Loading organizations...

Genomatica is a technology company.
Genomatica develops and licenses bio-based process technologies that enable the production of sustainable chemicals and materials from renewable feedstocks, rather than petroleum. The company’s core capability lies in leveraging advanced bioengineering and fermentation to create plant-derived alternatives for high-volume industrial chemicals, which are then used in a wide array of everyday products. This approach delivers materials with a significantly reduced carbon footprint.
The company was founded in 1998 by Christophe Schilling and Bernhard Palsson. Their foundational insight recognized the potential of biotechnology to produce bulk and intermediate chemicals more sustainably, moving away from conventional petrochemical processes. This vision positioned Genomatica at the forefront of the biochemical industry, aiming to reshape how fundamental building blocks of modern materials are sourced.
Genomatica’s technologies are adopted by global brands seeking to integrate more responsible and traceable ingredients into their product lines, spanning industries from apparel to personal care. The company’s long-term vision is to accelerate the world's transition to sustainable materials, thereby breaking the planet’s dependence on fossil fuels and fostering transparent, environmentally conscious supply chains for consumers and industries alike.
Genomatica has raised $309.5M across 5 funding rounds.
Genomatica has raised $309.5M in total across 5 funding rounds.
Genomatica is a San Diego-based biotechnology company that develops and licenses bio-based process technologies to produce sustainable chemicals from renewable feedstocks like plant sugars, replacing fossil fuel-derived alternatives.[1][2][5] It serves major brands in textiles, cosmetics, automotive, and plastics by enabling drop-in replacements for chemicals like 1,4-butanediol (BDO) and butylene glycol, solving the problem of high carbon emissions in chemical manufacturing—its processes reduce emissions by up to 90-93% while matching performance and economics.[3][4][6] Key products include commercialized GENO™ Bio-BDO for spandex and plastics, bio-nylon in development with partners like Lululemon, and sustainable ingredients for personal care via investments from L'Oréal, Unilever, and Kao.[1][2][4] Growth momentum includes a $118M Series C in 2021 led by Novo Holdings, global licensing deals with BASF and Novamont, and scaling production across the US, EU, and Asia.[1][3][4]
Genomatica was founded in 1998 (with formal incorporation in 2000) in San Diego by Christophe Schilling (current Co-Founder, President & CEO) and Bernhard Palsson, driven by Schilling's vision to leverage biotechnology for sustainable manufacturing and reduce reliance on petroleum-based chemicals.[1][2][3] The idea emerged from applying metabolic engineering to create microbes that produce high-value chemicals like bio-BDO directly from sugars, addressing inefficiencies in traditional petrochemical processes.[3] Early traction came with the commercialization of its GENO BDO process in 2016 at Novamont's plant in Italy, followed by production of 5 million pounds at a DuPont Tate & Lyle facility in Tennessee, and licensing to BASF.[1][6] Pivotal moments include 2021 partnerships like Lululemon for plant-based nylon (launched 2023) and a Waste Management deal for syngas-to-chemicals, plus 2023 investments from beauty giants to expand into cosmetics.[1][3]
Genomatica rides the materials transition trend toward bio-based, circular economies, capitalizing on global decarbonization mandates and consumer demand for sustainable products in a $4T chemicals market dominated by fossil fuels.[4][5] Timing aligns with rising ESG pressures, supply chain disruptions, and policies like EU Green Deal, favoring its 90% emission reductions and renewable sourcing amid volatile oil prices.[1][6] Market forces include brand commitments (e.g., Lululemon's nylon, L'Oréal's cosmetics) and investments signaling biotech's edge over petrochemicals for scalability.[1][4] It influences the ecosystem by licensing tech to incumbents (BASF), fostering regenerative agriculture via sugar feedstocks, and proving biotech viability for high-volume chemicals, accelerating industry-wide shifts to plant/waste-based materials.[3][5]
Genomatica is poised to expand its pipeline—scaling bio-nylon, household cleaners, and syngas processes—targeting 85M+ tons annual carbon avoidance through more licensing in Asia and beauty/textiles.[2][4][5] Trends like regenerative supply chains, AI-optimized metabolic engineering, and corporate net-zero goals will propel growth, potentially via IPO or acquisition as sustainability monetizes. Its influence could evolve from niche innovator to ecosystem enabler, redefining chemical production as Genomatica leads the biotech charge for planet-friendly everyday materials.[1][5]
Genomatica has raised $309.5M in total across 5 funding rounds.
Genomatica's investors include Anders Spohr, Eli Casdin, Jason Kelly, Viking Global Investors, Alloy Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Mohr Davidow Ventures, TPG Biotech, VantagePoint Capital Partners, Daniele Ferrari, Waste Management, Bright Capital.
Genomatica has raised $309.5M across 5 funding rounds. Most recently, it raised $118.0M Series C in July 2021.
| Date | Round | Lead Investors | Other Investors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jul 27, 2021 | $118.0M Series C | Anders Spohr | |
| Oct 5, 2018 | $90.0M Other Equity | Eli Casdin | Jason Kelly, Viking Global Investors |
| Aug 6, 2012 | $41.5M Series D | Alloy Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Mohr Davidow Ventures, TPG Biotech, VantagePoint Capital Partners, Daniele Ferrari, Waste Management | |
| Mar 1, 2011 | $45.0M Other Equity | VantagePoint Capital Partners | Alloy Ventures, Bright Capital, Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Mohr Davidow Ventures, TPG Biotech, Waste Management |
| Apr 1, 2010 | $15.0M Series C | TPG Biotech | Mohr Davidow Ventures, Alloy Ventures, Draper Fisher Jurvetson |