# iMicrobes

Startup profile on Capital Atlas: https://capitalatlas.ai/startups/imicrobes

- Industry: Environmental Services
- Headquarters: Alameda, US
- Website: www.imicrobes.com/
- Total disclosed funding: $10M
- Latest round: Seed (Nov 19, 2024)
- Investors on record: 2

## About

Founded in 2014 and based in California, US, Industrial Microbes, Inc., trading under the name iMicrobes, operates as a synthetic biology platform that converts greenhouse gases like methane and carbon dioxide into sustainable chemicals. The company has secured a total of USD 10.00 mn through a Seed funding round on November 19, 2024, led by First Bight Ventures and includes Universal Materials Incubator. The company was founded by Elizabeth Clarke, Derek Greenfield, and Noah Helman (CEO).

iMicrobes engaged in the development of biobased materials utilizing programmable microbes that convert renewable feedstocks, specifically ethanol, and methane, into sustainable, net-zero chemical products. The company’s proprietary technology enables the production of low-carbon footprint acrylic acid precursors and other drop-in chemicals, catering to the increasing demand for sustainable bioproducts across various industries. iMicrobes serves a diverse client base, including manufacturers looking to replace petrochemical-derived materials with environmentally friendly alternatives. Their products are particularly focused on markets in North America and Europe, where there is a strong push for sustainable manufacturing practices and reduced environmental impact. 

iMicrobes generates revenue through partnerships and collaborations with commercial entities that seek to integrate sustainable materials into their supply chains. The company's revenue model is structured around co-developing biomanufacturing processes, providing clients with the microbial strains, bioprocesses, samples, and associated intellectual property necessary for production. The revenue transactions typically occur through long-term partnerships where clients pay for the development and licensing of the technology, enabling them to scale production while maintaining a focus on sustainability. 

Following the Seed funding of USD 10.00 mn raised on November 19, 2024, iMicrobes plans to expand its ethanol and methane bioprocess capabilities. The company aims to introduce new products aimed at enhancing the efficiency of biobased material production while targeting further penetration into North American and European markets by 2025. The recent funding will specifically support these expansion efforts, focusing on enhancing production technologies and developing additional sustainable products.

## Funding rounds

- Seed, Nov 19, 2024, $10M — Universal Materials Incubator, First Bight Ventures

## Investors

- Universal Materials Incubator (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/universal-materials-incubator) — Seed
- First Bight Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/first-bight-ventures) — Seed