PILI is a Toulouse-based startup that produces ecological and financially competitive alternatives to petrochemical dyes and pigments using proprietary fermentation and chemical processes. The company uses local renewable feedstocks—straw, oil, and molasses—to cut CO2 emissions and reduce dependence on Asian imports, aiming to recreate a European supply chain. PILI says it intends to take on the established petro-based indigo industry and decarbonise the broader colour sector. The $15.8 million Series A will be used to further support that decarbonisation and scaling effort. The company reports more than €30 million invested since its creation as it builds capacity to revolutionise colour production globally. Pili develops biobased dyes and pigments via fermentation and sustainable chemistry for textile, plastic, paint and ink sectors. Its technology aims to replace petroleum and polluting chemicals with high-performance, environmentally friendly colors. The company plans to use the €4m funding to scale up production of biobased pigments and to test them in industrial ink and paint formulations. The round brings total investment since founding to €10m and included backers Elaia, SOSV and additional investors. Founded in 2015 and led by CEO Jérémie Blache, Pili emerged from the IndieBio program. The company is based at Toulouse White Biotechnology and at the Conservatoire National des Arts et Métiers in Paris, and its team now numbers more than twenty people. Pili produces biotech dyes and pigments using proprietary fermentation technology and an enzymatic process. Its approach aims to manufacture high-performance bio-based dyes and pigments to reduce the environmental impact of the textile industry. The company has attracted collaboration requests from brands, manufacturers and chemical companies. Founded in 2015 in a biohackerspace, Pili is a Rebel Bio (SOSV) alumni and a member of the Toulouse White Biotechnology consortium. It is led by CEO Jérémie Blache and is based in Toulouse and Paris, France. In March 2019 the company raised €3.6m ($4m) in funding and intends to use the proceeds to strengthen its technological lead and to develop fermentation and green chemistry processes.

Total raised

$25M

Funding rounds

3

Latest round

Series A

Latest activity

Feb 2023