability goals.
Conclusion
Abolis Biotechnologies’ successful €35 million funding round highlights the strong investor confidence in sustainable biotech innovation. With support from leading venture capital funds and industry-specific investors, Abolis is set to expand its global presence, accelerate its R&D, and continue its mission of providing environmentally friendly alternatives to traditional production methods.