Sparxell Raises $5M Pre-Series A To Scale Revolutionary Plant-Based Colour Technology
Sparxell, a company based in Cambridge and known for its bioinspired color technology, has secured $5 million in Pre-Series A funding. This investment aims to replace toxic chemicals in the global colorants market, valued at $48 billion.
Sparxell, a company based in Cambridge and known for its bioinspired color technology, has secured $5 million in Pre-Series A funding. This investment aims to replace toxic chemicals in the global colorants market, valued at $48 billion.
Investment and Manufacturing Expansion
The funding round was led by SWEN Capital Partners' Blue Ocean 2 fund, with contributions from Alpha Star Capital and Cambridge Enterprise. This investment will facilitate Sparxell's progression from pilot programs to commercial-scale manufacturing, with plans to have tonne-scale production facilities operational by 2026.
Sparxell employs patented technology that uses cellulose from wood pulp to create structural colors. By assembling cellulose crystals into specific structures that reflect light, Sparxell produces 100% plant-based colors, eliminating the need for petroleum-based chemicals, synthetic dyes, and toxic metals.
The company's technology spans applications such as pigment powders, glitters, inks, sequins, and films, suitable for textiles, cosmetics, food and beverage, packaging, paint, and automotive industries. This approach not only integrates with existing manufacturing processes but also reduces water and energy consumption and eliminates microplastics and chemical pollution.
Sparxell, a company based in Cambridge and known for its bioinspired color technology, has secured $5 million in Pre-Series A funding.
The textile industry is a significant source of synthetic dyes, releasing 1.5 million tonnes annually into waterways. Sparxell's cellulose pigments are biodegradable, integrating into circular economy systems and transforming end-of-life scenarios for colored textiles and packaging. Their innovation is seen as a critical step in addressing environmental challenges related to synthetic dyes.
Dr. Benjamin Droguet, Founder and CEO of Sparxell, emphasized the technology's superior performance due to its nature-inspired features. The recent funding will transition the company from proof of concept to commercial production. It also coincides with increased regulatory attention on synthetic chemicals, with the EU and FDA reassessing color additives and microplastics.
The investment follows a successful year for Sparxell, marked by a €1.9 million grant from the European Innovation Council and multiple high-profile partnerships across various industries. SWEN Capital Partners and Alpha Star Capital, along with Cambridge Enterprise, are committed to supporting Sparxell in its growth trajectory.
The Pre-Series A funding will focus on scaling manufacturing, accelerating product certification for textiles, cosmetics, and automotive applications, and hiring new staff for business development. Sparxell plans to announce major commercial partnerships in 2026.
Based on reporting by techround.co.uk.