Venture capitalists (VCs) have pumped US$5.8 billion into bio-based materials and chemicals (BBMC) startups since 2010, reflecting the drive for sustainability, performance, and alternatives to petroleum feedstocks. While from 2010 - 2015, the investment focus was on drop-in replacements for established chemicals, in 2016 VCs' focus has shifted to disruptive synthetic biology (synbio) and conversion technologies, according to Lux Research. Synbio startups attracted over US$300 million, accounting for 53% of all VC investment in 2016 (through October 11), and three of the top five deals. Fermentation and catalysis had funding shares of 20% and 16%, respectively. "VCs in 2016 have taken a step back in the value chain to focus on upstream technology platforms such as DNA synthesis-as-a-service and automated genomic engineering and laboratory equipment," said Victor Oh, Lux Research Analyst and lead author of the report titled, "Show Me the Money: Where Is Venture Capital Placing Bets in Bio-based?" "Synbio companies are embracing information technology like BioCAD and BioLIMS to create disruption and to integrate new digital genetic tools like CRISPR gene editing," he added. Lux Research analysts built a database of companies and investments in the BBMC space. Among their findings: Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/petrochemicals/28122016/vcs-invest-in-bio-based-chemicals/ In this webinar, Dynamics Scientific will discuss their COMPACS System, which allows you to achieve optimal reliability through real-time monitoring of vibration as well as other parameters. Register for free today » The April issue of Hydrocarbon Engineering is now available online! Embed article link: (copy the HTML code below):
Venture ventures ( VCs ) have invested $ 5.8bn in biofuel start - ups since 2010 , according to Lux Research . However , while investment between 2010 and 2015 focused on drop - in replacements for established chemicals , last year it shifted to disruptive synthetic biology ( synbio ) and emerging technologies . More than $ 300 m was invested in synbio start - ups in 2016 , through 11 October , accounting for 53 % of all VC funding in the year . Meanwhile , catalysis and fermentation attracted funding rates of 15 % and 20 % respectively .