Chromologics, the Copenhagen-based biotech spin-out from DTU, has raised €7 million from Novo Holdings, EIFO, Döhler Ventures, Collateral Good and The Synergetic Group, bringing its total funding to nearly €20 million. The company develops fermentation-based natural food colours, led by its flagship ingredient Natu.Red®, a heat- and pH-stable alternative to synthetic red dyes. The fresh capital will be used to complete EFSA and FDA regulatory submissions, scale up production with a large-scale CMO partner, and prepare for commercial launch amid accelerating global demand for sustainable, synthetic-free colour solutions.
Chromologics is a spin-out from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), and Novo Holdings and EIFO have backed the company since 2020 with a shared conviction of the market potential for fermentation-derived natural colours.
CEO Gerit Tolborg, is pleased with the continued support from the investors and Board.
“In times of shifting priorities, we deeply value the continued trust in our mission. Biomanufacturing remains essential to stabilize food supply chains – an endeavor that requires patient investors who understand the realities of innovation. The support from our existing shareholders underscores the confidence in both Chromologics’ technology and its commercial potential. Chromologics has demonstrated the cost efficiency, scalability, safety, and product-market fit of Natu.Red®.”
The latest funding comes at a pivotal moment for the food colouring industry. As a result of the recent scrutiny of synthetic colourants, which has led to the ban of synthetic Red 3 in the United States, the demand for natural, heat- and pH-stable alternatives is now increasing further among food and beverage producers.
Chromologics’ Natu.Red® offers a high-performing, heat- and pH-stable solution that is suitable for vegan diets and based on a stable supply chain, operating independently of traditional seasonal production cycles and geographic constraints. The development of fermentation-derived food ingredients is a key element in advancing the green transition. Fermented natural colours are more sustainable than natural colours extracted from fruits and vegetables as they require less land, water, and agricultural input while providing consistent quality independent of season or geographies.
Over the past four years, Chromologics has conducted trials with more than 90 food manufacturers across Europe and the United States, generating valuable insights into the performance and application potential of Natu.Red®.
Thomas Grotkjær, Partner, Planetary Health Investments, Novo Holdings, said: “Our renewed, increased commitment reflects both Chromologics’ strong progress over the past five years and the growing market demand for natural, more sustainable alternatives to synthetic colorants. We continue to be impressed by the Company’s ability to develop a truly differentiated red color, and by the maturity of its technology, which has already led to a competitive cost position with potential for further optimization. The constructive dialogues with strategic players suggest that we can scale the business rapidly upon regulatory approval. We are confident that Chromologics’ technology and strategy will have a significant impact on the landscape for natural food colors.”
Chromologics continues to experience strong customer interest across multiple applications – from meat and confectionery to plant-based products. With solid investor backing and a clear regulatory roadmap, the company is well-positioned to bring its first natural colourant to market and pave the way for a new generation of sustainable food colours.
Sara Sande, Partner, EIFO, said: “As bans on synthetic food colorants increase and current natural alternatives fall short and are not fully sustainable, Chromologics sets itself apart with proven, scalable, cost-competitive fermentation derived colors. In Chromologics we see a future technology leader with strong commercial potential in the growing natural food color market. This investment supports Chromologics as they prepare to launch their first product – and it underlines EIFOs commitment to support the green transition.”
Chromologics has evolved from a pioneering innovator to a dedicated fermentation platform for natural colours. This transformation marks a new phase focused on delivering high and consisting quality batch after batch after batch — first to meet stringent regulatory standards, and ultimately to ensure the same excellence as a supplier for natural colours.
Rodrigo Hortega de Velasco, Director, Döhler Ventures, said: “Chromologics is favorably positioned to lead the forthcoming shift towards more natural and better performing ingredients. The sustainable fermentation technology provides a stable, scalable, and cost competitive solution for customers to quickly transition from existing solutions to the high-quality, natural colors that are required to meet both new legislative frameworks and a surging consumer demand.”
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Read the orginal article: https://arcticstartup.com/chromologics-raises-e7m/
