In the United Kingdom, artificial intelligence-based enzyme developer Scindo has raised £4 million (US$5.4 million) to expand its discovery engine, scale its wet-lab abilities, and add staff.
Founded in 2020, the company’s platform uses AI and proprietary data to engineer enzymes that convert renewable materials into high-value, biobased ingredients and enable efficient, sustainable production of natural flavors and fragrances at scale.
The round was co-led by Kadmos Capital and Clay Capital, with participation from PINC, the venture arm of food and beverage company Paulig.
“Traditional manufacturing of ingredients like flavors and fragrances still relies heavily on petroleum derivatives. However, alongside consumer expectations and policy changes, companies like Paulig also recognize its responsibility to drive the shift towards clean and sustainable alternatives,” Rosemari Herrero, Senior Investment Manager at PINC, said in a press statement. “Scindo’s ambitious enzyme platform offers a cost-effective way to produce biobased ingredients, thereby driving the transition towards both more sustainable and affordable products.”