Arborea
Overview
Arborea is a biotechnology company specializing in sustainable food production using microalgae. Founded in 2015 by CEO Julian Melchiorri, Arborea developed the BioSolar Leaf technology, which utilizes photosynthesis to cultivate microalgae, sequester carbon dioxide, and produce oxygen. The company is based in London, United Kingdom, and has raised around €10.2 million in various funding rounds, including a €5 million Series A round led by Indico Capital Partners.
Recent Developments
- December 2024: Arborea raised €5 million in a funding round led by Indico Capital Partners and Banco Portugués de Fomento. The funds are earmarked for expanding their production facility utilizing BioSolar Leaf technology, capable of producing carbon-negative, nutrient-rich food ingredients (source: eu-startups.com).
- October 2024: Arborea partnered with the Natural Resources Institute and Imperial College London in a two-year project funded by Innovate UK to improve the flavor profile of microalgal proteins through new extraction and cultivation techniques (source: vegconomist.com).
- August 2024: Arborea began collaborations for pilot projects to apply its technology in industrial CO2 sequestration, focusing on applications in various industrial sectors, including with ABInBev to sequester CO2 in the brewing process.
- February 2024: Arborea was involved in a joint project with Innovate UK, focusing on low-emission food production systems using microalgae, spearheaded by Dr. Parag Acharya and Dr. Yixing Sui (source: impactreport.rubio.vc).
Company Information
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Founding Date | 2015 |
| Headquarters | London, United Kingdom |
| Founders | Julian Melchiorri |
| Revenue | - |
| Profits | - |
| Key Investors | Indico Capital Partners, BGF, Banco Portuguese de Fomento, EIC Fund, Plug and Play Tech Center |
| Industry | Biotechnology, Clean Energy |
| Number of Employees | 15 |
Early History
Arborea was founded by Julian Melchiorri, an innovative industrial designer and entrepreneur, following his research at Imperial College London. Initially, the company focused on developing the BioSolar Leaf, a groundbreaking photosynthetic system that captures carbon dioxide and releases oxygen. The technology was piloted at Imperial's campus, providing both a testbed and a showcase of Arborea's environmentally positive impact.
Company Profile and Achievements
Arborea's business model centers on producing sustainable food ingredients through technologically advanced microalgae cultivation. The company's innovative BioSolar Leaf technology captures CO2 and converts it into oxygen while yielding high-value food ingredients. Their achievements include:
- Innovation in Sustainability: Developed a unique microalgae system which mirrors photosynthesis to mitigate climate change.
- Patents and Product Development: Secured multiple patents for its cultivation system, making it a leader in optimizing photosynthetic processes for commercial use.
- Strategic Partnerships: Collaborated with major corporations and universities to enhance research and expand application of their technology.
- International Recognition: Featured in several international sustainability and technology conferences, emphasizing its potential impact in reducing carbon footprints worldwide.
Current Operations and Market Position
Arborea is at the forefront of sustainable biotechnology, leveraging its proprietary technology to produce eco-friendly food ingredients. The company aims to revolutionize the food production industry by providing scalable solutions that do not exhaust fertile land resources. Arborea's market position is strengthened by their partnerships and continuous investment in R&D, ensuring competitive advantages in the emerging green technology market.
Conclusion
Arborea is a notable leader within the sustainable technology sector, poised to significantly impact global food production and carbon management practices. Its BioSolar Leaf technology epitomizes Arborea’s commitment to ecological sustainability and innovation. As more industries seek sustainable production methodologies, Arborea’s trajectory is set for continued growth and global influence, underscoring the potential of biotechnological advancements in addressing climate change challenges.