Chromologics, a Copenhagen-based biotech company specialising in the production of innovative natural food colors, has secured €7.1 million in an extended seed round.
The funding round was backed by existing investors Novo Holdings (also backed Biosyntia), Nordic Foodtech VC, Synergetic, Danmarks Eksport- og Investeringsfond, Blue Horizon as well as new investors — Thia Ventures and Doehler Ventures.
The Danish firm will use the funds to further advance regulatory approval, establish a commercial production line, expand the portfolio towards additional colors, and progress on commercial execution.
Producing natural food colors
Founded by Gerit Tolborg (CEO) and Anders Ødum (CTO) in 2017, Chromologics is a precision fermentation platform to produce natural food colors.
The founding duo discovered this novel molecule and built Chromologics from a university spin-out to a company with its own lab and pilot production facilities
The company’s proprietary fermentation process allows them to produce natural colors that are sustainable, scalable, and cost-competitive while being compatible with most dietary needs, including kosher, halal, and vegan diets.
The company’s first product — Natu.Red is pH- and temperature-stable, tasteless, water-soluble, and vegan.
Chromologics’ has demonstrated the scalability of their fermentation process to an industrial scale. Early results indicate cost-effective production, excellent product performance, and safe use of Natu.Red as a novel food additive, says the company.
We are thrilled to be able to accelerate our commercial development and welcome two new, strong investors, Doehler Ventures and Thia Ventures,” said Gerit Tolborg, CEO of Chromologics. “In particular, Doehler’s formal investment marks a new phase in our collaboration. We look forward to benefiting from their expertise as we begin developing commercial-scale production.”
“We look forward to supporting Chromologics as they develop and bring to market a range of natural food colors using their precision fermentation platform. We see a competitive advantage in this type of sustainable natural ingredient,” says Rodrigo Hortega at Doehler Ventures, the investment arm of global natural ingredients supplier, Doehler Group. “The timing is right, and we are prepared to offer the full network and know-how of the Doehler Group,” he added.
“This is an exciting time for Chromologics. The team has developed, grown their skillset, and added new expertise. They are well equipped and ready for the next stage of their journey towards commercial success,” said Jarne Ellehollm, Chairman of the Board.
