# Mascoma

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

- Industry: Renewable Energy
- Headquarters: Lebanon, US
- Website: www.mascoma.com
- Total disclosed funding: $95M
- Latest round: Series C (May 12, 2008)
- Investors on record: 8

## About

Mascoma is a biotechnology company focused on developing specialized microbial products for industrial applications, particularly in biofuel and food industries, enhancing efficiency and sustainability in production processes.Founded in 2005 and headquartered in Lebanon, US, Mascoma develops innovative microbial products primarily for biofuel production. In November 2014, the company was acquired by Lallemand. The firm was involved in 18 deals up to the most recent deal date.Mascoma specializes in the development of innovative microbial products aimed primarily at enhancing industrial biotechnology applications. The company’s core offerings include the TransFerm family, which optimizes bioethanol production from corn by utilizing a unique strain of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that expresses glucoamylase, thereby improving yield and reducing glycerol byproducts. Additionally, the FiberFerm and C5 Fuel products provide solutions for cellulosic ethanol production by converting 5-carbon sugars, enhancing efficiency and reducing waste in the process. Other notable products include SucraMax, which contributes to improved bioethanol yields in sugar-cane fermentation, and Softzyme, an enzyme designed for the baking industry that ensures consistent bread quality over its shelf life. These products serve a diverse client base, including biofuel producers, beverage manufacturers, and food processing companies across various geographical markets, including North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.Mascoma’s revenue generation model is primarily B2B, with a focus on partnerships and direct sales to clients in the food and beverage and biofuel industries. The company engages in transactions that typically involve bulk sales of its microbial products to manufacturers who integrate these solutions into their production processes. For instance, a beverage manufacturer might procure Softzyme in large quantities to enhance the quality of its baked goods, while a bioethanol facility may enter into a long-term agreement for the TransFerm products to optimize their operations. Each product is tailored to meet specific industry demands, allowing customers to benefit from improved efficiency and sustainability in production. Details regarding specific pricing structures for these offerings are not disclosed.Looking ahead, Mascoma aims to expand its product line, including new microbial solutions, although specific release dates have not been disclosed. The company is also targeting expansion into additional markets, with a focus on increasing its presence in Europe and Asia by 2025. The recent funding round, which raised USD 2.08 mn in Venture Debt, will be utilized to support these initiatives and enhance their research and development efforts.

## Funding rounds

- Series C, May 12, 2008, $61M — Atlas Venture, Flagship Pioneering, Kleiner Perkins, VantagePoint Capital, General Catalyst Partners, Pinnacle Ventures, Khosla Ventures, Marathon Oil Corporation
- Series B, Nov 13, 2006, $30M — Atlas Venture, Flagship Pioneering, Kleiner Perkins, VantagePoint Capital, General Catalyst Partners, Pinnacle Ventures, Khosla Ventures
- Series A, Jul 19, 2006, $4M — Flagship Pioneering, Khosla Ventures

## Investors

- Flagship Pioneering (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/flagship-pioneering) — Series A, Series B, Series C
- Khosla Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/khosla-ventures) — Series A, Series B, Series C
- Atlas Venture (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/atlas-venture) — Series B, Series C
- Kleiner Perkins (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/kleiner-perkins) — Series B, Series C
- VantagePoint Capital (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/vantagepoint-capital) — Series B, Series C
- General Catalyst Partners (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/general-catalyst-partners) — Series B, Series C
- Pinnacle Ventures (https://capitalatlas.ai/funds/pinnacle-ventures) — Series B, Series C
- Marathon Oil Corporation — Series C