At the end of last year, Impact Loop reported that Gothenburg-based Melt&Marble, which develops fermented fats, raised another €7.2m. Among those involved was corporate venture investor Beiersdorf.
To most, Beiersdorf is probably best known for brands like Nivea and Eucerin, but they don't just invest in skincare.
Now they're launching their second fund worth €100m, over SEK 1bn.
"We invest in and collaborate with startups developing new technologies to significantly improve the sustainability footprint in the cosmetics value chain, particularly regarding carbon emissions, land use, circularity, and biodiversity," writes Frank Meyer, head of media relations, to Impact Loop.
The new fund is a doubling compared to the first fund launched in 2020. The fund invests globally in companies from early stage to growth stage with between 5 and 55 million kronor per investment.
The focus areas are life sciences, sustainability, AI, and digital health – with skincare as the common denominator.
Sustainable ingredients and plastic recycling
Since its launch in 2020, Beiersdorf Venture Capital has built a portfolio of over 15 companies.
On the sustainability side, the fund has invested in the plastic companies DePoly, which recycles PET plastic, and ReVentas, which uses chemical recycling to convert hard-to-recycle plastic into new-like raw material, as well as in the aforementioned Melt&Marble, which manufactures alternative fats and oils through precision fermentation.
"In addition to financing, we provide access to Beiersdorf's leading R&D expertise and global brand platforms – a combination that creates sustainable value for both parties," says Ascan Voswinckel, head of Beiersdorf Venture Capital, in a press release.