Using Organic Materials to Make Lipids: The Revolutionary Approach of Insempra
Introduction
Lipids, which are fatty, waxy, or oily compounds, have a wide range of applications in industries such as beauty, fashion, and food. However, the current production of lipids heavily relies on environmentally problematic petrochemicals. German startup Insempra aims to change this by using organic materials to produce lipids on an industrial scale through yeast fermentation factories. Insempra has recently secured a $20 million Series A financing round led by EQT Ventures, with participation from BlueYard Capital, Possible Ventures, Taavet Sten, Acequia Capital, Henkel dx Ventures, Bayern Kapital, and Alante Capital.
A Sustainable Solution to Lipid Production
Traditionally, lipids were either extracted from nature through plant harvesting or produced using petrochemicals. Insempra takes a unique approach by utilizing oil yeast. Founder Jens Klein explained that oil yeasts are placed under specific metabolic conditions in steel vessels, resulting in the production of lipids oils. These lipids can then be extracted and sold to the cosmetics and food industries as sustainable alternatives to petrochemically-derived lipids.
Challenging Petrochemical Companies
Insempra’s innovative approach sets it apart from its competitors, which are primarily specialty ingredients companies dominated by petrochemical companies. This highlights the disruptive potential of Insempra’s technology in transforming the manufacturing processes of multibillion-dollar industries. By offering bio-based alternatives to everyday materials like polymers and textiles, Insempra aims to revolutionize not only the cosmetic and food sectors but also to generate ingredients used in antioxidants, preservatives, flavors, fragrances, and fibers for the fashion industry.
Expanding into Fashion Industry with Salina Fibers
In collaboration with Imperial College in London, Insempra has established a spinoff called Salina. This venture focuses on producing protein fibers for the fashion industry. These Salina fibers are spun using conventional methods and offer a sustainable alternative to traditional textile materials. By combining their expertise in lipid production with the production of Salina fibers, Insempra aims to contribute to the sustainable transformation of the fashion industry.
The Investors’ Perspective
Ted Persson, a Partner at EQT Ventures, recognizes the potential of Insempra’s technology platform to revolutionize multiple industries. He believes that customized ingredients developed by Insempra can meet the specific needs of various markets, making a significant impact on the manufacturing processes of multibillion-dollar industries.
Conclusion
Insempra’s innovative approach to lipid production using organic materials and yeast fermentation factories has the potential to transform industries reliant on petrochemicals. By offering sustainable alternatives to traditional lipids, polymers, textiles, and fibers, Insempra aims to address the environmental concerns associated with current production methods. The recent $20 million Series A financing round led by EQT Ventures, along with the support of other prominent investors, further validates the significance of Insempra’s technology in reshaping multiple industries.
