USA —In a resounding endorsement of its vision to revolutionize chemical manufacturing, Cascade Biocatalysts, a pioneering biomanufacturing company, has successfully raised an oversubscribed pre-seed funding of US$2.6 million.
Spearheaded by Ten VC and accompanied by Amplify.LA, Boost VC, Range Ventures, Spacecadet, and the Cool Climate Collective, this infusion of capital will empower Cascade to scale its game-changing innovations from the laboratory bench to pilot scale and cater to its initial clientele.
Cascade Biocatalysts’ ambitious mission centers around democratizing the utilization of enzymes for industrial purposes, thus accelerating the much-needed transition to greener chemical manufacturing.
At the heart of this revolutionary endeavor lies the company’s proprietary technology, the patent-pending “Body Armor for Enzymes,” a concept that boosts the cost-effectiveness and sustainability of chemical reactions by enhancing enzyme performance.
For eons, enzymes have been nature’s masterful tools for crafting valuable molecules with efficiency.
Cascade is now taking these catalytic marvels out of their cellular confines and into the realm of industrial production, signaling a shift away from energy-intensive petrochemical-based procedures.
The ultimate goal: to confront the staggering three gigatons of greenhouse gas emissions attributed to the chemicals industry.
Overcoming the existing hurdle of enzyme cost is a pivotal stride towards translating this aspiration into reality.
Cascade’s ingenious technology achieves this by harnessing readily available and affordable materials, resulting in significantly prolonged enzyme lifespans.
With a track record encompassing 15 diverse enzymes, the company has achieved a remarkable 100% success rate in enhancing stability under demanding industrial conditions.
This achievement has translated into tangible benefits for multiple paying customers at the laboratory scale.
The visionaries behind Cascade
The dynamic duo behind Cascade Biocatalysts, Alex Rosay and James Weltz, collectively embody a potent blend of chemical engineering expertise, industrial acumen, and scientific innovation.
James Weltz, the company’s Chief Scientific Officer, was the mastermind behind the transformative technology, conceiving it during his PhD studies in the realm of enzyme immobilization.
Commenting on his innovation, Weltz remarked, “When I developed our novel approach, I transformed immobilizing enzymes from a trial-and-error process into an engineering discipline.”
Positioned for Innovation: Cascade’s Trailblazing Trajectory
With its headquarters in Denver and a formidable presence spanning California and New York, Cascade Biocatalysts stands as a trailblazer poised to steer the cell-free biomanufacturing revolution.
The company’s resolute commitment to harnessing nature’s wisdom for sustainable chemical production not only aligns with environmental aspirations but also sets the stage for a transformative shift in the way industries interact with enzymes – the unsung heroes of the biochemical realm.
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