The Venture Codex

Participated · Series B · Apr 2026

pH7 Technologies operates a commercial PGM extraction facility in Vancouver and is scaling its mining-sector applications beginning with copper. Its proprietary closed-loop organo-electrochemical process is designed to recover metals from low-grade sulfide ore, tailings, and complex feedstocks that have been historically uneconomic or challenging to process. The company’s proposed copper production approach aims to convert low-grade sulfide ore directly into 99.9% pure copper cathodes on-site while generating green hydrogen as a by-product. pH7 says the process could increase recovery from low-grade resources, extend the value of existing mining assets, and strengthen domestic critical mineral supply chains. Current plans include engineering and technology development phases to produce technical and economic data to support future demonstration and commercial deployment across the Canadian mining sector.

Participated · Seed · Feb 2026

Founded in 2020 as an Imperial College London spin-out, Nanomox has engineered a proprietary ionic-liquid chemistry process that enables both precise production of metal-oxide nanoparticles and extraction of metals such as zinc, manganese and copper from waste ores and residues. The technology delivers fine control over particle crystallinity, shape and size, unlocking performance gains for applications in UV protection, electronics and catalysis. Its first commercial focus is ultra-transparent zinc oxide for mineral sunscreens, with a product launch planned for Q3 2026 following record-clarity lab tests. Nanomox also targets the $9 billion market in recoverable zinc from electric arc furnace dust and other industrial by-products. Proceeds from its seed round are funding “Catalyst 1,” a pilot plant and R&D hub that will ramp production to multi-tonne per-month volumes to supply early cosmetics partners. The company operates from London and continues to collaborate closely with Imperial College researchers. No revenue or user metrics have been disclosed, but the recent £2.4 million infusion extends earlier non-dilutive support from Imperial and Innovate UK.

Participated · Equity · Aug 2024

Aplantex develops a proprietary photosynthetic phytoreplicator platform — a plant-based biotechnology process the company says enables high-value production with a lower environmental footprint. The company is moving from a research-focused stage toward scalable, production-oriented operations, including adding an industrial-grade pilot plant at its innovation center. Aplantex reports ongoing R&D projects are on track to meet the needs of its existing national and international clients and is pursuing initiatives to improve process efficiency and reduce selection time for phytoreplicator variants. The company secured a $5 million bridge financing round in 2025 to support that operational transition and scale-up. Investissement Québec has been a principal partner in Aplantex's development and participated in the bridge round through its Impulsion Fund, while François Ravenelle led the financing.

Participated · Seed · Jun 2024

Novobiom applies fungal biotechnology to convert various wastes into valuable outputs such as green chemicals, biogas, and reusable materials. The company focuses on textile recycling, soil remediation, and circularity in cosmetics, aiming to mimic natural recycling processes. Novobiom seeks to exploit specific fungi strains to advance biotechnology for a circular economy. It recently secured €2M in a seed funding round to accelerate its waste-management solutions and develop a biorefinery pilot plant. The funding will also support the commercial launch of its soil remediation solutions and team expansion. Novobiom collaborates with industry partners, including L’Oréal, which selected the company for its Green Science Incubation program to demonstrate commercial viability.

Led · Series B · Apr 2024

watttron develops digital temperature control systems and sustainable packaging technology that give customers a full understanding and control over their thermal processes. The company was founded at the Institute of Natural Materials Technology of the Technical University of Dresden and the Fraunhofer Institute for Process Engineering and Packaging Dresden. It is led by CEO Marcus Stein. watttron raised €12m in a Series B and intends to use the funds to expand operations and accelerate development efforts. The financing involves investors focused on circular economy and bioeconomy themes, supporting the company’s growth in sustainable packaging and process control.