Participated · Series A · Jun 2024

Microcaps AG develops advanced microencapsulation solutions based on scalable microfluidics originating from ETH Zurich’s Complex Material Group. Founded in 2019 by Dr. Alessandrop Ofner and Michael Haganderalessandro, the company produces precise microcapsules and microparticles for controlled release. Its flagship product, ethanol-free Perfume Pearls, offers extended scent longevity and intensity and has seen surging market demand. Microcaps serves cosmetics and fine fragrance markets and positions its technology for applications in pharmaceuticals and food technology. The company plans to expand production facilities, scale manufacturing capacity, and continue R&D to develop applications beyond fragrance. Co-CEO Michael Hagander said the funding reflects strong shareholder support for the company’s patented technology and mission to lead in microencapsulation. Microcaps has developed a proprietary method to manufacture microcapsules in identical sizes for pharmaceuticals, nutrition, cosmetics and other industries, enabling controlled dosage, targeted delivery and shear-free encapsulation. The technology can produce controlled-size microcapsules up to 1,000 times faster than currently available devices. Microcaps has co-developed proprietary formulations with industrial clients and has already registered its first revenues from formulation development. The company plans to launch its first product — a customized microcapsule production unit and associated consumables for sample batch sizes — and to grow its team. Proceeds from the recent financing will fund the product launch, operational scale-up and staffing at new corporate facilities in Zurich. The company was started after co-founders Alessandro Ofner and Michael Hagander received an ETH Zurich Foundation pioneer fellowship in 2018. Microcaps is an ETH spinoff whose patented device enables fast, precise, monodisperse microencapsulation at an industrial scale. Its microfluidic technology wraps microscopic compounds 1,000-times faster than the current state-of-the-art while ensuring particle size control from 10 to 2,000 μm across a range of materials. The team has already won customers in the food, pharma, and cosmetic segments of a $12 billion market that is growing at 14% annually. Founders Alessandro Ofner and Michael Hagander used prior Venture Kick support and training to find customers, triple the number of staff, and file patents. Microcaps secured CHF130,000 from Venture Kick and will concentrate on increasing sales through 2019. The company plans a Series A fundraising round in the second half of next year.